The iconic Volkswagen Golf with a manual transmission is bidding farewell in style. Volkswagen has introduced a special edition to commemorate the last year of the manual hot hatch, offered for both the Golf GTI and Golf R. After a remarkable run of over four decades, the manual-equipped Golf GTI is now heading into retirement.
The term ‘380’ pays homage to the Mk8’s internal designation and also honors the fourth-gen GTI 337 special edition, available in 2002. This lineage traces back to the Mk1 GTI from the 1970s, when the Golf was named Rabbit in the United States and Canada. This nostalgic connection might resurface in the upcoming months, possibly as a trim level or special edition.
It boasts an exclusive Graphite Gray Metallic hue, reserved solely for the 2024 Volkswagen Golf’s manual transmission variations: S, SE, and Autobahn trims. Additionally, buyers have the option to select from six other available paint options.
The Volkswagen Golf R represents the most potent of the Golf range. Offering the brand’s sportiest and most emotionally stirring driving experience, and perhaps motivating generations of hatchback aficionados as well as other car makers to follow suite.
The R32, which was introduced more than 20 years ago and had a 3.2-litre naturally aspirated version of Volkswagen’s distinctive VR6 engine, is where the Golf R’s genealogy begins. Additionally, the R32 was also the first Volkswagen to come with a dual-clutch gearbox. The R torch was later carried on by the Mk 6 and the Mk 7.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is going strong with the Merdeka celebrations and to make things even better, they are now offering RM2,000 rebates for the Volkswagen Golf R and GTI, two of the hottest hatchbacks here in good ol’ Malaysia. (more…)
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) hasannounced that a special batch of 3-door Golf R units is now open for booking. The very exclusive 3-door Golf R is limited to only 10 units in Malaysia, and is offered in Lapiz Blue. The 3-door Golf R is priced at RM268,888 (before registration).
Similar to its 5-door sibling, the 3-door Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19” Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators, and progressive steering.
However, the 3-door Golf R is not offered with KESSY keyless locking and engine starting system, exterior mirror memory function and power-adjustable driver seat. Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the Golf R is one of the most desirable Volkswagen models of all time, and the availability of the 3-door Golf R should have fans excited. “This truly is an opportunity for enthusiasts to be part of something special, as the 3-door Golf R is a rare beast here in Malaysia. With such a cult following, we are confident that all 10 units will be sold very quickly” he said.
VPCM also announced the new pricing of their cars, following the announcement of 0% GST starting from 1st June 2018.
The Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter encouraged owners whose Volkswagen cars are due for their service to make an appointment at their respective service centres and to take advantage of the 0% tax holiday. “Our commitment to our customers extends to our efforts in maintaining a strong level of transparency when it comes to owning a Volkswagen car, hence the availability of the service pricing guide,” he added.
VPCM is continuously working on enhancing the ownership experience, and part of this initiative was the introduction of the 3-year free maintenance program in early 2018, in addition to the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and 5-year roadside assistance offered on all Volkswagen models.
For a comprehensive list of the service pricing guide, visit: https://www.volkswagen.com.my/my-vw/service-maintenance-schedule.
For the full range of VW models sold in Malaysia and their price & specs, click this: https://www.volkswagen.com.my/models/models
Volkswagen has announced a new Performance Pack upgrade for the Golf R that will boost handling, especially at the limits. This pack has only been made available for cars equipped with the DSG gearbox. It consists of a new brake system, rear spoiler, de-restricted top speed and 19-inch ‘Spielberg’ alloy wheels.
Known as the R-Performance brake system, the entire setup is 2kg lighter than the standard one. VW says that it offers superior performance too, thanks to ‘built pin discs’ that should offer better driver feedback.
These built pin discs have an aluminium brake pot with a cast steel friction ring that’s joined to the brake pot via cast pins. Compared to other configurations, this one expands radially when under stress, which boosts durability and should prove useful when the car is driven on track.
Volkswagen has restricted the Golf R’s top speed to 249km/h but with this package installed, it up’s the figure to 267km/h for the hatchback and 270km/h for the Estate version. The former also gets a special rear spoiler that will help produce 20kg of extra downforce.
In addition to this performance pack, VW is also offering a bespoke Akrapovič exhaust package for the hatchback version of the Golf R. The entire system, which is 7kg lighter than standard, is made from low density and high strength titanium. It’s tailpipes are circular instead of oval and features valve control technology, which allows for more pleasing exhaust notes.
VW has tuned the system to work in-sync with the car’s Driving Mode Selection options, that include Eco, Normal, Sport and Race. This should allow for a less audible tone from the throaty exhaust pipes when cruising through town, but emanate a more aggressive one when more sportier driving modes are selected.
Unlike the Performance package, VW says the exhaust system can be fitted to both manual and DSG transmission versions of the Golf R. This should be pleasing news to those wanting to take their cars to the next level without voiding the factory warranty.
