Volkswagen Golf R-Line 2021 review | the best Mk 8 Golf to buy? | Chasing Cars
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- We test the new Volkswagen Golf R-Line and see whether this sporty hatchback is worth the money.
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The 2021 Volkswagen Golf Mk 8 is much more expensive than the Mk 7.5 Golf it replaced. Why? Well, there are few upgrades to the chassis and a much more technology forward interior, plus a new design outside. There is also a new torque converter automatic that replaces the DSG, which some people will be happy about. But is the new Mk 8 Golf seriously worth the increased price? And out of all the new Golfs, is the R-Line trim the best buying?
Rivals to the Volkswagen Golf include the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato and Skoda Scala.
What do you think of this car? Leave a comment below.
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Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Volkswagen Golf R-Line?
2:02 - Interior
6:52 - Back seats
8:24 - Design
9:07 - Boot space
9:45 - Running costs
10:37 - How does the Golf drive?
16:48 - Volkswagen Golf R-Line expert verdict - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Has Volkswagen gotten the range and pricing right for the new Golf?
Base model way too exxy imo. It's not a luxury car
Need the club sport or edition 45 here plus DSG 1.5 for Life and R line ideally
This money makes sense for the 1.5 eTSI engine, not the older one.
GTI price is way too high. Thanks for this review. We have a mk7.5 R-line and will stick with the extra features we have.
10k too expensive
The Chasing Car crew keep hitting goals with their reviews. Thanks for another excellent job, Tom. You basically summarised why I am confused about this car. I have one of the final year Mk7.5 R-Lines. It was fully loaded for less than the current Mk8 base R-Line costs, has many of the same runtrain components (yes, adaptive dampers would be nice, but it’s swings and roundabouts with the DSG vs Aisin 8 speed), then they decontented some really nice stuff before finding the ugliest range of wheels possible to run them on (the R-Line’s are okay, but the rest of the range is hideous). And I find it difficult enough to accurately stab away at the 7.5’s huge centre screen just to find my podcasts on the move without having to stab away to control actual important functions as well on the 8. I have to say that it didn’t feel as cheap as expected when I sat in one, but nothing about it compelled me to ask for a test drive. And that’s a shame because I love cars and even some of the most humble fare can excite me. Most critically, I’ve always loved Golfs. But really - I just couldn’t be bothered… I suspect that, maybe, Volkswagen couldn’t be bothered either and just phoned this one in. Yes it’s still a really good car, maybe still class best, but most of the groundwork was already done with the Mk7. Maybe the Mk8.5 will see it reach it’s potential. I think VW have already moved on though to an electric future and that the Golf will play no part in that…
All that said, I still have to give kudos to VW Australia for not speccing the cheap torsion bar rear suspension on any model in the range though it must have been a huge temptation, and for providing some of the best judged, most beautifully-honed, safety systems in the business.
The digitalisation of all the controls is technology for the sake of technology. They have gone overboard and not considered practicality.
Had ours for over a year now, once you get familiar with the high tech you’ll realise it does / has so much features and setting for driver aids, so many air conditioner settings, can adjust stereo volume near the screen or on the steering wheel, voice commands ability is fantastic and so on.
The R-line looks pretty good. Price rise is significant considering that I paid 24k for brand new mk7 dsg golf drive away. Glad to see the dry clutch DSG gone as it was amazing to drive but pain to maintain. Considering that all competitors cars have also had significant price rises and that Golf has always been around 20k euros (base model) in Europe, i could see it coming. Despite all that I cannot see my self driving anything else at the moment.
Thanks for a great review.
Agree on the rims Tom, these are much nicer than the GTI.
Tom your channel is definitely the best in Australia! Thanks for your outstanding job mate!
I want to thank you guys for reviewing the R-Line. I had requested it via the website (and no idea how much influence that had), and it came through! A good review that nicely highlights some of the differences between this and the Life. I'd since ordered one, and I think it's exactly the same as what you had - Moonstone Grey with the Sound and Vision pack. I won't be seeing mine for a good few months yet, but I like what you've shown me!
How have you enjoyed it so far?
Any regrets?
So $44k for all the things I hate about the new GTI but with only 110kW?
I think VW are saying they are sick of selling cars in Australia.
I quite like the location backdrop.
A great review, thank you!
Great review again. Nuts to this car. 45k used to get you a Golf GTI. Now it gets you a regular Golf with a half-baked touchscreen, bulky seats and adaptive dampers. I'm not a VW hater, but I think they're trying to pass on the cost of their legal bills to Mk 8 owners.
That interior isn't so bad looking once you're in the car honestly, the one I was in had a pretty low battery but the slowness of the infotainment is apparently a common occurrence especially at start up. So you're driving cold some mornings since you can't get that screen to turn up the heat. VW needs to figure out something in that regard.
Screen problems are persistent in my 2017 alltrack. VW really needs to step up
Really enjoy your reviews
We drove the mk7 against the previous Octavia (preferred the Skoda) but it would be interesting to see how the new(er) versions of these would now compare. Yes, same family tree - but different fruit. Well done on the content, Australia’s premiere on-line motoring channel.
I’d have preferred the Mk7(.5) Golf (loved the interior) over the old Octavia but now it’s the other way around. Pricing is up and features are limited on the Golf compared to the Octavia that just gives you so much. The new Golf also looks kinda meh while the Octavia sedan looks sleek. You can’t even get heated, leather, electric or memory seats on even the top R-Line model. You need to get a Golf GTI, and even then it’s optional. Standard on the old $35k d/a 110TSI Highline while the new model cost more and has manual cloth seats on the top model. Prices are up and standard equipment is down.
No physical climate control buttons is a deal breaker for me. F'ing hate that.
Same, no physical controls is shit for driving safety.
Accurate assessment he is correct about the touch screen so don’t mess with it when driving
I've had no issue at all with the central screen.
Maybe software updates had fixed it, but there's simply no issue at all with my vehicle, at least.
Dim-witted touchscreen? Nope. I'm out. I didn't mind touchscreens until I started driving bumpy country roads at night in thick fog. Far too many missed and double taps thus inducing more tapping and even more not looking where I'm going in an already heavily visually compromised environment. The country roads around me aren't getting fixed any decade soon and it became soooo frustrating I sold the car. Fine in the city but hopeless to the point of dangerous in the country at speed. If I had hit someone while playing with the touchscreen I'd be charged with Drive Without Due Care and Attention (Careless Driving) and yet I can't tap on my phone when driving 🤣 due governed by Muppets. There's very good reasons why there are still knobs and switches in a new Airbus and why we have a road toll.
Those muppets you are talking about, designers, should try driving a single cab unloaded ute with a touch screen on 90% of roads, and even hit the f***ing tablet, let alone put a finger tip on a small dot on the screen. And don't start me on no knob for volume control !!!!!
As a VW driver for the last 6 years and after a few visits to the local dealer I cannot purchase a new Golf. It falls short on so many levels but the dash materials and to a degree the design do not meet the asking price. Small capacity engine is fine but would like another 30-40 nm just for the fun. The current North American Jetta Gli has a more resolved dash layout so I'm unsure where all the development costs were spent....with hindsight I'm guessing the mid life update may be the one to buy in a few years...
I think it's a great option if GTI power is not what you're after. The fake quad pipes look okish too.
How does the r line package ride compared to the previous gen?
Can get a T-Roc Style for slightly less. Same transmission, and same platform as the Golf. You however have the height from an SUV people seem to want now, and physical buttons to control in car features.
Watching the video I was getting sea sick from camera moving around for the Tom talking shots - otherwise solid review :)
15:30 I’ve owned an R-Line MK8 since November last year and have not found this feature yet! The R-Line we get over here doesn’t get IQLights but rather High Performance LED’s. Can someone explain how to use this high beam feature?
Aisin transmission very good choice for reliability ...... major shareholder and user is Toyota.
Well done as always, Tom. Just a bit curious about what’s happening to the rear badge at 11:41? 🤣
It's the handle to open the boot and its also where the reverse camera is hidden.
The look has grown on me
That sinister monobrow look from the front 😁
Give me analogue knobs and switches any day.,tartan seats as well please.
My MK7 Golf R Line with Driver Assistance Package II was $37k brand new drive away in 2015. Its a car I've been very impressed with. BUT! Is the MK8 R Line with similar spec at $44k a suitable upgrade? Is the price hike worth it?
is R Line's 1500cc 150ps machine more noisy than Style's 1500cc 150ps edition?
One thing I can't get my head around is how it's safe to drive and play with those tablets at the same time. If you touch a mobile whilst driving, you're in trouble (rightly so), but it's ok to play with the infotainment?
It’s a good point. I don’t know precisely, but my thinking is it’s because the infotainment is essentially fixed in a cradle - as a mobile phone must be to interact with it on the move.
This thing is a decent alternative to the 118i. The 1er gets pricey with some pretty ordinary options added. My lease is almost expired so I think I'll add this to my shortlist. Thanks Tom.
I build my own 118i and it was almost $60k AUD. Absolutely couldn't validate that much for a 3cyl hatch. I bought a Ford Focus ST-3 for $52k with the same, if not more features.
@@autorelations3357 That's a crazy price, BMW must be making huge profits on them. I have a 2018 118i which I have honestly really enjoyed but it's the straight sport line and no extra options, my friends with Renaults have far more convenience features in cars half the price of mine. How are you enjoying the ST?
@@zohanele.d139 I take delivery in November due to the semiconductor shortage, but I have test driven one. I loved it heaps. I also test drove the new 128ti and loved that car too. But once again BMW wanted $68k for that. I'm sure I will love it once I get it😄
Tom who?
@@bigjak7358 Tom is the video presenter
Ironically, here in South Africa we are done selling with standard Golfs coz they never sell than their big brothers such as GTI or R
I think that huge slab of shiny black plastic surrounding the two screens looks so cheap and nasty. It reminds me of a cheap cut price TV or digital photo frame. Absolutely revolting. Crappy infotainment and integrated headrests, nope. As a repeat VW owner, there’s no way I’d be spending $40k plus on a Mk8. You’re losing me VW.
Exactly my thoughts. I sat in a mk8 at the dealer and couldn't believe how chintzy the dash was. My current 7.5 will be my last Golf.
Well said. Hopefully VW listen.
Does this model using dry cluth..?
One on order, still ages off arrival, same colours etc.
Tom, you guys need to make use of the community posts on CZcams. The CZcams algorithm boosts channels that make use of it and honestly this channel is far too good not be up there with the big guys.
Channel would be long past 150K subs by now. CZcams likes these longer videos and good production quality.
Great channel👍
I'll hold onto my Mk 7.5 R-line in that case.
Perfect for BMW to sell some more 1 series, or better still its rivals selling more sporty versions in the same price range.
Tom, You know better than me; but it seems VWA aren't aggressive enough about expanding the full range of VW vehicles and add ons. Overseas markets have VW Connect , but we seem to be the poor relations.This R Line is a cool vehicle but I think VW are complacent against Korean competitors. Cheers-John
Nice review. I am a year into the fully loaded 7.5 GTI I bought as a way of avoiding the Mk8 series. Now I've sat in one and definitely made the right choice, the 7.5 is much nicer inside, and drives very nice, I have no complaints. One thing I do find interesting though in the Mk8 R-Line is the fact that rather than being a fake Golf R in looks, it's now a fake GTI in looks. How did that happen? It could have been called a GTI-Line, but thankfully they didn't.
Hi Tom great video after watching I’ve decided that I’m gonna buy a fully optioned mk7.5 r line instead of 8 because it has a lot of great stuff that got removed and overal a better buy
Sensible. Better tech in that anyway.
Where can you find a new mk7.5 highline?
Great wrap up, thanks. I’m shopping for a golf 8 and good to know the “golf range”.
Been waiting since june
@@khe8969 wow what’s the eta? I just ordered golf 8 Rline. Delivery July 2022🤞
@@michaellau2544 i actually order a life trim last year june but changed the trim to r line back in October.. they said around 2022 may till possible September for delivery
@@khe8969 glad you went Rline as it looks cooler. I’m bit iffy about the comfort of the tighter hugging Rline seats for longer trips but they do look hot. What do you pay assuming you’re in Australia? Mine was AUD $46k plus with the panoramic roof.
@@michaellau2544 yea rline looks way better than life trim hence why i switched the trim. Think it was around 42-43k with the only addition being the deep black pearl colour for 600
Maybe the question should be what is the best warm hatch practical daily driver you can buy for about $44k AUD to get instead of this R-line Golf?
Is there a Hyundai i30 N-line hatch in my future? I think its all I would need, where one car needs to do it all except head off road.
i30 N-Line is a great car. I test drove one but didn't like it because it had red seat belts. It also had a strange lag at take off... it would go slow for a couple of seconds and then a shove from the back...not sure if that's the turbo or the auto or maybe even a setting I hadn't engaged.
Focus ST-Line would be another one to try but I haven't tried it.
The new Civic (next year?) will probably have a sporty RS version but that will likely be a styling / suspension pack.
Personally I'm waiting for the updated Polo GTI.... it's all I need and I'll have heaps of spare change.
@@MLife1972 Im leaning towards a i30 N line premium now!! was very impressed by it!
Also tested a focus ST Line, liked the go and feel, but the rest seemed out of date inside. Hard too to go past the cooled i30 seats for Aus=!!!!
@@rogerthompson2005 Great car and the comfiest interior. You may need to get one quick because the i30 has been dropped in some countries so who knows how much longer Australia will keep bringing them in.
@@rogerthompson2005 get the sedan then , drives way better
2 years later and this car is now priced at 48k drive-away. I guess the $47k drive-way of the Civic is not bad now.
where is this test loop?
As a golf mk7 owner i think pricess Are now over the top have Locked at golf mk8 gti 66000. AUD compering IT to Renault Rs will go for Renault looks Way better in my opinion
Aus and NZ definitely got rorted by distributor ditching the Highline (Style)
I was considering this vehicle. Test drove it two weeks ago and loved it, but was told it would be a 6-7 month wait. Now I've ordered a Focus ST-3👍 much better value.
@@StephenFogarty2023 I was told 4 months by my Ford dealer which isn't too bad. By comparison VW told me it would be 6-7 months
You can get heated seats on the r line in Europe
Golf R looks minus the price and a more sensible engine what’s not to like? I’m tempted having just sold a mk7 Gti which was a great car apart from the 2.0tsi engine issues !
And now just ordered one picking up Friday
I now have one 😊
To be honest this generation they all look the same Golf Standard/R/GTI the difference are minimal 🧐
They really need to start having a Black headliner interior option, it will give it a more premium look/feel to the cabin
Golf go BRRRRRRRRR
What colour is this? Urano Grey? Dolphin Grey?
Moonstone Grey
Rims are better looking than gti's ones
Would be good to see this compared to the Skoda Scala which does have the new 1.5 engine.
Although I have not driven the Scala, from what I understand the Scala has the cheaper MQB A Zero platform as per the Polo, A1 etc which has the basic torsion bar rear suspension to give a noisier and less refined ride. It would be good to see them tested back to back though.
@@davidperry3531 Thanks. Im curious if in the real world you would really notice?
@@jameskelly8148 I drove the new Golf a few weeks ago after driving 5 other similar cars including Audi Q2, Volvo XC40, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Mazda CX3 and found the golf the best overall drive which is very refined. Ordered a Golf and now waiting. Depends how fussy you are I guess.
@@davidperry3531 Thanks I've driven the Golf GTI and found that I just don't need all of that power. No Golf R-line demonstrators available at the moment
@@davidperry3531 how was the 8 speedo?
This car costs 67000 Australian dollars in Ireland.
You Drive like my granny. Keith here from South Africa
Doctor Who driving a Golf. Nice.
Way overpriced paid 48k onroad for my bowling hat Volvo 5 cylinders turbo and a massive 187 killer watts and it was an "R"
The base model also appears to be gone ... heh
I didn’t think the R-Line had adaptive dampers?
That's a lot of piano black plastic around the entertainment unit and instrument cluster
I'd rather save some money and buy a 7.5 gen golf R
Have u seen prices of mk7.5 gti ?
The Hyundai i30 n-line premium sedan is just way better value
$44k drive away for an R-Line? I paid $11k less than that drive away for my Mk7.5 GTI Original in 2018. Not sorry, VW Australia, you lost another repeat customer. Two golfs since 2011...there won't be a third, not at that absurd pricing.
VW is crazy. 45K and no heated seats 😂🤣😂🤣
Rubbish ain't it
The front of that thing looks like a grumpy grandpa who lost his teeth.
Asian brands are better value, you don’t get rorted with option packs.
@@StephenFogarty2023 nope, they have different models just like German manufacturers. The difference is that even if you buy the most expensive German model, you will still need to fork out extra for basic features that are standard on Asian brands.
Cheap interiors! 😔
Can you stop showing slow-motion when driving, just show normal speed footage
Or are you driving slow?
Come on big guy... 85K seem to like it, including me. Normal motion goes by too quickly for the viewer to get a good look at the car.
Dude, go somewhere else if you can't see the purpose of the slowed footage. This isn't Sofyan Bey's channel.
It's best you go elsewhere, Tom has something great going here.
This Rivals On Sport Car Like Toyota Supra
Hmm… I think a Supra would smoke this
Had the pleasure of driving the M2 manual, somehow that felt more like a Supra than the current Supra.
This Rakhsi guy doesn’t know anything about cars
@@kristians2704 So many of those have started trolling in the Chasing Cars comments. Not sure who looks at a Supra and thinks a Golf is a great competitor to it.
@@TheJacobGZuma That happens everywhere, know-nothings start turning up when a channel becomes popular. I'm just glad Chasing Cars is growing.
Still can’t get with the huge mouth. Much rather buy a used Mk7.5
Imo the range and pricing is irrelevant, when it looks like this. As a MK7 owner I would prefer the New Polo over this appalling styling exercise, both inside and out. The Polo is the new Golf. VW please employ more mature designers 😉👍
Ugly car from the front
Pretty ugly looking car.