UK buyers seem to love a sporty trim level.
R-Line is Volkswagen’s sporty-looking offering, a bit like the BMW M Sport and Audi S Line packages. It’s available on the majority of the German brand’s models, from the dinky Up to the mammoth Touareg.
The point of R-Line is to give you some of the sporty flavour of VW’s halo R models – such as the Golf R and T-Roc R – without their associated running costs. That’s because R-Line models come with more sensible engines than the full-beans R models.
What’s the difference between R-Line and normal Volkswagen?
R-Line gives you some of the styling cues of the R models, but sticks with the regular engines that you’ll find in ‘normal’ Volkswagens. For example, the Volkswagen Golf R-Line comes with the same 150hp petrol and diesel engines as lower-spec Golfs, whereas the Golf R exclusively comes with a 333hp petrol engine and much faster acceleration.
By using the same engines as the normal VW range, R-Line models keep insurance and refuelling costs reasonable, and are less expensive to buy than proper R versions.
What does the R-Line package include?
The R-Line package generally includes more sculpted bumpers for a sportier look, lashings of black decorative trim, bi-colour wheels and R badges. Inside, there are sports seats with striped upholstery, blue piping, alloy pedals, and often an R-Line flat-bottomed steering wheel with R badges.
R-Line cars usually have slightly lower and slightly firmer suspension than lesser models, helping them feel sportier and drive a little better.
Is R-Line fast?
Some R-Line VWs are fast – the Tiguan R-Line is available with up to 265hp and a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds. But R-Line is just a trim level, and it’s the engines that dictate how fast the car is. A Volkswagen Up in R-Line trim still has 65hp and takes 15.6 seconds to get from 0-62mph.
Is VW R-Line worth it?
R-Line is typically a little more expensive than VW’s lower-spec Style and Life trims, but you do get the exclusive styling touches and equipment. That continues on the used market, although it’s worth comparing the difference if you’re going to be taking out PCP finance – the monthly cost increase to jump to the desirable R-Line trim might be very small.
