Volkswagen's R-Line pack expands

VOLKSWAGEN has extended its optional R-Line sports package – previously only available on the Golf hatchback, Beetle and Touareg – to the Golf wagon and Tiguan compact SUV models.

The R-Line package upgrades the standard kit with a host of features aimed at giving the Volkswagen range a sportier look and feel and commands a price premium from $2000.

Much like its hatchback sibling, the R-Line package for the Golf wagon is only available on 103TDI and 110TDI Highline variants for a price of $2200, with revised front and rear bumpers, lower side skirts, 18-inch wheels, roof-mounted rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle-shifters and R-Line branded sports seats, door sills and sports pedals.

Mechanically, Volkswagen has also included the progressive steering feature – seen on the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance – in its Golf R-Line package that will improve steering feel when roads get twisty.

For an extra $2500, the R-Line package is also available on the Tiguan 132TSI and 130TDI variants, adding a sports bodykit, 18-inch alloy wheels, seats finished in Alcantara and cloth, a bespoke R-Line interior and sports suspension to enhance handling.

First introduced earlier in the year, the Beetle R-Line pack retains the $2000 price bump along with the restyled front and rear fascias, 18-inch alloy wheels, R-Line branded steering wheel with paddle-shifters and sports instrumentation, displaying readouts for boost pressure, oil temperature and a stopwatch.

However, if these changes don't go far enough, Volkswagen offers its Tiguan and Touareg in a standalone R-Line guise. Although, not as potent as Volkswagen's Golf R and Scirocco R, the pair of R-Line SUVs still offer greater levels of performance compared with their base models.

Powered by a 155kW turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, the Tiguan R-Line retains all the goodies from the optional R-Line pack and gets Volkswagen's driver mode selecting Adaptive Chassis Control for a starting price of $44,990 before on-road costs.

The top-spec Touareg R-Line is fitted with a 4.2-litre turbo diesel engine, developing 250kW of power and a staggering 800Nm of torque.

To differentiate the R-Line from its Touareg brethren, Volkswagen has fitted a matte black rear diffuser, rear bumper-integrated oval tailpipes, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, lower front lip, 21-inch alloy wheels and R-Line themed interior that includes branded seats, steering wheel and door sills.

The optional Comfort and Driver Assistance Packages available to all Touareg models comes as standard on Volkswagen's largest R-Line model which adds a four-zone climate control system, automatic folding mirrors, reversing camera, keyless entry, electronically controlled front seats, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and lane change assist on top of the standard nine airbags, ABS, rollover protection and hill assist.

The Touareg R-Line is Volkswagen's most expensive R-Line model, starting from $114,990.

Volkswagen R-Line pricing*

Golf 103TSI with R-Line pack (a)	$34,490
Golf wagon 103TSI with R-Line pack (a)	$36,040
Golf 110TDI with R-Line pack(a)	$36,990
Golf wagon 110TDI with R-Line pack (a)	$38,540
Beetle 118TSI with R-Line pack	$32,290
Beetle 118TSI with R-Line pack (a)	$34,790
Tiguan 132TSI with R-Line pack (a)	$39,490
Tiguan 130TDI with R-Line pack (a)	$42,490
Tiguan 155TSI R-Line (a)	$44,990
Touareg V8 TDI R-Line (a)	$114,990

*Excludes on-road costs.