Following sister-company Audi's example with the high-performance S model range (and, for that matter, similar divisions from competitors like Mercedes AMG and BMW M), Volkswagen has been developing its R range into a force to be reckoned with. First came the 250-hp Golf R32 hot hatch, followed by the recently-released 300-hp Passat R36 sports sedan. Now, just like Audi has the purely aesthetic (read: all show, no go) S-Line trim packages, VW is following suit in revealing the new R-Line.
With the R-Line, buyers of the Golf, Touran, Passat and Touareg can opt to for a more sporty appearance. The packages come in three increments: Trendline, Plus and Exterior. Developed by Volkswagen Individual, they include upgraded wheels in 17 and 18-inch diameters, competition-style steering wheels, pedals, more supportive seats and special interior trim. Buyers can also opt for blacked-out grilles, anthracite powder-coated wheels and full aero kits.
While Volkswagen was once the bare-bones, basic "people's car", the German carmaker has been striving to emerge from that shell with high-performance models, exclusive editions, high-end luxury automobiles and the like. The R-Line takes them a step further in that direction, giving buyers the option of spicing things up a bit.
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[Source: Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
srivendel @ Dec 3rd 2006 12:14PM
Very attractive. That Golf, er, Rabbit, would sell by the bucketloads if it were priced below the GTI. Lots of people want the show without the go. Will these be offered in the US?
xulong @ Dec 3rd 2006 12:42PM
sweet. factory rice.
Mike @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:02PM
YAY! R-LINE TRIM!!!! Now I don't have to buy a real R32, just a plain GTI and plenty of appearence items!
Now, how is it that the euro-ricers think they are somehow more respectable than the asia-ricers?
c @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:53PM
shouldn't we be calling german "rice" kraut or something similar? or.. schnitzel or something?
4schizle @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:36PM
"Now, just like Audi has the purely aesthetic (read: all show, no go) S-Line trim packages, VW is following suit in revealing the new R-Line"
I believe Audi offered this once on the last gen A6 for a couple of years, not across a whole line of cars like VW is doing here. I know Audi doesn't offer it on any car now - just S cars that are much different animals than the pedestrian versions- like M series or AMG.
I know it may sound crazy but some of us who enjoy driving our cars actually opt for larger rims, low profile tires, lowered sports suspensions + sport seats to improve the car's feel and handling, not just for "show". I could do without the stupid ricer "aero" package though. . .
Okan @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:49PM
Both Audi and BMW have S line (larger rims, low profile tires, different grill, etc), M-Sportspack (different bumper, more optional colors, low profile tyres etc.) for all models in Germany..
Bill Maher is an Idiot @ Dec 3rd 2006 6:22PM
Yeah, a GTI-R will make up for no R32...
Mark @ Dec 3rd 2006 6:54PM
The lack of an R-Line Jetta seems odd.
Howard Kerr @ Dec 4th 2006 7:17AM
I remember back in the '70s to mid '80s Detroit car manufacturers offered the "illusion" of go faster parts available from the factory...they stuck GT badges on nearly every car they built. Example? the Vega GT. We derided these "fake" performance cars and the companies that built them for not providing the real thing. Now, VW is offering to make your car LOOK faster, without the high performance engine parts to back up that look...how nice of them. And to add insult to injury, they give it the name of "R-line". Why not call it A-line (for APPEARANCES) or L-line (for LOOKS-only).
Richard Warren @ Dec 4th 2006 7:25AM
Slick!
Nick @ Dec 4th 2006 10:35AM
I'm guessing the "R" stands for recall??