Volkswagen Golf R-Line Facelift Review

26 April 2025

The Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf R-Line comes of age, showing there’s still plenty of life left in the people’s favourite hatch.

If cars could be friends, the Volkswagen Golf would surely be that childhood companion you grew up with. Steady, dependable, and just cool enough to hang around with, no matter your age.

Now updated with a facelifted Mk8.5 version, the iconic German hatchback is back to remind us why, despite fierce competition and eye-watering COE prices, it’s still a choice that can resonate with Singaporean hearts.

It’s still familiar

Under the bonnet, things look reassuringly familiar. Powering the facelifted Golf is the same 1.5-litre eTSI mild hybrid unit we’ve seen before, now serving up a modest 114bhp and 220Nm of torque. Paired to the tried-and-tested 7-speed DSG gearbox, it’s no firecracker off the lights, hitting 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.

But does this make the Golf boring? Absolutely not. In fact, it’s precisely this modest power output that encourages you to master a more nuanced approach to driving. Anticipate the road ahead, conserve momentum, and find rhythm. On the winding stretches of Singapore’s quieter roads, the Golf becomes a surprisingly enjoyable dance partner.

But, chasing momentum inevitably means you’ll prod the accelerator more enthusiastically, resulting in real-world fuel economy closer to my observed average of 13.7km/litre.

There’s a lingering feeling that the Golf’s brilliantly balanced chassis deserves more grunt, especially with the R-Line variant tested here. Its suspension feels firmer, more planted, and the steering noticeably sharper.

It’s delightfully engaging, guiding you swiftly and securely through every apex. In fact, it’s so good that you end up longing for an extra dollop of power just to fully exploit that exceptional chassis tuning.

A dash of style goes a long way

From the outside, the Golf’s understated charm has always been a large part of its appeal. Up front, the illuminated VW emblem flanked by a full-width LED daytime running light strip gives it genuine presence, particularly striking as night falls.

Opting for the R-Line trim, as featured here, adds 18-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels, sportier bumpers, and tasteful trim pieces.

And while the test car came dressed in silver, if you’re feeling especially spirited, the Lapiz Blue option truly sets the Golf apart, lending it a dash of restrained aggression reminiscent of its hotter Golf R sibling.

Tech fixes that work

One common criticism of the earlier Mk8 Golf was its infotainment system. Complex, unintuitive, and frustratingly reliant on touch-sensitive controls. Thankfully, Volkswagen has listened and acted, revising the entire system from the ground up.

Now it’s more intuitive, and physical buttons have also made a welcome comeback on the steering wheel, proving that sometimes the old ways are indeed better. The cabin now feels user-friendly, functional, and far less irritating in daily use, exactly as a Golf should.

Inside, the Golf retains its hallmark practicality. The R-Line trim upgrades the experience noticeably, offering snug and supportive sports seats and progressive steering.

Rear passengers won’t be short-changed either. With ample headroom and enough shoulder space to comfortably seat three adults on short journeys.

Boot space is as practical as you’d expect from a Golf, 380 litres with seats up and expanding to 1,237 litres when folded flat.

Still the people’s favourite?

Despite spiralling prices and fierce competition from increasingly capable electric and hybrid rivals, the Golf Mk8.5 continues to hold its own. It strikes a near-perfect balance between practicality and appeal. As long as tech gremlins don’t get in the way during ownership, you’ll enjoy it for years to come.

While electrified crossovers continue to tempt buyers away, the Golf stands firm, proudly delivering exactly what it promises — a genuinely enjoyable everyday hatchback that does just about everything well.

Technical Specifications

2025 Volkswagen Golf R-Line

Engine: 1.5-litre in-line 4 turbocharged, mild hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 114bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Gearbox: 7-speed DSG
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 203km/h
Fuel Economy: 15.8km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$190,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)