Three new packages add big personality to the 2014 VW Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the sportiest hatchbacks on the market but with three new R-Line packages – the 2014 Golf offers buyers a more aggressive look inside and out along with improved handling for a surprisingly low price.

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf R-Line packages include three different options that can be ordered separately or combined with a handful of modifications inside, outside and underneath that bolster the sporty nature of this German compact. The new R-Line Exterior, R-Line Interior and R-Line Sport packages can be fitted to either the Golf Highline or Comfortline models with varying prices for each.

The new R-Line exterior package for the all-new Volkswagen Golf adds a body colored rear spoiler, fog lights, a package specific gloss black grille with the R-Line logo, a gloss black lower grille opening, unique front and rear fascias, more aggressive side sills and a sportier rear diffuser that houses the exhaust tips. When combined with the new Golf Highline package, the R-Line exterior kit costs $1,315 US dollars (995 Euros) while the R-Line upgrades for the Golf Comfortline adds $1,559 (1,180 Euros) to the final price.

Those who want a bit sportier atmosphere inside of their new VW Golf can opt for the new R-Line interior package. The R-Line interior upgrade kit includes “Black Lead Grey” aluminum inlays on the dashboard and on the door panels, stainless steel front door sill guards, a black headliner, stainless steel pedals, unique ambient lighting, a leather wrapped shift knob, a leather wrapped sport steering wheel wearing the R-Line logo and unique two tone sport design seats sporting the R-Line logo covered in a combination of cloth and microfiber. All of those features above can be added to the Golf Highline for $846 US Dollars (640 Euros) while the Comfortline owners will pay slightly more – with a price of $1,248. Also, those who want a little more luxury out of their sporty VW hatchback can opt for a Vienna leather upgrade which adds $2,319 to the Highline and $2,794 to the Comfortline. It is unclear whether the price of the leather upgrade includes all of the features of the R-Line interior package or if that is in addition to the cost of the R-Line features but based on those leather package prices, they are pretty darn expensive if that cost is just for the upgrade to leather.

Finally, the new R-Line Sport package for the new VW Golf focuses more on the function of the compact hatchback rather than the form – although the Sport option does add dark tinted rear-side and rear windows. More importantly, the R-Line Sport package adds a sport tuned suspension setup and a specially tuned, progressive steering system that work together to make the R-Line Golf more exciting for the driver who loves to hammer the curves. The R-Line Sport package costs $568 US (430 Euros) for both the Golf Highline and Comfortline.

In addition to the new R-Line interior, exterior and sport packages, new Volkswagen Golf buyers can choose new “Salvador” R-Line wheels in either 17 or 18 inch form but pricing on those wheels was not included in the announcement of the new R-Line lineup for 2014.

There was a point in time where the stigma against hatchbacks allowed the Volkswagen Golf to go pretty much uncontested in the US market but with a huge influx of popular 3- and 5-door models including the likes of the Ford Fiesta and the Hyundai Elantra GT – VW is forced to step up their game if they want to maintain their hot hatch supremacy in the States. While the GTI will pack a much bigger punch than the standard new Golf, these R-Line upgrade packages will allow buyers to have the efficiency and low cost of the standard Golf with a far sportier look and feel – both inside and out.