Sporty VW Golf R-Line revealed

The Volkswagen Golf R-Line trim is now available to order, priced from £24,190. The new model looks sportier than the standard version, but is available with fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines.

R-Line models sit above the Golf GT in the hatchback range and cost £995 more. The Golf R-Line features sat-nav, sports suspension and a system that shuts the windows and tensions the seatbelts should an imminent crash be detected.

Styling features include new front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, side skirts, a radiator grille and air intakes not available on any other model. It also features 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, there are a range of stainless-steel and grey trims, sports seats, a leather gearknob and gear gaiter and a steering wheel with stereo controls.

The Golf R-Line is available with one petrol and one diesel engine – both producing 148bhp. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine features Active Cylinder Technology, which stops half of the engine when not needed to save fuel. Volkswagen says it'll return 60.1mpg on average and is capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds.

The 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is claimed to achieve up to 68.9mpg, with CO2 emissions ranging from 106-119g/km. That means road tax will cost just £20-£30 a year.

Six-speed manual gearboxes are fitted to both engines as standard, but the petrol is available with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, while the diesel has a six-speed automatic option.

Volkswagen Golf R-Line prices