Volkswagen Golf Variant Concept R-Line puts the sport in SportWagen

Wed, 06 Mar 2013

With the introduction of the newest Volkswagen Golf Variant, we get an early look at what will most likely be the next-generation Jetta SportWagen here in the US. To further wet our appetities, VW is now teasing something a little sportier with the Concept R-Line. Looking the part of a GTI wagon (or a stretched Golf R), the Golf Variant Concept R-Line has a production-ready appearance that has us hoping we'll see this sporty wagon sooner rather than later.

The R-Line starts off with a new fascia that isn't quite as aggressive as the recently introduced GTI, but it gives the new styling some extra punch. Below the fascia is a lower splitter that visually carries back into the rocker panel extensions, and the rear of the car gets some bright exhaust tips and a rear diffuser. The Lapis Blue Metallic paint job probably does enough on its own to add a sporty flair to the Golf wagon, and it's all finished off with 18-inch split-spoke wheels. Inside, the Concept R-Line shows off sport seats wrapped in carbon leather featuring blue nappa inserts in the middle.

Rightfully so, VW brought the Concept R-Line to Geneva with its TDI and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. A sporty, all-wheel-drive diesel wagon? Yes, please. Scroll down for the full press blast with all the details.

The Golf Estate Concept R-Line – initial facts

Concept car based on the new Golf Estate:

- Golf Estate Concept R-Line celebrates its world premiere in Geneva

- Golf Estate Concept R-Line confirms the dynamic potential of the model range

- Sporty customised exterior design connects it to the world of the GTI

Wolfsburg/Geneva, 05 March 2013 - Just one day after the world premiere of the new Golf Estate, Volkswagen is presenting an especially sporty R-Line version of it: the Golf Estate Concept R-Line. The new Golf Estate has gained quite a bit of autonomy and charisma compared to the predecessor model-at the same time, the Golf Estate Concept R-Line highlights the dynamic potential of the new body version of the Golf. For the first time: There has never been a Golf Estate in R-Line design; so the concept shows for the first time how Volkswagen might envision this version.

On the exterior, the Golf Estate Concept R-Line steps onstage with, among other things, a customised front end, a likewise modified rear, powerful sill trims and new 18-inch R-Line wheels. The interior is characterised by leather sports seats and other elements in carbon fibre look. It is powered by an efficient 110 kW / 150 PS 2.0-litre TDI of the latest construction type. The power of the engine (up to 320 Newton metres) is superbly translated to the road by a 4MOTION all-wheel drive (with new Haldex-5 clutch).

Side profile. The high gloss black sill trims are one eye-catching visual feature of the concept. They extend not only to the side sills that reach right into the wheel housings as usual; rather, they go nearly all the way round. Striking: The "Salvador" type 18-inch R-Line wheels painted in "sterling silver" and the splitters (aerodynamic add-on parts in motor sports style) below the front spoiler, which are also very visible from the side.

Front end. The newly designed bumper in the R-Line design shows a dominant air intake in the middle that is bordered on the bottom by front spoilers painted in body colour ("Lapis Blue Metallic"). The air intake is framed to the left and the right by two diagonal bars also painted in body colour. Outside of them is another air intake on each side with a fog light inserted into them. Underneath are the striking splitters (aerodynamic add-on parts), a visual continuation of the black side sills.

Rear end. The modified design of the rear end is dominated by a sporty and distinctive black diffuser, into which the chrome tailpipes of the exhaust system have been integrated on the left side of the vehicle. The diffuser in turn is framed by the visually all-around continuation of the sill trim. The roof spoiler is likewise built in the R-Line design. The already wide track of the new Golf Estate (1,549 mm in the front, 1,520 mm in the back) and the 18-inch wheel with 225/40 tyres used for the concept car make for a sporty appearance of the rear end, which is in no way inferior to a new Golf GTI or GTD.

Interior. The exclusively designed interior of the Golf Estate Concept R-Line corresponds to the exterior both visually ("Color & Trim") and in terms of its equipment. Driver and passenger sit on ergonomically designed sport seats. The centre panels of all five seats consist of high-tone nappa leather in "Space Blue." Black carbon leather has been used for the inner surfaces of the side supports; this leather with its carbon structure look is also featured on the door inlays and outside surfaces of the driver and passenger seat backrest. The other outside surfaces of the seats, the steering wheel and the middle arm rest are kept in black nappa. The designers of the interior opted for "Crystal Grey" for the decorative stitching. In sync with that: the roof liner in "Pearl Grey." The entry plates and the black floor mats with blue leather piping were also designed in the R-Line style. Another highlight is the interior trim in noble black that follows the Golf Highline.

Boot volume. As sporty as it is, the Golf Estate Concept R-Line impresses with a great amount of space and a boot that is as flexible as it is large. Loaded up to the backrest of the back seat and up to its height, the cargo volume amounts to 605 litres; loaded up to the front seat backrests and under the roof, the new Golf Estate offers a cargo volume of no less than 1,620 litres. No doubt, with such values, the sporty concept car is capable of mastering the majority of all transportation challenges.

By Jeffrey N. Ross