What is the Volkswagen R-Line trim?
Learn what Volkswagen's R-Line trim package offers over standard models when it comes to style, design and performance.
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If you’re in the market for a new car and you’re looking at Volkswagen models, you may be asking yourself, What is R-Line?’
Don’t be confused by their sporty looks. These desirable models come with very economical engine options, making them an excellent middle ground between the entry-level trim and performance-spec.
What does R-Line mean for Volkswagen models?
R-Line is a trim level that adds a lot of visual appeal to Volkswagen’s models without adding any more performance, helping to keep running costs low.
It’s a design-focused trim level available on many Volkswagen models that adds sporty, aggressive elements inspired by the company’s performance R cars.
Because R-Line cars are usually high-spec or range-topping models, they also come with more equipment than your standard Volkswagen, too.
Exterior styling of R-Line VW trims
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From the outside, it’s easy to tell if a Volkswagen has been given the R-Line treatment – it will look considerably more sporty than lower-spec trim levels.
R-Line models get unique front and rear bumper designs, bigger side skirts, and sometimes other subtle sporty changes like spoilers or diffusers.
These cars also get specially designed, eye-catching alloy wheels that usually come in fairly big sizes. Some other tell-tale signs dotted around an R-Line car will be the ‘R’ badging, which is a little different to the ‘R’ badge on top-spec models.
Interior design changes with the R-Line package
 "Volkswagen Polo front seats")
The styling changes aren’t limited to the outside; you’ll also get plenty of upgrades, such as sports seats with additional bolstering and support, in the cabin.
In line with that sporty driving feel, R-Line cars usually have a flat-bottom steering wheel that’s a bit nicer than standard.
Other upgrades include some more subtle changes to the stitching and upholstery and enhancements to the standard equipment.
Volkswagen range with R-Line
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R-Line is a widely available trim level that has been sold on many of Volkswagen’s latest cars.
Hatchbacks like the Golf R-Line, Polo R-Line and Up R-Line are available, as well as some older models like the Beetle R-Line and Scirocco R-Line.
There are also plenty of SUV options, like the T-Cross R-Line, Taigo R-Line, T-Roc R-Line, Tiguan R-Line and Touareg R-Line.
Other saloons, estates and people carriers you could consider are the CC R-Line, Arteon R-Line, Passat R-Line and Touran R-Line.
There are some cars that haven’t been available with this sporty trim, such as the Golf SV, Sharan and Jetta, but you can sometimes find similar sporty models under the GT badge.
Volkswagen’s latest electric cars, like the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and ID.Buzz, come with their own unique trim levels, so there’s no R-Line option for these.
Should I buy a used VW R-Line?
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If you love the sportier look of performance cars, but don’t fancy the higher running costs, an R-Line model is an excellent pick.
You may also wish to search for a Volkswagen R-Line car with higher levels of standard equipment and a more luxurious interior.
The more powerful mainstream engines tend to be available in these cars, so unless you need the extreme performance of an R model, then an R-Line car could be for you.