Volkswagen SA has finally unleashed the new Golf 8 GTI in South Africa after a long wait.
South African had been waiting for the arrival of the Golf 8 GTI since October 2019, when VW announced the release of its eighth-generation iconic hatchback at a world premiere in Wolfsburg.
However, due to Covid-19 South Africans had to patiently wait for their favourite hatch.
Now that the car has made its SA debut, who cares about the delays? Vrr-pha! Is here and will officially go on sale from the 1st of September 2021.
During the media presentation in July 2021, Volkswagen South Africa said they aim to sell “between 600 and 700 units” from 1 September to 31 December.
When you think about the numbers being targeted by VW, you might think that sounds impossible! Well forget that we are living in Covid-19 times, pre-orders have already exceeded that goal!
While there have been many cars that have made their mark on the stage of world motoring, very few can claim to have maintained and grown in presence and sales like the Golf has — and without a name change.
The legendary hatchback, which was first released in 1974, has been around for almost five decades, selling more than 35 million units, making it one of the planet’s top three car sellers.
Golf 8 GTI Exterior
Substantial changes have been made to the front exterior, the most noticeable being the all-new honeycomb grille with integrated fog lights, embedded in the front spoiler.
The vehicle comes standard with 18-inch wheels that can be upgraded to optional 19’s with either version suiting the vehicle perfectly.
Some think that the rear is the best angle of the car, featuring the roof spoiler, darkened rear glass, iQ light LED tail lights and aggressive rear bumper with its faux diffusor and the ever present chrome twin exit exhausts.
Golf 8 GTI Interior
The real revolution can be found inside the cabin. VW claims the Golf 8 is the first model within its price bracket and class with a full-on digital cockpit as standard.
Buttons have all but been done away with, with the exception of four shortcuts to access things like climate control and audio.
With its 10.25-inch display behind the steering wheel and a central 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, you’d be forgiven if you think you’re in a mini aero plane.
Engine
Under the bonnet, while using the same 2.0-litre, turbocharged EA888 engine found in the Golf 7.5 GTI, there’s some added power, with 180kW now on tap and 370Nm of torque.
The 8 hurtles 0-100kms in 6.4 seconds, with a top electronically governed speed of 250km/h, courtesy of its brilliantly refined 7-speed DSG gearbox.
The car remains front-wheel driven.
Drive Experience
Autotrader took the new VW Golf 8 GTI for a drive and had the following verdict.
“The GTI is by no means perfect. GTI fans will be disappointed to note the lack of a definitive DSG backfire, it’s still there but has been muted quite a lot, most likely to meet noise limitations.
“The 8 is deceptively quick, running from a standing start off of launch control, you will very quickly find yourself on the wrong side of the speed limit before you can say “Sorry Officer!”.
Driving the GTI spiritedly on a deserted back country road is as enjoyable as is sounds. Engaging the sports mode and using the paddles to gear up and down while attacking a twisty section of open country road is where the GTI thrives.
“Long straight sections of blacktop are dispatched in the blink of an eye while the twisty’s are a welcome challenge, the GTI sits as if on rails and powers out of the corners with consummate ease.
“What makes the GTI so great is its prowess in driving conditions like these, but also its ability to be become a suburban cruiser in the city.
“Yes there are other makes and models that can do one or the other much better, but it’s the ability of the GTI to compromise and do both quite well that astounds and ensures that it will continue to rack up sales.”
Pricing
GTI 2.0 TSI 180 kW 7-speed DSG R669 300.00
The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 year/ 90 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.