By Khulekani Dumisa

The latest iteration of Mzansi’s favourite hot hatch, the Golf GTI, will go on sale on 1 September 2021. The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has big shoes to fill with the previous models having made Mzansi a key GTI market outside of Europe.  In fact, 34% of 42,320 total seventh generation of Golf sales were the GTI derivative.

Looks

At the front, the wide air intakes, low-positioned standard LED headlights and signature light on the radiator grille stand out. The latter is illuminated for the first time by a narrow LED strip, which flows on the left and right into the headlight modules. The LED headlights feature 22 individual LEDs per headlight matrix signal. Drivers can customise their cars with the optional and sliding turn indicators.

At the rear, the roof spoiler, diffuser and two round tailpipes located at the outer sides are striking distinguishing features of the new GTI.

The new Golf GTI will be available in three solid paint exterior colours (Pure White, Urano Grey, and Moonstone Grey), four metallic colours (Dolphin Grey, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red and Reflex Silver) and two pearlescent colours (Deep Black Pearl and Oryx White Pearl).

Inside

The standard InnoVision cockpit and infotainment system light up as soon as the doors are opened. The previous three-spoke sports steering wheel has been replaced by a new multi-function leather sports steering wheel with touch controls.

The InnoVision Cockpit (digital display) which is 10.25 inches wide and is complimented by a touchscreen for the infotainment system. The conventional controls for the headlights as well as fog lights have been changed to a digital panel. The new Golf GTI features a smaller gear knob as a result of adopting a shift-by-wire system.

Ambient lighting is also a standard feature which gives drivers 30 interior colours to choose from. The Golf 8 GTI will be the second model in the Volkswagen range to come available with the optional Harmon Kardon sound system with a 12-channel amplifier with 480W output as well as eight speakers, one centre speaker and a subwoofer.

Swiping actions are also required to change the volume and temperature. The optional panoramic sunroof is also controlled using a swiping action.

Standard features

Initially, consumers will have one derivative of the GTI to choose from. Standard features include; 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, Lights and Vision Package including high-beam control light assist, Climatronic air conditioning, heated leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with touch control and shifting paddles, GTI Vienna leather seats, keyless locking and starting system, Composition Media Radio, multi-colour InnoVision Cockpit, App-Connect, Cruise Control with speed limiter, Park Distance Control, mobile phone interface with inductive charging function as well as 30-colour ambient lighting.

Optional equipment

Optional features include; panoramic sunroof, mechanically swivelling trailer hitch, IQ Light: LED Matrix Headlights, Black Styling Package with black 18-inch Bergamo alloy wheels, Head-up Display, Adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection, smokers package, 19-inch Adelaide alloy wheels, Harmon Kardon sound system, Discover Pro Radio (Satellite Navigation, USB, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control), Park Assist (parallel parking assistant), Rear Assist with rear view camera, Blind spot monitor (Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist including Electronically Folding Mirrors), Travel Assist (Lane Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control) and Adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) running gear with variable shock absorbers is available as an option so that GTI drivers can choose their own individual set-up using the standard driving profile selection which results in an even more precise driving experience.

More power

The new Golf GTI comes with 11kW more power than its predecessor. The 2.0l turbocharged front-wheel drive engine now develops 180kW and a torque of 370Nm. The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0 – 100km/h sprint.

Owners do not just benefit from additional power, VW says, the agility and sportiness of the new Golf GTI has been perfected with the new, networked Vehicle Dynamics Manager. This higher-level control system co-ordinates all electromechanical running gear functions.

Pricing

The new Golf 8 Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 180kW DSG is priced from R669,300. The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with a 3 year/120,000km warranty, a 5 year/ 90,000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.