By Otsile Kadiege

Volkswagen South Africa has announced the local specifications of the all-new and hotly-anticipated Golf 8 R and Tiguan R. Volkswagen SA says we should expect the potent duo to hit local dealerships in October 2022 (Tiguan R) and early 2023 (Golf 8 R).

EA 888 performance

The potent newcomers are powered by the brand’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder EA 888 engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard. Both develop 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Volkswagen claims the new Golf 8 R accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.  The Tiguan R will do the same in just 5.1 seconds and its top speed is capped at 250 km/h. Fuel-consumption for the Golf 8 R is at a claimed 7.8l/100km.

4Motion AWD system

The 4Motion system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring is the new control centre that distributes the engine’s output to the four wheels. A new rear final drive distributes the power of the turbocharged petrol engine in the Golf 8 R, not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels.

As a world first, the all-wheel drive is also networked via a Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) with other running gear systems such the electronic differential locks (XDS) and adaptive chassis control DCC. Thanks to this close integration of the different systems, the new Golf 8 R is said to offer optimum traction control and neutral handling with the utmost level of precision.

Standard Golf 8 R equipment

Standard features in the new Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging, panoramic sunroof, Keyless Entry with safelock and an electric tailgate and luggage compartment, ‘Discover Pro’ system with satellite navigation, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package including high-beam control light assist, Nappa leather seats as well as a choice of three exterior colours (Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl).

Optional Golf 8 R equipment

Optional features in the new Golf 8 R include IQ.Light LED Matrix Headlights, Akrapovič Exhaust, Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon sound system, Parallel Park Assist, Rear Assist with a rear view camera, Blind spot monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist with electronically folding side mirrors, Travel Assist with Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, IQ.Drive Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking System as well as the Black Performance Package with drift mode, an increased top speed of 270 km/h and black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels.

Standard Tiguan R equipment

As standard, the Tiguan R is equipped with bumpers in R design with aerodynamic elements in high-gloss black or the car body colour, exterior mirror covers in matt chrome, a unique high-gloss black rear diffuser, black wheel housing extensions, Park Distance Control in the front and rear 20-inch Misano alloy wheels, Lights and Vision Package (with Auto Dimming Rear view mirror and rain sensor), premium Nappa leather seats with an ‘R’ logo, Discover Pro’ system with satellite navigation, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, Active Info Display as well as Keyless Entry with safelock, an electric tailgate and a panoramic sunroof.

Optional Tiguan R equipment

Optional features in the Tiguan R include the trailer hitch, IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, Akrapovič Exhaust, 21-inch Estoril alloy wheels, head-Up display, Mobile Inductive Charging System, Harman Kardon sound system, Area view camera system with Park Assist and Park Distance Control, Rear view camera system with Park Assist and Park Distance Control, IQ.Drive Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Change System, Park Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking, IQ.Drive Adaptive Cruise Control with Pedestrian Monitoring and Autonomous Emergency Braking, IQ.Drive Adaptive Cruise Control with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Front Assist as well as the Trailer Manoeuvring System with Park Assist.

Pricing and availability

Pricing for the new Tiguan R and Golf R will be confirmed closer to the launch date in October 2022 and early 2023 respectively.