By Otsile Kadiege

Volkswagen’s eagerly awaited facelifted Golf 8.5 will soon be available in South Africa. The updated Golf 8.5 gets a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems.

Exterior design and styling

The updated Golf 8.5 can be recognized by its new front end. Visually defining features include the Volkswagen logo, which is illuminated for the first time on the Golf, and the newly designed LED headlights and new alloy wheel designs.

Model line-up and equipment

The new Golf is available in the Life, Life +, R-Line and R-Line + equipment lines.

The Golf Life features Eco LED headlights for better visibility and efficiency. Stay connected with Wireless App Connect and a Cruise Control System. Inside, it features a 12.9-inch Infotainment Radio, 6-speaker audio system, 10-colour Ambient Lighting Dashboard and 10-inch Integrated Digital Cockpit. The Life derivative comes standard with 16-inch Norfolk alloy wheels.

The Life + derivative features Driver Profile Selection, rear view camera, 30 colour ambient lighting and Art-velours sports comfort seats package.

The R-Line derivative features Multi-Function heated steering wheel with shifting paddles, Progressive steering with sports suspension, Climatronic 3 zone automatic climate control with allergen filter and controls in the rear, key-less entry, R-Line seat trim covers with head rest integrated into the seat for a sporty look, Park Assist with Park Distance Control, body covered bumpers in R-Line style including 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels complimented with LED plus headlamps.

The R-Line + comes standard with IQ Matrix LED Headlights with illuminated VW front logo, power adjustable driver seat, active high beam, heated & cooling front seats, Vienna leather seats with R-Line logo in front, pedals in brushed stainless steel and 18-inch Leeds alloy wheels.

Powertrain

Powering the updated Golf is a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 110 kW and 250 Nm available between 1500 – 4000 rpm. It’s paired with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

Pricing (VAT and emissions tax included)

Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life – R580,900

Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life + – R604,500

Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-line – R660,000

Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-line + – R688,100

What about the Golf 8.5 GTI?

Unfortunately the facelifted Golf 8.5 GTI won’t be sold in South Africa due to low fuel quality.