Across the globe the VW Golf GTi has become a Legend amongst car enthusiasts and has created a loyal fan base in most countries. South Africa is certainly one of the countries that feature at the top of this list due to the many local buyers who just love this machine. Not many Sports cars can compete with this four-seater icon which has earned huge respect from South African petrol heads who demand an exciting drivers experience from the car off their choice.
Now just arrived on our shores the eighth generation Golf GTi ready to continue the bloodline and take the Legend into the new decade.
Priced from R669,300 the new Golf is still powered by a 2.0 litre, 4 -cylinder turbopetrol engine linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Generating 180kW @ 6 500 r/min and 370 Nm of torque at 1 600 – 4 300 r/min. Racing from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. Claimed fuel efficiency of 7,00 L/100 km and is ready to take on its competitors’ such as the BMW 128ti, Mini John Cooper Works Hatch, Renault Sport Megane RS300 and Toyota GR Yaris.
The exterior styling has certainly moved forward but the silhouette still projects the Legendary GTi shape and is recognised immediate. From the rear the dominate look is the split twin exhaust pipes one on each side of the tail. The light clusters are slimer that before and the GTi badge has moved into the centre of the tailgate just under the VW logo which also doubles as the boot latch. Moving to the front end you will immediately spot the two sets of 5 fog lights housed in the honeycomb bumper at the bottom of the facia. The bonnet has been re-sculptured and looks sporty and aggressive. The front headlights are slimline LED Matrix Headlamps. Looking from the side view the GTi retains its shape modernised by the 18-inch alloy wheels provided as standard with the option to fit 19 -inch Adelaide rims.
Moving inside the cabin you notice the new generation 8 has moved on from its traditional look of tartan-pattern seats and golf shaped gear knobs. The interior is far more modern and sophisticated. The sports seats have been restyled and now boast one piece leather sports seats, electrically adjusted, as standard. The dash and console have been designed to keep up with the progression of digital technology and customers expectation of up to date design. The infotainment is controlled from a touchscreen which also controls the cars connectivity and traditional buttons on the dash are gone as those functions can now be performed on the touchscreen such as climate control, seat heating etc.
In summary the latest generation eight Golf GTi will still turn heads and continue to deliver the expected driver thrill from this top hatch. Engage your preferred driving-profile selector and suspension option and enjoy the ride.
