In this article:
Who is the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car for?
What is the Volkswagen Golf GTI like to drive?
Tech highlights in the Volkswagen Golf GTI
Similar cars to the Volkswagen Golf GTI
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car?
As South Africa's favourite performance car, the Golf GTI can easily be considered a very good car indeed.
Who is the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car for?
The Golf GTI will appeal to customers who need the practicality of a medium-sized hatchback, but also want the performance of a hot hatchback.
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good first car?
With a high price tag and performance credentials, the Golf GTI is not the best first car.
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good family car?
With a 374-litre boot, solid safety credentials, a spacious interior and a reputation for quality, the Golf GTI is a good option for smaller families where the primary driver wants a sporty, yet versatile hatchback.
Is there a Volkswagen Golf GTI hybrid?
There were no hybrid options within the local Golf range at the time of writing.
What’s it like to drive?
Reviewer's opinion
Out on the road, the GTI is certainly firmer than its processor and slightly more up for spirited driving when in Sport mode, versus a standard MK7, but is not an incredibly sharp driving tool when compared with the likes of a Honda Civic Type-R. We managed to drive the MK8 back-to-back-to-back with an MK7 and an MK6 and noted that the current model has a busier ride quality but has a more linear power delivery and handles slightly better, with improved traction out of low-speed corners and a more confidence-inspiring turn-in on medium to high-speed corners than standard versions of the previous GTI.- Sean Nurse, AutoTrader.
Volkswagen Golf GTI review (2021): The segment benchmark reveals chinks in its armour
What does it look like?
Style
The GTI’s formula for success is that its DNA has never changed. It still has a clean design, front-wheel drive, the most agile running gear, a powerful petrol engine and insignias like the red stripe in the radiator grille. Volkswagen has digitalised the new Golf GTI, catapulting it into the future with a multitude of intelligent assistance systems and a powerful and stylish design.- Volkswagen SA
Exterior
Interior
What is the Volkswagen Golf GTI like inside?
This is the first generation of Golf GTI to have a completely digitalised interior landscape of displays and controls. The digital displays of the standard InnoVision cockpit and infotainment system start up as soon as the doors are opened. The previous three-spoke sports steering wheel has been transformed into a new multi-function leather sports steering wheel with touch controls. The interior is optimised through the standard InnoVision Cockpit (digital display) which is 10.25 inches wide.-Volkswagen SA
Features in the Volkswagen Golf GTI*
- Climate control
- Discovery Pro infotainment system
- Digitised instrument cluster
- Adaptive chassis*
- Panoramic sunroof*
- Hil-hold assist
- Front and rear electric windows
- Leather-covered steering wheel and gear lever
- 6 airbags
- Front + rear Park Distance Control
- Matrix LED headlights*
- Keyless access/start
- Fog lamps
- Cruise control*
- Lane departure warning*
- Blindspot assist*
- ISOFIX child seat anchor points
*Optional extras
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest Volkswagen Golf GTI?
The most affordable Golf GTI derivative is the Jacara Edition which retails for R727 500.
Search for used Volkswagen Golf GTI models in South Africa >
How much does it cost?
| Volkswagen Golf GTI Jacara Edition | R 727 500 |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | R 744 200 |
*Pricing is correct at the time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Competitors
Similar Cars to the Volkswagen Golf GTI
BMW 128ti
Read our latest BMW 1 Series reviews >
Search the latest new and used BMW 128ti models for sale in South Africa >
Mini John Cooper Works hatch
Read our latest Mini John Cooper Works hatch reviews >
Search the latest new and used Mini John Cooper Works hatch models for sale in South Africa >
Audi A3 Sportback
Read our latest Audi A3 reviews >
Search the latest new and used Audi A3 for sale in South Africa >
