Three legendary letters
Motoring enthusiasts have had a hard time of it as late, we have lamented the slow disappearance of manual transmissions, the lack of estate wagons, the influx of electronic aids that dull the driving experience and the steady decline of sport driving oriented motor vehicles. We really can't blame the manufacturers here, they are merely supplying what the masses want and that is an automatic SUV with every mod con under the sun and that is why three legendary little letters make us so happy.
Related: The 2021 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI launches online in South Africa
The 8th generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has finally arrived in South Africa and is ready to go on sale from September 1st 2021. After the initial online presentation of the vehicle, VWSA managed to sneak a few models away from showroom floors for the media to clamour over, and we were on hand to whip this legendary hot hatch around town.
Stylish as ever
Those that have followed the storied history of the GTI range in South Africa will know that VW has made something of a habit making the even numbered generations less appealing than the odd numbered variants. The 2,4 and 6 were known as the larger, heavier and less stylistic versions, but we are happy to report that it would seem that VW has broken this sequence.
The 8 may be 150kg heavier than the outgoing 7.5 model, but that doesn't mean it is in any way bulkier or slower for that matter. The overall appearance is sleeker, more aggressive and more grown up than the departing model.
Upfront the 8 gets IQ Light LED matrix headlights that feature the celebrated red line element that runs through the grille. Lower down, VW have very cleverly integrated the fog lamps into the honey comb mesh grille. The vehicle comes standard with 18-inch wheels that can be upgraded to optional 19's with either version suiting the vehicle perfectly.
The rear is in my opinion the best angle of the car featuring the roof spoiler, darkened rear glass, iQ light LED tail lights and aggressive rear bumper with its faux diffusor and the ever present chrome twin exit exhausts.
The Golf 8 GTI has a purposeful looking exterior, but it is the interior that takes it to the next level. The interior gets a splash of colour with a 30 colour mood lighting system that is controlled from the new infotainment system that features a 10.25 inch centre screen and for the driver a 8.5 inch digital gauge cluster. Almost all the switch gear is haptic feedback and touch control, which at first use is infuriating to manipulate, becomes easier to navigate once you spent some time utilizing it.
In European markets the seats would normally have the traditional tartan pattern seat inserts but here SA we choose leather and that is the only option we get. The seats are full leather with the integrated headrest affair with deep bolsters and are cooled and heated. The driver's seat is electrically operated and has memory functionality while the passenger has to operate theirs manually.
Although our time inside was limited, we can confidently say that the overall touch and feel of the fitment is definitely going to appeal to a more up market clientele with plenty of high-end technology and gadgets to play with.
Drive time
Volkswagen South Africa says "The most digitally advanced Golf GTI has been given 11kW more power than its predecessor. The 2.0l turbocharged engine now develops 180kW with a torque peak of 370Nm with the four-cylinder engine coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0 – 100km/h sprint."
The new 8 makes use of the same engine as the outgoing 7.5 but that doesn't mean much, it puts out a smidgen more power, but it is all the other changes that lend to this being an incredibly dynamic drive. The 8 gets an aluminium subframe for lightness and is fitted with VW's Dynamic Chassis Control and adaptive suspension. When coupled to the engine and the drive control system the 8 becomes a very sharp driving weapon.
The GTI is by no means perfect. GTI fans will be disappointed to note the lack of a definitive DSG backfire, its still there but has been muted quite a lot, most likely to meet noise limitations. The 8 is deceptively quick, running from a standing start off of launch control, you will very quickly find yourself on the wrong side of the speed limit before you can say "Sorry Officer!".
Driving the GTI spiritedly on a deserted back country road is as enjoyable as is sounds. Engaging the sports mode and using the paddles to gear up and down while attacking a twisty section of open country road is where the GTI thrives. Long straight sections of blacktop are dispatched in the blink of an eye while the twisty's are a welcome challenge, the GTI sits as if on rails and powers out of the corners with consummate ease.
What makes the GTI so great is its prowess in driving conditions like these, but also its ability to be become a suburban cruiser in the city. Yes there are other makes and models that can do one or the other much better, but it's the ability of the GTI to compromise and do both quite well that astounds and ensures that it will continue to rack up sales.
Pricing
| Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 180kW DSG | R 669 300 |
Options:
| IQ Light Matrix Headlights | R 10 000 |
| Black Styling pack | R 8 000 |
| 19-inch Adelaide wheels | R 12 000 |
| Adaptive chassis control | R 14 800 |
| Harman Lardon Sound system | R 11 400 |
| Travel Assist | R 11 100 |
The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 year/ 90 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a
12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.
Verdict
Going back to what I was saying earlier about lamenting the loss of things that automotive enthusiasts appreciate, the hot hatch is fast becoming one of those things. Once the realm of the boy racer, the modern hot hatch has become a pricey affair, almost too expensive to be viable. Many of the individuals that can afford these driving machines are opting to go for sportier offerings up in the SUV ranks. We are already seeing this with many a manufacturer culling its hot hatch offerings, no more Focus ST, no more Megan RS, and we haven't heard much from Honda and its Type R, the only performance hatchbacks you can find now are sitting in the realms of Audi, Mercedes and BMW.
At the end of the day we should all be thankful that the GTI is the stalwart that it is and is still providing a stylish and dynamic driving experience that many a young driver aspires too and at a pinch, can still afford.
