Volkswagen's new Golf GTI Mk8: Top 3 things to look forward to!
If there's anything South Africans love more than Volkswagen Golf, it's a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Whet your appetite for this 8th-generation rebel of the road by paging through our extensive gallery and finding out what makes the new Golf GTI for 2021 tick.
When the GTI was launched 45 years ago at Frankfurt, nobody had any idea that these three letters would become so iconic. The GTI's secret to success, according to VW, 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, insignias like the red stripe in the radiator grille, and chequered seat covers. But the Golf GTI also became an icon because Volkswagen continually reinvented it", says VW.
Here are three key elements that will contribute to the Golf 8 GTI's future success...
1. More power!
As expected, the new Golf GTI sees a power increase. The upgraded four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-litre engine will have a hearty 180kW for endless fun on the open road. Quicker gearshifts via the new shift-by-wire DSG gearbox are guaranteed.
Six-speed manual models will be available to overseas markets, but South Africans haven't enjoyed this "stick-shift" privilege in the GTI for quite some time now.
Related: Golf 7.5 vs. Golf 8 - Top 5 differences
2. Sharper driving dynamics and enhanced agility
VW claims to have perfected the running gear of the Volkswagen Golf GTI with the combination of a McPherson front axle and multi-link rear suspension.The GTI gets a new driving dynamics control system called the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. This system, which controls both the XDS function and lateral dynamics components of the regulated dampers, is said to significantly increase the "spread" between comfortable and sportier driving. The new-generation DCC adaptive chassis control will be on the menu, allowing the driver to set his driving profile mode of choice, with extended functionality for scalpel-like precision in and out of corners, and blistering performance on track.
Golf 8 reveal: VW goes all-in on the latest Golf
3. That sleek new Innovision Cockpit...
This is the first generation of Golf GTI to have a completely digitalised interior landscape of displays and controls. The GTI cockpit will feature the digital instrument cluster and 10-inch infotainment system as standard, and will enjoy We Connect services that include internet radio and other online features.
The multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch controls, perforated leather, and a GTI clasp in chrome and red, is another new addition, while the start-stop button now pulses red before the engine starts. 32-Colour background lighting with a GTI-specific mode is part of the package.
Related: VW Golf 7 test drive - be sure to check these features out
When is it coming to SA?
The new GTI was estimated to land in South Africa at the end of this year, but the current Covid-19 crisis has probably postponed its launch date to somewhere in 2021. Maybe we should all just hope the garden variety Golf 8 gets here soon before we start lamenting the possible late launch date of the GTI. But, in the meantime, you can watch the new Volkswagen Golf GTI ad which was filmed at the Killarney rack track, Cape Town, here...
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Source: Volkswagen newsroom
