The new GTI
Introduced in July of 2021, the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI has introduced the brand's digitised interior concept while retaining much of the performance and driving dynamics of its predecessor. The GTI's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 180kW and 370Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to the front wheels. Performance is strong, with 0-100km/h coming up in 6.4 seconds and the top speed rated at 250 km/h. At the time of writing, the GTI was the fastest new Golf on sale locally, however, that is set to change soon.
The R is coming...
Volkswagen South Africa recently announced that its potent new-generation Golf R will be making its debut before the end of 2022. The R is also powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, only in this guise it produces 235kW/420Nm and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels. The official outputs for the local R models are yet to be announced but expect them to be lower than European figures due to our hot climate and lower fuel quality. Expect 0-100km/h to come up in 4.7 seconds and a top speed that is limited to 250 km/h. This means that when the R arrives locally, it will be the fastest production Golf ever sold in South Africa.
