As the hot hatch segment becomes more competitive in South Africa, VW is set to launch the eighth generation Golf GTi which will arrive in the second quarter of 2021. The original GTi was launched at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt 45 years ago, and in South Africa in July 2013, selling 14 252 units since that date. Our local market is the biggest Golf GTi market outside of Europe, 34% of the total seventh generation Golf sales were the GTi derivative and the Golf model range contributes 29.1% of the A Hatch segment in SA.
The VW Golf GTi has been such a big success due to the clean design, front-wheel drive, powerful petrol engine and the famous red stripe in the radiator grille. The DNA remains the same and customers continue to buy. The eighth generation is far more digitalised pushing it to the front of multitude intelligent assistance systems. The ignition lock has been replaced by an engine start/stop button which is notable in that once the doors are open, it pulses red until the engine is started. Although visually the new eighth generation is unmistakably a Gti the front end has wider air intakes, low-positioned standard LED headlights and signature light on the radiator grille. The narrow red LED strip flows on the left and right into the headlight modules. At the rear the roof spoiler, diffuser and two round tailpipes are striking distinguishing features of the new GTi. (Optional panoramic sunroof is controlled using a swiping action).
Inside the previous three-spoked steering wheel has been transformed into a multi-functional leather sports steering wheel with touch controls. A smaller gear knob is noticeable as a result of adopting a shift-by-wire system. Swiping actions are again used to change the volume and temperature. Ambient lighting is also a standard feature which gives drivers 30 interior colours to choose from. As an option a Harmon Kardin sound system with a 12-channel amplifier with 480W output as well as eight speakers, one centre speaker and a subwoofer. Standard features include 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, lights and vision package including high-beam control light assist, Climatic air conditioning, heated leather wrapper seats, keyless locking and starting system, Composition Media Radio, multi colour InnoVision Cockpit.
If you still need more, optional features are available as below
- Panoramic sunroof
- Mechanically swivelling trailer hitch
- IQ Light LED Matrix Headlights
- Black Styling Package with black 18-inch Bergamo alloy wheels
- Head-up Display
- Adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection
- Smokers Package
- 19-inch Adelaide alloy wheels
- Park Assist
- Rear view camera
- Blind spot monitor
- Travel Assist (Lane assist)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
Three solid external paint colours are available, Pure White, Urano Grey and moonstone Grey. Four metallic colours, Dolphin Grey, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red and Reflex Silver and two pearlescent colours Deep Black Pearl and Oryx White Pearl. 11 kW more power has been added to its predecessor producing 180 kW and a torque of 370Nm from the four cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged front-wheel drive engine. Coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission it takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/hr sprint.
The New Golf GTi pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.
