Forty-Five years since its inception, the 8th Generation of the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTi is ready to hit Southern African shores in the second quarter of 2021. While the Southern-African and South African markets, in particular, are seen as the biggest GTi sellers, worldwide, South Africa, in particular, sold 42 320 seventh-generation Golf; 34% of which were GTi’s.
As of today, we know that the new Golf 8 GTi will follow the same practical, clean, yet sporty design, which has always been its ideology since inception. However, the new GTi is set to be much more digitalised and will also see an engine stop/ start button as standard.
On the exterior, it will be fitted with wide air intakes, low-positioned LED headlights, featuring 22 individual LED’s per headlight. Following the recent design trend, owners will also be able to add optional and sliding turn indicators. At the rear, a roof spoiler, diffuser and two round tailpipes will add to the sporty look and feel of the car, while an optional panoramic sunroof can also be fitted.
Wheel specifications will feature a standard 18-inch alloy Richmond alloy wheelset, while other standard features will also include: A lights and Vision package, Climatronic air conditioning, heated leather -wrapped multi-functional steering wheel (with shifting paddles), GTi Vienna leather seats, keyless locking and starting system, App-Connect, Cruise control with speed limiter, Park Distance Control, mobile phone interface with inductive charging.
Inside the new GTi will have a complete digitalised landscape. The GTi will be fitted as standard with an InnoVision cockpit and infotainment system which will start up as soon as the front doors are opened. The GTi will also be fitted with a new multi-functional leather sports steering wheel. Adding to this , the infotainment touchscreen is said to be 10.25 inches in size, while 30 different ambient colours will also be available to choose from. Sound quality will most certainly not be a problem as the GTi will optionally be fitted with a 12-channel amplifier Harmon Kardon sound system.
Owners will also be able to choose from the following optionals list: 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, Harmon Kardon sound system, Discover Pro Radio (Satellite Navigation, USB, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control), Park Assist (parallel parking assistant), Rear Assist with rear view camera, Blind spot monitor (Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist including Electronically Folding Mirrors), Travel Assist (Lane Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control) and Adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
The new Golf GTI will be available in three solid paint exterior colours (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).
What about power:
The new Golf will have 11kW more power than the GTi 7, with the 2.0 litre turbocharged front-wheel drive unit now developing 180kW and 370Nm. This will be paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, sending the Golf GTi 8 to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) running gear with variable shock absorbers is available as an option so that GTI drivers can choose their own individual set-up using the standard driving profile selection which results in an even more precise driving experience.
And pricing?
To be confirmed! Stay tuned…