Volkswagen launches new Golf R and GTD in SA: We have prices, details

Cape Town - Following the launch of the new Golf TSI and Golf GTI facelift earlier in May, Volkswagen has introduced two new performance variants to its range - the new Golf R and Golf GTD both launched in Cape Town.

Wheels24's Janine Van der Post will be driving the two new models in Cape Town on Wednesday, look out for her driving impressions later this week.

'Most powerful Golf' in SA

The automaker says: "The Golf R’s popularity in South Africa continues to strengthen and together with the GTI make up nearly 60% of Golf sales in South Africa.

"Traditionally, the Golf R has always been the most powerful model in the comprehensive Golf range. The power output of the latest Golf R moves to 213kW/380Nm, making it the most powerful series Golf sold in South Africa."

The GTI of diesel-performance cars

Meanwhile, the GTD is Volkswagen’s only performance diesel hatch to be launched in South Africa.

This "GTI among the diesels" is powered by a new four-cylinder two-litre TDI of the EA288 series, used in the Volkswagen Passat. The 2.0-litre TDI engine produces 130kW/350Nm.

Gallery: 2017 Volkswagen Golf R
Gallery: 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTD

Prices:

2.0 VW Golf TDI 130kW GTD DSG - R506 700
2.0 VW Golf TSI R 213kW DSG - R647 300

The new Golf model range is sold with a 5-year or 90 000km Service Plan, 3-year or 120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Interval is 15 000km.

The new performance Golfs can be fitted with optional Blind Spot Monitor (with Rear Traffic Alert) as well as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking System.

Engines

The engine line-up of includes the all-new GTD with 130kW and the Golf R with 213kW.

The new EA288 engine enables enables the Golf to sprint from 0 - 100km/h in 7.4 seconds to a top speed of 230 km/h.

Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the GTD has a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

The new Golf R rockets to 100 km/h in a swift 4.6 seconds. The engines is coupled with a 7-speed DSG and standard Launch Control. Fuel consumption is rated at is 6.9 litres/100km.