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Wheels24 reader, Craig Jacobs, spotted the Volkswagen Golf 8 undergoing testing near Robertson in the Western Cape.
The new Golf 8 is scheduled for local arrival towards the end of 2020, and already the excitement around the new car is rife and tangible.
For Jacobs, he could not pass up on the opportunity to snap the new Golf and immediately sent his images to Wheels24. The accompanying text said that he saw it between Worcester and Robertson and that the new Golf 8 was in convoy with Golf 6 and 7, both with German number plates.
Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed the initial range set for introduction at its global debut held towards the end of 2019. The GTi will be the first model to launch locally towards the end of the year, followed by the TSI and R models in 2021. The GTI is the best-selling model in the local Golf range; hence it only makes sense for VW to kick things off with SA’s favourite Vrrpaah.
Do you think there are any rivals that can compete with the new Golf 8? Email us.
What to expect
From what we know, the Golf 8 will be the most advanced iteration of the Golf yet. Both the exterior and interior will be markedly different from that of the current model, and on the technological front, the car will take things up a notch, as well.
On the engine front, a range of options will be available. Of course, GTi and Golf R derivatives will form part of the range, but Volkswagen mentioned that they are looking to add five hybrid models to the range, as well. It remains to be seen which of these models will be coming to South Africa.
Keeping an eye on the future, a 180kW GTE will run alongside the GTI and R, giving electric power as an alternative to the internal combustion engine.
During the Euro NCAP's safety tests, held over December 2019, the Golf scored full marks in all tests. With regards to occupant safety, the new Golf scored an impressive 95% and 89% for child safety. These figures are not only representative of the Golf's advancements in terms of safety, but also of how it lives up to its ethos of being the people's car.
According to Volkswagen SA, the Golf 8 will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Image: Craig Jacobs
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