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• Volkswagen announced its Golf GTI is coming to South Africa in the second quarter of 2021.
•The hot hatch is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo motor pushing out 180kW.
• Volkswagen says it is the most digitalised version of the car yet.
We're just a few months away of the most anticipated vehicle of the year to arrive. The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will be launched in South Africa during the second quarter of 2021
Since July 2013, the current generation model has sold 14 252 units, according to the automaker.
Volkswagen says South Africa is one of the biggest Golf GTI markets outside of Europe with 34% of 42 320 total seventh-generation Golf sales were the GTI derivative.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged front-wheel drive engine now develops 180kW and a torque of 370Nm. The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
It takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0 – 100km/h sprint.
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.
The Golf GTI's ignition lock has been replaced by an engine start/stop button (standard equipment), which is notable in that once the doors are opened, it pulses red until the engine is started.
At the front, the wide air intakes, low-positioned standard LED headlights, and signature light on the radiator grille. The latter is illuminated for the first time by a narrow LED strip, which flows on the left and right into the headlight modules.
The LED headlights feature 22 individual LEDs per headlight matrix signal. Drivers can customise their cars with optional and sliding turn indicators.
At the rear, the roof spoiler, diffuser and two round tailpipes. The optional panoramic sunroof is controlled using a swiping action.
Colour choices include: 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.
This is the first generation of GTI to have a wholly digitalised interior landscape of displays and controls. The standard InnoVision cockpit and infotainment system's digital displays start up as soon as the doors are opened.
The previous three-spoke sports steering wheel has been transformed into a new multi-function leather sports steering wheel with touch controls.
The interior is optimised through the standard InnoVision Cockpit (digital display), which is 26cm wide and is complimented by a touchscreen for the infotainment system.
The conventional controls for the headlights as well as fog lights have been changed to a digital panel.
The GTI will be the second model in the Volkswagen range to come available with the optional Harmon Kardon sound system with a 12-channel amplifier with 480W output and eight speakers centre speaker, and a subwoofer.
Standard and optional equipment:
Volkswagen will only offer the GTI in South Africa in one derivative. Standard features include; 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, Lights and Vision Package including high-beam control light assist, Climatronic air conditioning, heated leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with touch control and shifting paddles, GTI Vienna leather seats, keyless locking and starting system, Composition Media Radio, multi-colour InnoVision Cockpit, App-Connect, Cruise Control with speed limiter, Park Distance Control, mobile phone interface with inductive charging function as well as 30-colour ambient lighting.
Optional features include; 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 rearview 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.
