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- VW's Golf 8 R has finally arrived in South Africa after it was supposed to have launched locally at the end of 2022.
- The most powerful production series Golf (now with a drift mode) develops 235kW and 400Nm.
- The Golf 8 R will be available from local Volkswagen dealers from 25 April.
It's been a while, but it's definitely been worth the wait. For those who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Golf 8 R, Volkswagen has announced it will start the sale of its most potent hatch in the local market from 25 April at local dealers.
Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen passenger cars brand, said: "Production constraints and parts shortages severely derailed our launch plans, but we are excited to finally extend the performance range in South Africa by introducing the new Golf 8 R.
"The Golf 8 R joins the Golf GTI and the Tiguan R as Volkswagen's performance derivatives in the South African market."
The Golf R 2.0-litre TSI 235kW DSG is priced at R912 800, excluding optional features.
Since the Golf R's launch in South Africa in 2007, the hatch has sold close to 6 000 units, according to the automaker.
The new Golf 8 R's drive technology tops everything that's been launched in the Golf model range thus far.
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder EA 888 engine generates the corresponding drive output. It sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 250km/h.
We attended the media launch of both the Tiguan R and the Golf R late last year, and we can attest to the impressive 400Nm of torque, cutting-edge running gear and the most progressive all-wheel drive in its class, as claimed by VW. Both models share the same engine and similar features. The Tiguan R is priced at R1 million.
After a brief time behind the wheel of the new Golf 8 R, I said in an earlier review: "Let's just say Bruce Wayne's Batmobile has nothing on this car. Not only does it look more incredible than the outgoing model, but it drives better too. Driving dynamics have always been impeccable on the Golf R, with its lower centre of gravity and boastful handling.
"Somehow, the engineers at Wolfsburg have improved the car to such an extent that it's more refined than ever and even sportier. Slap on the optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust system with twin pipes, use your paddle shifts mounted to the touch-sensitive steering wheel, and you'll scare its two rivals (Audi RS Q3 and Mercedes-AMG A45) for a good run for their money. But it's that 20mm by which the R's body is lowered that helps it feel so terrific behind the wheel too. Put all these elements together, and it's no wonder VW has such a winning recipe."
While the 8 R carries a high price tag, it comes pretty packed with standard features. These include mobile inductive charging, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with safe lock, a "Discover Pro" navigation system, wireless app-connect and voice control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control that includes driving profile selection, a light and vision package that includes light assist and Nappa leather R sport seats.
It's available in only three paint colours: pure white, Lapiz blue metallic and deep black pearl.
The optional features list is pretty extensive too. So, if you want any of these additions, be prepared to add quite a large chunk to your base price. Extra niceties include IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, an Akrapovic R performance exhaust, a head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, parallel park assist, rear assist with a rearview camera, a blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, lane assist and electronically folding side mirrors, travel assist with lane assist and adaptive cruise control, adaptive cruise control with front assist, and an autonomous emergency braking system.
There's also the black performance package (which includes drift mode, an increased top speed of 270km/h and black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels).
The Golf 8 R comes standard with a three-year or 120 000km warranty, a five-year or 100 000km EasyDrive maintenance plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.
