Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
Along with the local launch of the hotted-up Tiguan, Volkswagen also revealed the all-new Golf 8 R on local soil. Here is specification of the reputable hot hatch.
Image: Volkswagen
While the Tiguan R will officially go on sale in South Africa this month, buyers of the all-wheel-drive Golf will have to wait until early 2023 to get behind the wheel of the potent hatch. Both models will be the most powerful production series Tiguan and Golf ever to sell in our market so the anticipation is high.
Since launch in 2007, the Golf R has managed to sell as many as 6 000 units. The all new Golf R will continue to employ a 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor that has featured for the nameplate in the past and puts out an impressive amount of power and torque. Coupled to the EA 888 motor is a 7-speed DSG gearbox which generates 235 kW and 400 N.m which propels the model to 100 km/h in a brisk 4,8 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7,8L/100km although its unlikely the usual hot hatch clientele will ever achieve this.
The flagship model employs a new all-wheel-drive system and high-tech running gear to create a host of innovations whilst offering maximum agility and driving pleasure. The 4MOTION system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring is the new control centre that distributes the engine’s output to the four wheels.
A new rear final drive distributes the power of the turbocharged petrol engine, not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels. This makes it possible to significantly increase agility, particularly when cornering. Despite power available to all wheels, the new torque-vectoring rear differential is capable of kicking the rear end out in a specific Drift Mode.
Image: Volkswagen
As a world first, the all-wheel drive is also networked via a Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) with other running gear systems such the electronic differential locks (XDS) and adaptive chassis control DCC. Thanks to this close integration of the different systems, the new Golf 8 R is touted to offer optimum traction control and neutral handling with the utmost level of precision.
Standard features in the new Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging, a panoramic sunroof, Keyless Entry, ‘Discover Pro’ system with satellite navigation, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package including high- beam control light assist, Nappa leather seats as well as a choice of three exterior colours (Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl).
Optional features in the new Golf 8 R include IQ.Light LED Matrix Headlights, Akrapovič Exhaust, Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon sound system, Parallel Park Assist, Rear Assist with a rearview camera, Blind spot monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist with electronically folding side mirrors, Travel Assist with Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, IQ.Drive Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking System as well as the Black Performance Package with drift mode, an increased top speed of 270 km/h and black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels.
Pricing for the new Golf R will be confirmed in early 2023 while the model will include a standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 year/ 100 000km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Driving impressions to follow.
Keyword: Volkswagen’s reputable hot hatch has landed – the Golf 8 R specification