Volkswagen South Africa has announced that the new Golf 8 R will go on sale in South Africa on 25 April 2023, with a starting price of R912,800.
The much-anticipated launch of the eighth-generation Golf R comes after its local debut was pushed back over a year due to global component shortages that led to stock constraints.
“Production constraints and parts shortages severely derailed our launch plans, but we are excited to finally extend the performance range in South Africa with the introduction of the new Golf 8 R,” said the head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Steffen Knapp.
The Golf 8 R joins the Golf GTI and the Tiguan R as Volkswagen’s performance derivatives in the South African market.
Since the Golf R’s launch in South Africa in 2007, VW noted that the hatch had sold close to 6,000 units across South Africa, with the new Golf 8 R’s drive technology topping everything launched in the Golf model range thus far.
Specs
The new Gold 8 R will offer prospective buyers dozens of premium and updated features.
Standard features in the Volkswagen Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging; a panoramic sunroof; automatic LED lights with high-beam assist; and keyless entry and start.
The Discover Pro infotainment system is also installed, comprising a 10.25-inch configurable driver’s display alongside a 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and satellite navigation.
This extends to 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels; Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection; Nappa leather R sport seats; and three exterior colours. These colours include Pure White, Lapiz Blue metallic, and Deep Black Pearl.
Optional features in the Volkswagen Golf 8 R include IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights; Akrapovič R Performance exhaust; head-up display; Harman Kardon sound system; parallel park assist; rear assist with a rearview camera; blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert; lane assist and electronically folding side mirrors; travel assist with adaptive cruise control; and an auto emergency braking system.
Other extras include the Black Performance Package comprising a drift mode, an increased top speed of 270 km/h and black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels.
Performance
A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine will power the new Golf 8 R – pushing out 235kW and 400Nm with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Golf 8 R accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 250 250 km/h but can be pushed to 270 km/h with the optional Black Performance Package.
The Golf 8 R also comes standard with a 3-year/120 000km warranty, a 5-year/ 100 000km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15,000km.
VW Golf 8 R
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