The halo model of the VW Golf range, the powerful R, is only reaching South Africa sometime during the first half of 2023 due to global component shortages that are affecting both the production of the R as well as that of its front-wheel-drive sibling, the GTI, confirmed VW South Africa.
Compounding the issue is the fact that the automaker is experiencing supply chain interruptions at various ports throughout Europe.
The R was first unveiled nearly two years ago in November 2020 and is one of only two models of the eighth-generation Golf range to be launched in South Africa, the other, of course, being the GTI.
However, even back then manufacturers were already plagued by component shortages and supply-chain issues mostly because of the Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdowns, and the R was therefore only planned to launch locally in the first quarter of 2022.
The months came and went with no sight of the hot hatch, until August of this year when the manufacturer revealed the car’s local specifications and reassured us that it was still on the way.
The excitement took a knock when we learned we still have a good six to eight months of waiting left, though it wasn’t all bad news.
To keep our high-performance hunger satiated until the release of the flagship Golf, VW in the meantime has launched the athletic Tiguan R with the same powerplant and nearly the same performance figures as its hatchback sibling, only in a different body style.
Golf R South African specifications
The new Golf R in South Africa will be sold with a high level of standard equipment, each model getting a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, keyless entry and start, electric tailgate, adaptive chassis control, high-beam assist, and model-specific Nappa leather seats.
The Discover Pro infotainment system is included, too, bringing a 10.25-inch driver’s display alongside a 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and satellite navigation.
Under the hood, the potent hatch makes do with a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol unit that generates 235kW and 400Nm which is directed to all four tyres via a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox.
This allows the VW to complete the obligatory 0-100km/h dash in 4.8 seconds and attain a top speed of 250km/h, whereas an optional drift mode also lets it kick loose around corners.
Join the discussion