VW South Africa will launch the Golf 8 GTI to the local market today at 14:30.
The launch will take place virtually, via the company’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
The Golf 8 GTI is one of the most highly-anticipated vehicles to launch in 2021, and closely follows the local release of Toyota’s equally-impressive hot hatchback – the GR Yaris.
Local audiences will be keen to hear the South African pricing for the Golf 8 GTI and when buyers will be able to take their cars home.
Stockpiling
VW South Africa stated in late April that it was stockpiling the new GTI for a Q3 launch, in bid to ensure it had enough units of the car to meet demand.
Steffen Knapp, Head of the VW Passenger Car brand, said they were working closely with their German counterparts to “ensure that we get as many Golf 8 GTI units for the local market as possible”.
“A few Golf 8 GTI units started arriving in the country from mid-April. These units will be stockpiled until we have enough vehicles for the launch at the beginning of the third quarter,” said Knapp.
Power
At the heart of the Golf 8 GTI lies a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol motor that delivers 180kW and 370Nm of torque – mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
This power is sent to the front wheels, which are treated to an electronically-controlled locking differential.
VW said this technology eliminates the inherent grip disadvantages of front-wheel-drive vehicles.
This allows the GTI to go from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds, and onto a top speed of 250km/h.
VW SA has confirmed that no manual versions of the Golf 8 GTI will be sold locally.
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