New VW Golf R – South African pricing and launch date revealed

At long last, VW South Africa has released the pricing of the highly-anticipated new Golf R.

The hot hatch is going on sale at the end of April from a local starting price of R912,800 which includes a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan.

The local debut of the R was pushed out by well over a year due to global component shortages that led to stock constraints, with its arrival marking the completion of the eighth-generation Golf family in South Africa.

Golf R specifications

The Golf R is the proud owner of a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol powerplant capable of pushing out 235kW and 400Nm – 55kW and 30Nm higher than the front-wheel-drive GTI – married with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The powertrain turns all four tyres through the 4Motion system and is equipped with an electronic differential lock and adaptive chassis control with multiple drive settings, resulting in a brisk 0-100km/h sprint of 4.8 seconds.

Top speed comes in at an electronically-limited 250km/h but can be taken to 270km/h if the Black Performance Package is equipped. If selected, this package also brings a “drift mode.”

Additionally, VW’s torque-vectoring system was reworked for this new generation of R and the hatch now distributes its power variably between the front and rear axles as well as between the rear wheels, thus “making the new Golf R agile, easier to handle, and confident on sharp corners,” said VW.

Buyers of the new Golf won’t be left wanting more as the hatchback carries an array of premium equipment from the factory.

A panoramic sunroof, automatic LED lights with high-beam assist, a wireless charger, keyless entry and start, and electric tailgate operation are all standard, as are R-specific Nappa leather seats.

Moreover, the Discover Pro infotainment system is 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.

Outside, the new VW gets 19-inch Estoril alloys while being available in three exterior hues – Deep Black Pearl, Lapiz Blue Metallic, and Pure White.

If the R’s new owner is still not satisfied, they further have access to LED Matrix headlights, a heads-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, travel assist with lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and an Akrapovic exhaust system which are all available on the optional extras list.