Finally, in South Africa, the VW Golf 8 R has prices

It took some time, but it was unquestionably worth it. In response to the eagerly anticipated arrival of the new Golf 8 R, Volkswagen has announced that it will start selling its most potent hatchback in the local market on April 25 at local dealers.

Steffen Knapp, the head of the Volkswagen passenger car brand, said: “After severe launch plans were severely derailed by production constraints and parts shortages, we are excited to finally extend the performance range in South Africa by introducing the new Golf 8 R.

Volkswagen’s performance derivatives, the Golf 8 R, Golf GTI, and Tiguan R, are now available in South Africa. The price of the Golf R 2.0-liter TSI 235kW DSG without optional features is R912 800.

According to the automaker, the hatchback has sold close to 6,000 units since it debuted in South Africa in 2007.

The drive technology of the new Golf 8 R surpasses that of all previous Golf models that have been introduced.

The corresponding drive output is produced by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder EA888 engine. With a stated top speed of 250 km/h, it accelerates quickly from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

Arrcording to media statement, introductions of the Tiguan R and Golf R in the latter part of last year, and we can vouch for the impressive 400Nm of torque, state-of-the-art drivetrain, and most advanced all-wheel drive in its class, as claimed by VW. The engine and features are the same in both models. The Tiguan R costs R1,000,000.

Let’s just say Bruce Wayne’s Batmobile has nothing on this car, I wrote in an earlier review after spending a brief amount of time behind the wheel of the new Golf 8 R. It drives better than the previous model and has an even more incredible appearance. The Golf R has always had flawless driving dynamics thanks to its lower centre of gravity and confident handling.

The car has somehow been enhanced by the engineers in Wolfsburg to the point where it is even sportier and more refined than before. You can compete favourably with its two rivals, the Audi RS Q3 and Mercedes-AMG A45, if you add the optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust system with twin pipes and shift gears with the paddle shifters mounted to the touch-sensitive steering wheel. However, the fact that the R’s body is lowered by 20mm also contributes to how great it feels while driving. Combine all of these ingredients, and it becomes clear why VW has such a successful formula. 

Even though the 8 R has a high price, it has a lot of standard features. These include wireless app-connect and voice control, a wireless app-charging system for mobile devices, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with a safety lock, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control with driving profile selection, a light and vision package with a light assist, and Nappa leather R sport seats.

Only three colors are offered: pure white, vivid blue metallic, and deep black pearl.

Additionally, there is a sizable list of optional features. Therefore, expect to substantially increase your base price if you choose to include any of these additions. Additional features include a head-up display, a Harman Kardon audio system, an Akrapovic R performance exhaust, parallel park assist, rear assist with a rearview camera, a blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, lane assist and electronically folding side mirrors, travel assist with lane assist and adaptive cruise control, adaptive cruise control with front assist, and an autonomous emergency braking system.

The black performance package also comes with black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a drift mode, and a higher top speed of 270 km/h.

A three-year or 120 000 km warranty, a five-year or 100 000 km EasyDrive maintenance plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty are all included with the purchase of the Golf 8 R. The service window is 15,000 kilometers.