If you grew up in SA and loved cars, chances are that the Golf GTI was a big part of your life. Growing up, all the team members at AutoAdvisor can fondly remember a GTI in their youth. Perhaps an aunt with a penchant for performance (and a really tidy Mk2) or friends with a highly-tuned Mk5 - the hot Golf has a special place in the hearts of many.
With the advent of the latest model, it’s safe to say that the Mk8 will certainly carry on that tradition. AutoAdvisor recently attended the launch of the latest model, which turned heads everywhere it went.
Styling
Let’s talk about the styling first. The GTI has always erred on the side of caution - it’s certainly never been boring, but rather taken the more subtle approach to being a hot hatch. Sporty? Yes, but classy too. It’s the reason why older models still look fresh and appealing. The styling, while new, is more evolutionary than revolutionary. You can see this is the replacement model for the much loved Mk7, but it hasn’t dated the previous model either.
A number of colours are available, but we must say that we fell for the Kings Red Metallic and Dolphin Gray Metallic. To really finish your GTI off, we’d recommend plumping for the optional 19-inch ‘Adelaide’ alloy wheels (R12 000) and the IQ. Light Matrix LED headlamps (R10 000).
Interior
As neat and tasteful as the Golf 7 interior is, the Mk8 is a real step up in terms of style. It looks absolutely fantastic, with a clean minimalistic look. It’s well-equipped, too - ‘Vienna’ leather-trimmed sports seats, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat are just some of the standard features.
What does take time to get used to (especially if you’re coming from an older Golf) is the lack of buttons and knobs. Most of the functions are housed in menus (and sub menus) via the Golf’s touchscreen infotainment system. In fact, even the climate controls have been digitised. Navigating through the various settings can be confusing and cumbersome at first, but over time, owners should be able to get used to it.
Quality wise, most of the interior surfaces are trimmed in lovely, dense-feeling plastics. This gives the GTI a premium feel from behind the tiller. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly excellent when you consider the starting price of R669 300. Another option we’d consider ticking is the Harmon Kardon sound system (R11 400). The sound delivery is incredibly crisp and is a worthy addition for any audiophile.
Space in the rear is impressive, with the GTI being perfectly capable of serving dual roles - hot hatch and family car. With a 374 litre boot, it will easily swallow a week’s worth of groceries or a couple of suitcases.
What’s it like to drive?
Quite frankly, it’s incredible. In a straight line, it’s really fast. Volkswagen claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds, but it feels quicker than that. The turbocharged two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine produces a healthy 180 kW and 370 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Changes are near-imperceptible and smooth, too.
Acceleration is really impressive, making an incredible noise as it goes through the gears. It’s notably quieter than before, though - perhaps as a result of better sound-deadening and refinement, or perhaps a more subtle, toned down exhaust note.
Through the bends, it just grips, with no sign of giving up. It’s engaging and dynamic, with plenty of feedback via the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The GTI remains a satisfying hot hatch to drive, with sharp dynamics and a well-chosen ride. The dual personality is what makes it so great, to be honest. Drive it like a mad man and it will entertain and thrill you. Feel like cruising? It can do that too, cruising with plenty of ease and refinement. It would be the ideal commuter for families with the need for just one (very nice) car.
Verdict
Not many things can compete with the GTI - It’s the car for all people, really. Fast, stylish, practical, well-built, economical, comfortable and safe. In fact, it’s really difficult to think of a place where the Golf 8 GTI wouldn’t thrive in day-to-day conditions. What’s more, it receives plenty of attention and we reckon it’s worth the money - just budget for some options. Even so, our ideal spec GTI (with the aforementioned extras) would still be priced at a reasonable R721 200.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI is priced from R679,900 in South Africa, making it one of the more premium hot hatches in the local market but still offering excellent value for the performance and refinement on offer.
Q: Is the Golf 8 GTI worth buying over the Honda Civic Type R?
The Golf 8 GTI offers a more refined and daily-usable experience compared to the hardcore Civic Type R, with better interior quality and a smoother ride, though the Honda delivers more raw performance for track enthusiasts.
Q: What engine does the Golf 8 GTI have and how powerful is it?
The Golf 8 GTI features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180kW and 370Nm of torque, delivering proper hot hatch performance with a 0-100kph time of just 6.2 seconds.
Q: How does the Golf 8 GTI compare to the Mk7 GTI?
The Golf 8 GTI offers more power than the Mk7 (180kW vs 169kW), a significantly upgraded interior with digital displays, and improved technology, though some purists prefer the Mk7's more tactile button controls.
Q: What are the best alternatives to the Golf 8 GTI in South Africa?
The main rivals include the BMW 128ti at around R650,000, the Audi S3 at R780,000, and the Mercedes-AMG A35 at R750,000, with the GTI offering the best balance of performance, practicality and price.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI at R679,900 is absolutely worth buying if you want the best all-round hot hatch in South Africa. It strikes the perfect balance between everyday usability and weekend thrills, with that sweet 180kW engine providing proper punch when you need it. The interior is a massive step up from the Mk7, and while the touchscreen controls take some getting used to, the overall package is brilliant. Sure, you could save some cash with a BMW 128ti or spend more on an Audi S3, but the GTI remains the hot hatch king. The best performance hatch under R700,000 in SA is definitely the Golf 8 GTI, combining 40 years of hot hatch heritage with modern tech and that unmistakable GTI charm that'll have you grinning every time you fire it up.
