Just last week, Volkswagen dropped a teaser image of the upcoming Golf Mk8. While the sketch didn’t give away too much about the car, I did sent the internet into a frenzy about the arrival of the benchmark hatch.
However, earlier today, a video featuring what appears to be a red Golf Mk8 has gone viral on social media. The car is clearly not a Golf Mk7, and is very likely a prototype for the Mk8, as it was left hand drive.
The car was spotted in the Eastern Cape, not too far from Volkswagen’s manufacturing plant in Uitenhage, so it is very likely a test mule undergoing extreme weather testing. Production of the Golf Mk8 is only expected to kick off around the middle of 2019, with the model likely debuting at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2019.
We have since reached out to Volkswagen South Africa, but are yet to hear back.
Do you think this is the Golf Mk8?
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: When will the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 be available in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Golf Mk8 is expected to debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2019, with production kicking off around mid-2019, so South African availability should follow shortly after.
Q: What will the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 cost in South Africa?
While official pricing hasn't been announced yet, expect the Golf Mk8 to start around R450,000 for the base model, with higher-spec variants likely reaching R650,000 or more based on current Golf Mk7 pricing trends.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 worth waiting for?
If you're in the market for a premium hatch, the Golf Mk8 is definitely worth waiting for as it promises updated technology, improved efficiency, and the latest safety features that will keep it competitive for years to come.
Q: Will the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 be built in South Africa?
Yes, the Golf Mk8 will likely be manufactured at Volkswagen's Uitenhage plant in the Eastern Cape, which has been producing Golf models for both local and export markets.
Q: How different will the Golf Mk8 be from the current Golf Mk7?
The Golf Mk8 will feature evolutionary styling changes, a completely redesigned interior with digital displays, updated engines for better fuel economy, and the latest MQB platform for improved driving dynamics.
Should You Buy It?
The Volkswagen Golf Mk8 looks like it will be worth the wait, especially if you're after the most advanced premium hatchback under R700,000 in South Africa. With expected pricing starting around R450,000, it should offer excellent build quality, the latest tech, and that trademark Golf driving experience that has made it the benchmark hatch for decades. If you need a car right now, the current Golf Mk7 is still brilliant and you might score some decent deals as dealers clear stock. However, if you can hold off until late 2019, the Golf Mk8 promises to be the best all-rounder in its class and a smart long-term investment.
Should You Buy It?
Hold your horses, boet. The Golf Mk8 is still in prototype phase and won't hit SA showrooms until late 2019 or early 2020. If you need wheels now, the current Golf Mk7 is still a solid choice starting around R420,000. But if you can wait, the Mk8 promises to be worth it with updated tech, better fuel economy, and that fresh Golf DNA we all love. Expect pricing to kick off around R450,000 for the base model when it finally lands. Bottom line: wait if you can, but don't feel bad about grabbing a Mk7 if you need something today.
