Manhart's 216kW Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI 290
For South Africans, the Golf 8 GTI still feels like a bit of a fantasy. See, while many parts of the world are enjoying the eight-generation Golf GTI, South Africans are unfortunately forced to read about it until it gets launched later this year. As many of you know, the standard Golf 8 GTI can produce 180kW of power, making it already faster than the 7th generation GTI.
But what if we told you, that somewhere in Germany, there exists a Golf 8 GTI that can produce 216kW. Yes, a tuning company called Manhart Performance, has produced the most powerful Golf 8 GTI on the market. It has been dubbed the ‘Manhart Golf GTI 290’ and has been suited up with an in-house ‘Manhart’ diffuser as well as red detailing that is featured on both the front and bumper.
It will also appear lower than your standard Golf 8 GTI, as it uses H&R springs. In terms of wheels, this tuned GTI will ride on multi-spoke rims with 225/35ZR19 tyres. Inside, slight changes have been made, with its exclusive starry sky cabin roof made from small LED’s making the biggest headline. In terms of power, as mentioned it will produce 216kW and 425 Nm of torque, and this is thanks to Manhart’s installation of an MHtronik module. It will come paired with the standard 7-speed dual-clutch and will come in front-wheel drive.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: How much power does the Manhart Golf GTI 290 produce?
The Manhart Golf GTI 290 produces 216kW of power and 425 Nm of torque, which is a significant bump from the standard Golf 8 GTI's 180kW output thanks to Manhart's MHtronik module.
Q: What makes the Manhart Golf GTI 290 different from a standard Golf 8 GTI?
The Manhart version features an in-house diffuser, red detailing on front and rear bumpers, H&R lowering springs, multi-spoke 19-inch wheels with 225/35ZR19 tyres, and an exclusive LED starry sky cabin roof that sets it apart from the regular model.
Q: Is the Manhart Golf GTI 290 available in South Africa?
No, the Manhart Golf GTI 290 is not available in South Africa, and since the standard Golf 8 GTI hasn't even launched locally yet, this tuned version remains a European exclusive for now.
Q: What transmission does the Manhart Golf GTI 290 use?
The Manhart Golf GTI 290 comes with the standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and remains front-wheel drive, maintaining the same drivetrain setup as the regular Golf 8 GTI.
Q: How much faster is the Manhart version compared to the standard Golf 8 GTI?
With 216kW versus the standard 180kW, the Manhart Golf GTI 290 delivers 36kW more power, representing a 20% increase in output that should translate to noticeably quicker acceleration and higher top speed.
Should You Buy It?
Unfortunately, you can't buy the Manhart Golf GTI 290 in South Africa, and even if you could, it would likely cost well over R800,000 considering the standard Golf 8 GTI will probably launch around R650,000 when it finally arrives. The best hot hatch you can actually buy right now under R700,000 in SA is the Golf 7.5 GTI TCR at around R680,000, which offers proven performance and local support. While the Manhart version sounds incredible with its 216kW output and fancy LED roof, it's purely a European fantasy for now, so stick with what's available locally rather than dreaming about German tuning specials you can't actually drive home.
