Volkswagen Golf 8 R finally makes its debut
It appears Volkswagen cannot stop teasing us, it was just last month when they revealed the all-new Golf 8 GTI Clubsport. Now, less than a month later, the Golf 8 R has finally been revealed. This may come as a shocker to some as the 8th generation Golf R is only set to be released in 2022, VW defiantly giving us something to look forward to. Being a South African myself, I too am a sucker for the Golf R nameplate, and who could blame us when the current 7th generation Golf R already delivers such a killer driving experience.
Volkswagen has claimed that the new Golf 8 R dashes from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. It will come packed with VW’s familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 235kW of power and 420Nm of torque. This output is of course higher than the current generation R which produces 228kW of power and 380Nm of torque. Petrolheads will be happy to know that it will come equipped with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Golf 8 R will come standard with the newly developed torque-vectoring 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. This will feature a rear differential that will actively distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels for better handling.
The outside of the new Golf 8 R still looks as mean as expected and that’s thanks to the newly redesigned front bumper that comes with a ‘motorsport-styled’ splitter as well as R-specific air intake grilles. On the side, we have matte-chrome side-mirror caps and bulky side skirts. At the rear, is a gloss-black diffuser that is used to frame the new chrome-plated twin tailpipes. It also comes with a large roof spoiler that gives that emphasizes a sportier look. The new R will ride on 19-inch alloy wheels that will come equipped with blue brake callipers.
The inside will be very similar to the GTI version, it will feature a new 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system and digital cockpit. It comes with black Nappa leather seats with blue R labeling across the backrest. There is also a leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel that has blue stitching incorporated in it. A distinctive “R” button will be equipped with it, which is used to select the different driving modes. The Golf 8 R will come with selectable drive modes - Comfort, Sport, Race, Special, Drift, and Individual.
Now, there isn’t an official date for the release of the Golf 8 R just yet, but South Africans can be on the lookout for its arrival which is expected to either be in the last quarter of 2021 or early 2022.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Golf 8 R cost in South Africa?
The Golf 8 R is expected to start around R750,000 when it launches in South Africa in 2022, making it a serious contender in the premium hot hatch segment.
Q: Is the Golf 8 R worth buying over the GTI?
If you've got the extra R200,000 and crave that all-wheel-drive grip plus the bragging rights of 235kW, the Golf 8 R is absolutely worth the premium over the GTI for serious driving enthusiasts.
Q: How fast is the new Golf 8 R compared to its rivals?
The Golf 8 R hits 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, putting it neck-and-neck with the Audi S3 and BMW M135i, making it one of the quickest hot hatches you can buy.
Q: What's new about the Golf 8 R's all-wheel-drive system?
The new 4Motion system features torque-vectoring with a rear differential that actively sends power between the left and right rear wheels, giving you proper rally car handling on tar or gravel.
Q: Should I wait for the Golf 8 R or buy the current Golf 7 R?
With the Golf 8 R only arriving in 2022 and offering just 7kW more power, the current Golf 7 R at around R650,000 is still a brilliant buy if you don't want to wait two years.
Should You Buy It?
The best all-wheel-drive hot hatch under R800,000 in SA is definitely the upcoming Golf 8 R. With 235kW, a proper torque-vectoring 4Motion system, and that unmistakable R pedigree, it's worth every cent of its expected R750,000 price tag. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you want the ultimate Golf experience, just be prepared to wait until 2022 and have your deposit ready because these will fly off the showroom floor faster than a Joburg hijacker.
