The Golf 8 landed in Mzansi in the midst of Covid-19 and whilst it got attraction, the Golf 7.5 was so brilliant that some felt the Golf 8 was a step back. VW Mzansi says they have the best iteration of the Golf ever with the launch of the 8.5. We attended its launch in Johannesburg to find out.
The front can easily be mistaken for a Golf R in the R-design spec, something which will be a boom with onlookers. The lower air intake have the curved body colour line contour which is more than a hint to the full fat Golf R.
Newly designed LED headlights come standard with top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights incorporating a high-performance main beam with a range of up to 500m. The revamped front end now gets VW’s illuminated logo with the now obligatory LED strip that links both headlights.
18-inch Leeds alloy wheels are for those who go for the R-Line Plus package with the Life, Life Plus spec getting 16inch alloys. The “standard” R Line gets 17 inch alloys. R badging on the door below the side mirror ensure most onlookers know this is no standard spec Golf.
Rear LED lighting features a dynamic signature whilst the R-Line and R-Line Plus get sporty bumper design accents. A bee sting antenna sits above the rear spoiler.
The Golf 8.5 impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept. The satellite controls on the steering wheel have proper buttons instead of the Haptic Touch buttons that proved quite unpopular on the Golf 8. These new ones allow a more intuitive adjustment even when driving. The Golf Life comes with Wireless App Connect and a Cruise Control System. Inside, it features a 10.3-inch Infotainment Radio, 6-speaker audio system, 10-colour Ambient Lighting Dashboard and 10-inch Integrated Digital Cockpit.
The R-Line derivative features R-Line seat trim covers with head rest integrated into the seat for a sporty look. The Life Plus derivative features Driver Profile Selection, rear view camera, 30 colour ambient lighting and Art-velours sports comfort seats package. The R-Line Plus is offered with power adjustable driver seat, active high beam, heated and cooling front seats, Vienna leather seats with R-Line logo in front, pedals in brushed stainless steel.
The new Golf 1.4TSI with 110kW engine is mated to a 8-speed tiptronic transmission. The engine develops maximum torque of 250 Nm available between 1500 – 4000 rpm. The Golf delivers a fuel-efficient 6.3l/100km and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Golf comes standard with a 3-year / 120 000 km warranty, 5-year 90 000 km service plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km.
Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)
| Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life | R580 900 |
| Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life Plus | R604 500 |
| Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line | R660 000 |
| Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line Plus | R688 100 |