Written by Mabuyane Mabuza
From time to time, I roll with different groups. Sometimes I am with the golden oldies, sometimes with mommies, and occasionally I also join the fast and furious gang.
Last week was my turn to be with the fast and the furious and this reminded me of my youth days when I wasn’t so gentle on the throttle. As I welcomed Volkswagen Golf 8 R into my garage, I couldn’t help but reminisce about those good old days when I ran the streets in GTIs, M6s, and R8s. Beautifully crafted almost like an innocent girl with a naughty streak, the Golf R has an inviting demeanor about it.
Did I accept the invitation, oh yes, I did. The Golf R loves the open tarmac. I woke up early the next day and hit the road. I needed to get out of our pothole-riddled area to somewhere decent where (wo)man and car can be one without swerving like a drunkard.
Exterior Design:
At first glance, the Golf 8 R looks like a softy but on close inspection, it gives that subtle intimating demeanor. This formula works given how young and old react to the car. The Golf R reigns supreme as the model range’s most powerful hatch to date. More powerful, more dynamic, more efficient, more closely integrated, and more digital; these are the characteristics of the new Golf R, the dynamic flagship of the eighth Golf generation.
Drivetrain:
According to Volkswagen SA, the new Golf 8 R’s drive technology tops everything that has been launched in the Golf model range up until now. The corresponding drive output is generated by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine driving through all four wheels. The new Golf 8 R accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds(VW claim figure). The top speed is 250 km/h. The Golf 8 R impresses with the combination of 400Nm of torque.
The new all-wheel-drive system and high-tech running gear merge to create a host of innovations whilst offering maximum agility and driving pleasure. The 4MOTION system with R-Performance Torque. New rear final drive distributes the power of the turbocharged petrol engine in the Golf 8 R. As a world first, according to VW, the all-wheel drive is also networked via a Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) with other running gear systems such as the electronic differential locks (XDS) and adaptive chassis control DCC. Thanks to this close integration of the different systems, the new Golf 8 R offers optimum traction control and neutral handling with the utmost level of precision. The Golf 8 R is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard. Fuel consumption is 7.8l/100km.
Technology:
Standard features in the new Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging, a panoramic sunroof, Keyless Entry with safelock and an electric tailgate and luggage compartment, a ‘Discover Pro’ system with satellite navigation, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package including high-beam control light assist, Nappa leather seats as well as a choice of three exterior colours (Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl).
Pricing:
Volkswagen will start the sale of its most powerful hatch, the Golf 8 R, in the local market.
“Production constraints and parts shortages severely derailed our launch plans, but we are excited to finally extend the performance range in South Africa with the introduction of the new Golf 8 R. The Golf 8 R joins the Golf GTI and the Tiguan R as Volkswagen’s performance derivatives in the South African market,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand
Golf R 2.0 TSI 235kW DSG® R912 800
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