The new Volkswagen Golf R and GTD are launching in South Africa this week and we have specification andpricing for these performance products.

Earlier this year the facelifted Volkswagen Golf range was launched in South Africa, but there were 2 derivatives missing from the lineup, the flagship Golf R and the new performer Golf GTD. These derivatives are launching in South Africa this week and we will be driving them.

The Volkswagen Golf GTD comes to market with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. With outputs of 130 kW and 350 Nm, it's not going to be as brisk as the petrol GTI, but it will deliver comfort and incredible fuel efficiency. We drove it on the international launch in Spain at the start of this year and we came away rather impressed with the refinement from this turbodiesel performance hatchback.

The popular Volkswagen Golf R has also been facelifted and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with 213 kW and 380 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via a DSG transmission. It is claimed to complete the 0-100 kph run in just 4.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest accelerating hatchbacks in SA.

Standard features

The faceliftedGolf R features revised bumpers and newly designed LED headlights and tailights while the redesigned mirror caps are offered in Chrome Matt or optional Carbon. Various 19-inch wheel options are available includingstandard 19-inch "Spielberg" alloys or optional 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels in grey metallic.

On the inside, customers can equip the Golf R with the new 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with gesture control. Volkswagen's Active Info Display is fitted as standard along with other features such as a panoramic sunroof and drive profile selection including Sport HMI which shows engine parameters on the infotainment screen. Adaptive chassis control is offered as an option for both the Golf R and Golf GTD.

The Golf R can be had in colours such asnew Turmeric Yellow Metallic and the classic Lapiz Blue Metallic paint finish, but excluding Dark Iron Blue Metallic and Tungsten Silver Metallic.

The Golf GTD, although similar to the Golf R in terms of styling, is diffrentiated with a chrome strip that extends to the headlights. Dual chrome tailpipes are seen at the rear and the Golf GTD rides on 18-inch "Sevilla" alloy wheels as standard. Other key features on the GTD include additional air inlets in the front bumper, honeycomb inlet screens, roof spoiler and LED headlights.

Colour choice for the Golf GTD includeTornado Red, Pure White, Dark Iron Blue Metallic, Atlantic Blue Metallic, White Silver Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, Tungsten Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Price in South Africa

Watch our Video Review of the Golf GTI:

Further reading:

Read a first drive of the GTD and GTI here

Volkswagen Golf Facelift Revealed [with Video]

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S (2016) First Drive

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport (2016) Video Review

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport (2016) Review

Is The Golf Segment Dying?

Comparative Review: Opel Astra vs Volkswagen Golf 7

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