Pricing and specification details for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Jacara Edition have appears on VWSA’s local configurator. Here’s the lowdown on this model.

The main difference between the GTI Jacara Edition and the standard Golf GTI can be found in the seating arrangement. The standard model Golf GTI comes with leather Vienna sports seats that offer heating functionality and electronic adjustment. The Jacara features fabric seats of the same name.

Why would Volkswagen offer this model? Right now, Volkswagen Group (and many other brands) are battling with component shortages across the value chain. One of the critical shortages that has emerged of late is in the trim and upholstery department. There simply isn’t enough leather around to make Vienna seats for customers.

There are also major supply issues affecting the Golf GTI, so to help ease waiting times for vehicles, Volkswagen SA has ordered the Jacara fabric trim for its seats. These particular seats lose their heating functionality.

Much like the standard Volkswagen Golf GTI, the GTI Jacara Edition still comes with an array of standard features, with the options including things like an uprated Harman Kardon audio system, bigger wheels, and the safety equipment which falls under the IQ banner. Some standard equipment highlights:

8.25-inch Composition Media Radio18-inch Richmond Alloy WheelsInnovision cockpitSeat trim covers in Jacara fabricLED headlightsAdaptive Chassis Control DCCAmbient lighting, exterior illuminated styling elements at the sides and in the front

Engine and Performance

Seats aside, its the same Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI as we know it, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol producing 180 kW and 370 Nm. Power reaches the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and Volkswagen claims a 0-100 kph time of just 6.4 seconds.

How much does the Golf GTI Jacara Edition cost in South Africa?

Due to the lack of leather seats and seat heating functionality, the Jacara Edition comes in a bit cheaper than its standard counterpart. The GTI comes with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km EasyDrive service plan.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Jacara Edition R716500

Volkswagen Golf GTI R733200

Further Reading

Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI vs Hyundai I30 N DCT – Which is the better buy?

Volkswagen Golf 8 Launch Review + Video