Volkswagen SA has confirmed specifications for the all-new Golf 8 GTI, which touches down in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2021. Here's what on offer.

The 8th generation of the iconic hatchback will be hitting showrooms in the 2nd quarter of 2021. We were meant to have a taste in Austria in 2020, but Covid-19 ended those plans, so you can say the Cars.co.za team is eager to see what the new model is all about.

With over 14 252 sales of the current generation in SA alone, it's easy to see why the GTI 7 and 7.5 have been popular. Blending performance, premium features and practicality into one stylish package, the GTI may not have been the fastest and most enthralling to drive, but it did more things right than its competitors.

The all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces more power. Outputs of 180 kW and 370 Nm are quoted, and this is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Performance is brisk, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 6.4 seconds. There'll be just one derivative on sale and standard features include;18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, Lights and Vision Package including high-beam control light assist, Climatronic air conditioning, heated leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with touch control and shifting paddles, GTI Vienna leather seats, keyless locking and starting system, Composition Media Radio, multi-colour InnoVision Cockpit, App-Connect, Cruise Control with speed limiter, Park Distance Control, mobile phone interface with inductive charging function as well as 30-colour ambient lighting.

The options list is substantial and we have no doubt customers will be making those ticks. There are things like the panoramic sunroof, mechanically swivelling trailer hitch, IQ Light: LED Matrix Headlights, Black Styling Package with black 18-inch Bergamo alloy wheels, Head-up Display, Adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection, smokers package, 19-inch Adelaide alloy wheels, Harmon Kardon sound system, Discover Pro Radio (Satellite Navigation, USB, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control), Park Assist (parallel parking assistant), Rear Assist with rear view camera, Blind spot monitor (Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist including Electronically Folding Mirrors), Travel Assist (Lane Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control) and Adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

As far as colours go, there are 3 solid exterior hues(Pure White, Urano Grey, and Moonstone Grey), 4 metallics(Dolphin Grey, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red and Reflex Silver) and 2 pearlescent options(Deep Black Pearl and Oryx White Pearl).

Pricing has not been announced, but you get some idea of where the newcomer will be positioned as the current Golf GTI retails forR632700, while it's sportier TCR sibling goes forR689200. With the vehicle earmarked for the 2nd quarter of 2021, there's time to get your finances in order, or are you saving for the Golf 8 R, which should be landing before the end of the year?

The gear selector of the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI

Further Reading

Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI International launch review

245 kW Volkswagen Golf 8 R Plus Coming?

Volkswagen Golf R (2021) International Launch Review