New Volkswagen Golf GTI now open to order - here's how much it costs in South Africa
The new Golf 8.5 GTI is now open for pre-order on VWSA's website.
Image: Jason Woosey
The long-awaited Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI is set to hit South African showrooms in November.
Pre-orders for the facelifted model are now open on the VWSA website, the company announced at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Raceway on Thursday. Just 300 units are set to reach our shores before year-end at a price of R908,000.
Although this represents a premium over the outgoing model, which started at R853,400, the new version does come fully loaded, with items such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, Discover Media navigation system, and 19-inch 'Queensland' alloy wheels being standard features.
This package, with no options available, is the only way VWSA could get to the new model to our shores before year-end, a company representative told IOL. Other variations, possibly with fewer options at a lower price, could come to market later in 2026.
The new Golf GTI will be shown locally for the first time at the Festival of Motoring this weekend.
Image: Supplied
The facelifted Golf ‘8.5’ GTI receives a significant power boost, with the EA 888 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine now producing 195kW, which is an improvement of 15kW over the current version, while peak torque remains at 370Nm.
The 0-100km/h time is now listed at 5.9 seconds, down from the current version’s 6.4 seconds, while the top speed remains electronically limited to 250km/h.
The Golf 8.5 receives a fresh exterior look, complete with new LED headlights and taillights as well as a redesigned front bumper, while the ‘performance’ headlight option also illuminates the grille strip and VW badge.
Volkswagen claims to have significantly improved the user-friendliness of the completely redesigned infotainment system, which features all-new software and graphics as well as a fresh menu structure for the 12.9-inch screen fitted as standard to the GTI.
Upgraded interior of the new Golf GTI.
Image: Supplied
The GTI’s cabin is distinguished by a multi-function sports steering wheel, red stitching throughout, and premium sports seats. What’s more, genuine carbon fibre interior trim details can be optionally added for the first time.
The facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTI was first revealed internationally in January 2024, but it has been delayed due to fuel quality concerns. However, it appears that the latest tests have produced positive results, and the vehicle is expected to reach our shores before the end of 2025.
IOL Motoring