THE LATEST INCARNATION OF THE MK8.5 GOLF HITS SOUTH AFRICAN ROADS WITH NEW TECH, SHARPER STYLING, AND THE RETURN OF REAL BUTTONS
South Africa’s love affair with the Volkswagen Golf dates all the way back to 1978, when the original Mk1 burst onto the scene as a locally assembled, no-nonsense hatch that quickly carved out a legacy for reliability, performance, and everyday practicality. Over the decades, each generation built on that winning formula, from the game-changing Citi Golf to the tech-forward Mk7. And now, the eighth generation is here - updated, refined, and packing the punch of a familiar favourite under the bonnet. When the Golf 8 originally landed in 2021, local fans noticed something missing - the efficient and ever-popular 1.4 TSI engine. That’s now been corrected. With the latest refresh, the 1.4 TSI makes a triumphant return to the lineup, delivering 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque via a smooth-shifting 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. It’ll sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and sip fuel at just 6.3 L/100 km, striking the ideal balance between punch and practicality. From the front, it’s clear the Golf has grown up without losing its edge. The updated design features sleeker lines, a sportier presence, and for the first time ever - an illuminated VW badge. New LED headlights lead the charge, while the top-spec models get Volkswagen’s IQ.LIGHT LED matrix system with a beam range of up to 500 metres. The Golf's evolution continues inside, where tech meets thoughtful design. Across the range, the digital cockpit and infotainment system dominate the dash with a clean, intuitive interface. Wireless App Connect, ambient lighting, and comfort-focused climate control make for a premium experience, no matter the trim.
The new Golf lineup for South Africa includes four well-specced trims: Life, Life Plus, R-Line, and R-Line Plus. Here's a breakdown:
Golf Life – 16-inch Norfolk alloys, Eco LED headlights, 10.3-inch digital cockpit, 10-inch infotainment system, 6 speakers, wireless App Connect, cruise control, and 10-colour ambient lighting.
Golf Life Plus – Adds driver profile selection, a rearview camera, upgraded 30-colour ambient lighting, and Art-Velours sports comfort seats.
Golf R-Line – Things get sporty with 17-inch Coventry alloys, R-Line body styling, R-Line sports seats with integrated headrests, Park Assist, LED Plus headlamps, progressive steering, sports suspension, 3-zone Climatronic climate control, keyless entry, and a heated multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles.
Golf R-Line Plus – At the top of the range, you’ll find 18-inch Leeds alloys, IQ.Matrix LED headlights, an illuminated VW logo, power-adjustable and heated/cooled Vienna leather seats with R-Line logos, stainless steel pedals, and premium touches inside and out.
Pricing (VAT and emissions tax included):
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life – R580,900
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life Plus – R604,500
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line – R660,000
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line Plus – R688,100
All Golf models are backed by Volkswagen’s comprehensive support package: 3-year / 120,000 km warranty, a 5-year / 90,000 km service plan, a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and it has 15,000 km service intervals.
Take a look at the YouTube video with one of the first local reviews of the new entry-level Mk8.5 Golf that's just arrived in SA. Up until now only the range-toppers were available, and now they're not going to continue so these have arrived: FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Volkswagen GOLF 8.5 TSI | Features & Price | Competition | SwitchOff South Africa
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