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VOLKSWAGEN'S RANGE-TOPPING GOLF R AND TIGUAN R ARRIVE IN SA - SORT OF.

Published: 2022-10-03 11:38:28 Last Updated: 2022-10-03 14:15:47

The all-new Volkswagen Golf (8) R and Tiguan R look set to be one of the automaker’s most popular model series, and they’ve finally been released on South African shores. Well, while the Tiguan R is here, those wanting the Golf R still have a long wait ahead of them as it’s only billed to arrive on showroom floors in 2023, maybe. If you cast your mind back, you may remember that the rest of the world had these cars in the beginning of 2021, so while they’re all-new at the same time they’re not. The local release has taken so long that overseas tuning companies have already managed to crack the ECUs to allow proper modifications. There is a bonus to that I guess, local owners will be able to drive straight from the dealership to their preferred tuner. If anyone thinks these cars will remain stock… Those local VW aficionados already know all there is to know about these two models as far as powertrain and drivetrain specs go, but there were questions about local specifications.

The exterior of the Volkswagen Tiguan R in local spec features R-design bumpers, mat chrome mirror covers, a high-gloss black rear diffuser, black wheel housing extensions, 20-inch Misano alloy wheels, the Lights and Vision Package, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear Park Distance Control and its available in six exterior colours. Inside we find premium Nappa leather seats with an ‘R’ logo, a customised Digital Cockpit with an integrated lap timer, a Carbon Grey decorative trim, Discover Pro with satellite navigation, Wireless App-Connect, Voice Control, Keyless Entry with safelock, an electric tailgate and luggage compartment as well as a panoramic sunroof. Technical equipment in the Tiguan R sees fitment of an18-inch brake system with blue calipers, a DCC chassis with adaptively controlled shock absorbers (lowered by 10mm), and various driving modes.

The R logo is deserved, of course, thanks to that turbocharged 2.0-litre that’s rated at 235 kW with 400 Nm and that power is sent to all four wheels via VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system and a 7-speed DSG transmission. This gives the Tig R the ability to jump from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 5.1-seconds and can run on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Optional features available in SA for the Tig R includes a trailer hitch, the IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, an Akrapovič exhaust and some slightly larger 21-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Head-Up display, mobile inductive charging system, Harman Kardon sound system, the Area view camera system with Park Assist and PDC front and rear, lane change assist with side assist, park assist, autonomous emergency braking and also the Trailer Manoeuvring System with Park Assist. Without all these options, the Tiguan R 2.0 TSI 235kW DSG 4MOTION is listed at a cool R999 900. With all the right options chosen, this thing will likely surpass the R1 200 000 mark. It also comes with a 3-year/120 000km warranty, 5-year/ 100 000km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Pricing for the new Volkswagen Golf R, which was likely the most anticipated announcement at this local launch, did not happen. Those who can manage to wait another year without a million Rand car budget burning a hole into their pockets and buying something that’s actually available, still have no idea on final costings.

Take a look at the YouTube video from our fav Mat Watson at carwow where he takes a close look at the 2021 Volkswagen Golf R. Yes, that's right, 2021 because that's when the car came out and so this review was from March 2021 a full NINETEEN months ago. It's quite odd that a VW market as healthy as the one in SA has to wait for these models for so long. Most prospective owners will likely only get their ordered cars in 2024, just in time for a series update - they're gonna love that. The Tiguan R video follows below too, also over a year old. Anyway, here's a decent look at the latest (can't call it new anymore) Golf R: VW Golf R 2021 review: see how quick it really is 0-60mph! | carwow

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Article Tags: VW VWSA SXdrv Golf R Tiguan R South Africa Launch Bit late isn't in? Million Rand Things News