Volkswagen reveals specs of eagerly awaited Golf 8 GTI

Volkswagen has announced the specifications of the highly awaited eighth-generation Golf GTI ahead of its local launch in the second quarter of this year.

While pricing will only be revealed closer to the yet to be confirmed launch date, the Volkswagen said the GTI will ride on 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels and feature as standard the 10.25-inch Active Info Display instrument cluster, model specific Vienna leather seats, the Light and Vision Package, climate control, keyless entry and a 30 colour ambient lighting system.

Eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI rear.

The extensive options list consists of 18-inch Bergamo or 19-inch Adelaide alloys, Discover Media infotainment system with satellite navigation, Heads-Up Display, Matrix LED headlights, an eight-speaker 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system and Park Assist.

Additional options include a black styling package, Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Chassis Control system, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a reverse camera with front and rear parking sensors.

Interior of the Eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI. Note, image is of the UK market version

Providing motivation, the 2.0 TSI delivers 180kW/370Nm, which Volkswagen claims allows for a top speed of 250km/h and 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Despite a manual gearbox being offered in Europe, South Africans will only be privy to the toggle-switch operated seven-speed DSG.

When it goes on sale, a choice of nine colours will be offered;

• Pure White
• Moonstone Grey
• Urano Grey
• Oryx White Pearl
• Deep Black Pearl
• Reflex Silver Metallic
• Dolphin Grey Metallic
• Kings Red Metallic
• Atlantic Blue Metallic

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