PODCAST: Golf 8.5 is good enough to justify lofty price tag

After only offering GTI and R derivatives since the Golf 8’s arrival in 2021, Volkswagen South African (VWSA) has reverted to only non-performance derivatives for the newly-launched Golf 8.5.

South Africa’s poor fuel quality does not allow VWSA to bring in the performance models at the moment, leading to the decision that some other derivative is better than no derivative at all.

But what been a hot topic of debate is the Golf 8.5’s starting price of R580 900. This top model comes in at R680 100, with the Golf 8 GTI still on sale for R853 400.

Golf 8.5 makes a Pitstop

In this week’s episode of The Citizen Motoring’s Pitstop podcast we look at what the Golf 8.5 offers for that price. Road test editor Mark Jones experienced the hatchback on a recent launch drive and comes to the conclusion that he’ll fork out that money with a smile.

The Golf 8.5 is offered in four models derivatives; the Life, Life Plus, R-Line and R-Line Plus. They are all powered by the tried and trusted 1.4 TSI turbo petrol engine that produces 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.

What does give the mill a new leash on life is the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission replacing the DSG box from before. According to Jones this is a supersmooth combination.

ALSO READ: VW Golf 8.5 has come a long way in almost half a century

Great fuel economy

VW claims the Golf 8.5 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 216km/h. VW says it will only sip 6.3 litres of petrol per 100km.

Standard specification on the entry-level Life derivatives includes 16 inch alloy wheels, 10.3 inch infotainment system, 10 colour ambient lighting dashboard and 10 inch integrated digital cockpit.

The top-of-the-range R-Line Plus comes with IQ Matrix LED headlights with illuminated VW front logo, heated and cooling front seats, auto high beam, Vienna leather seats with R-Line logo in front, paddles in brushed stainless steel and 18 inch alloy wheels.