With the Golf GTI TCR, the normal GTI’s 169 kW shoots up to 213 kW, which is just 15 kW shy of the flagship all-wheel drive’s 228 kW in the Golf R.

VW says the Golf 7 range has sold 40 128 units in South Africa since launch in 2013. Of that, 13 320 (33%) were GTI models. This love affair with the GTI made South Africa one of the top ten GTI markets in the world.

The TCR is derived from the racing car of the same name: the two-time overall winner of the international TCR racing series.

The Golf GTI TCR, will only be available in a 5-door version in
South Africa, like all the other GTI’s here. It is distinguished by the standard black 19-inch Reifnitz alloy wheels, perforated disk brakes, matte black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler, illuminated TCR logos in the front door puddle lights and a diffuser at the rear.

In the interior, Alcantara door inserts and the gear lever, premium Alcantara sport seats with GTI TCR detailing with a new fabric design as well as floor mats with black and red stitching, further accentuate the TCR. Additional features include Climatronic air-conditioning, red ambient light strips and an exclusive sports steering wheel.

The Golf GTI TCR also features standard technology such as Dynamic Chassis Control, including driving profile selection, Active Info Display, Parallel Park Assist and LED headlights.

Customers can choose from the following colours: Pure White, Tornado Red and Pure Grey.

Another exclusive offering, just for the Golf GTI TCR customers in South Africa, will be a unique number that will be placed under the GTI logo at the rear of the car and a personalised ownership certificate.

The Golf GTI TCR, with 6-speed DSG, reaches 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 264 km/h. Torque is 380 Nm.

The 2.0 TSI Golf GTI TCR 213kW DSG will set you back R669 000. With this price and performance, the GTI TCR will go head to head with Renault Megane’s RS range, Cup and Trophy versions, Hyundai i30 N and some models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz with similar performance, but a higher price tag.