Since the Golf R’s launch in South Africa in 2007, it has sold close to 6 000 units. The new Volkswagen Golf R is said to be the most powerful hatchback that the group has launched to date.

The new Golf 8 R’s drive technology tops everything that has been launched in the Golf model range up until now with a 2-litre four-cylinder engine with 400 Nm and a 0-100 time of just 4.8 seconds.

The Golf has a 4MOTION system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring and it has a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).

Standard features in the new Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging, panoramic sunroof, Keyless Entry with safe lock and an electric tailgate and luggage compartment, ‘Discover Pro’ system with satellite navigation, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package including high- beam control light assist, Nappa leather seats as well as a choice of three exterior colours (Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl).

Hot on the heels of the Golf R is the new Tiguan R, touted as Volkswagen SA’s most powerful SUV.

With a power output of 235 kW and 400 Nm, the Tiguan R accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Featuring a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, the Tiguan R has a top speed of 250 km/h.

The extended technical Tiguan R equipment includes a powerful 18-inch brake system with blue brake callipers (with the R logo at the front), a DCC chassis (with adaptively controlled shock absorbers) lowered by 10 mm and a driving profile selection enhanced for the Tiguan R with an additional R profile.

This sporty mode can be activated by means of a blue R button on the new multi-function sports steering wheel. This is also equipped with separate large paddles for manual control of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

• Pricing for the new Tiguan R and Golf R will be confirmed closer to the launch date in October 2022 and early 2023, respectively.