South Africa is one of the biggest Golf GTI markets outside of Europe. The Golf 7 GTI sold over 14 000 units since its launch in South Africa in July 2013. The Golf was also the best-selling model range in the A Hatch segment in South Africa last year with a 29.1% segment share.

The GTI’s formula for success is that its DNA has never changed. It still has a clean design, front-wheel drive, the most agile running gear, a powerful petrol engine and insignia like the red stripe in the radiator grille.

The most digitally advanced Golf GTI has been given 11 kW more power than its predecessor. The 2-litre-turbocharged engine now develops 180 kW with a torque peak of 370 Nm. The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0 – 100 km/h sprint.

This is the first generation of Golf GTI to have a completely digitalised interior landscape of displays and controls. The digital displays of the standard InnoVision cockpit and infotainment system start up as soon as the doors are opened.

The interior is optimised through the standard InnoVision Cockpit (digital display) which is 10.25 inches wide. The conventional controls for the headlights as well as fog lights have been changed to a digital panel.

Ambient lighting is also a standard feature, which gives drivers 30 interior colours to choose from. The Golf 8 GTI will be the second model in the Volkswagen range that comes with the optional Harmon Kardon sound system with a 12-channel amplifier with 480 W output as well as eight speakers, one centre speaker and a subwoofer.

The new Golf GTI will be available in three solid paint exterior colours (Pure White, Urano Grey and Moonstone Grey), four metallic colours (Dolphin Grey, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red and Reflex Silver) and two pearlescent colours (Deep Black Pearl and Oryx White Pearl).

• Price:

VW Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 180 kW DSG® (R669 300).

• Competitors:

Hyundai i30 N, BMW 128ti and the Mini John Cooper Works.