Hang on for a moment Golf GTI because the most powerful Golf yet, is now locally available and it is not a GTI.
Share with friends
Volkswagen’s Golf 8 R hit the local market and will take the top spot in the Golf range, which consists of only two GTI models and now a third model with the arrival of the Golf R.
The manufacturer says production constraints and parts shortages severely derailed plans for the local launch, but the performance range of R vehicles in South Africa will now be extended with the introduction of the new Golf 8 R.
What’s new?
Since the Golf R’s first launch in South Africa in 2007, the hatch has sold close to 6 000 units. The new Golf 8 R’s drive technology tops everything that has been launched in the Golf model range thus far.
At the heart of the new Golf 8 R is the 2-litre 4-cylinder EA 888 engine. The new Golf 8 R accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h. The Golf 8 R impresses with the combination of 235 kW and torque of 400 Nm plus an all-wheel drive system.
Standard features in the Volkswagen Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with safelock, a ‘Discover Pro’ navigation system, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control, including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package, including light assist, Nappa leather R sport seats as well as a choice of three exterior colours (Pure White, Lapiz Blue metallic and Deep Black Pearl).
Optional features in the Volkswagen Golf 8 R include among others, Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon sound system, Parallel Park Assist, a rear-view camera, Blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking System as well as the Black Performance Package (which includes drift mode, an increased top speed of 270 km/h and black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels).
China's BYD has officially dethroned Tesla as the world's top electric vehicle seller, marking a watershed moment in the automotive industry's electric revolution. The changing of the guard reflects a fundamental realignment of global EV power dynamics.
South Africa’s electric vehicle landscape is shifting rapidly as government policy, global market pressure and local investment begin to align. Yet a clear divide remains between the slow uptake of fully electric vehicles (EVs) and the stronger growth in hybrids, reflecting the realities of affordability and infrastructure.
Lepas, part of the global Chery Group, will officially enter the South African market in February 2026, bringing a new vision of modern automotive elegance with the L4, L6 and flagship L8, the brand says.
BYD has added another model to its line-up in South Africa. This time it is the Sealion 5, which slots in below the larger Sealine 6, which is also available locally.