In a shock transfer, Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles Malaysia (VPCM) has given the media a preview of the Volkswagen Golf Mk8. The backdrop you see right here is the paddy fields of Sekinchan, an uncommon location for a media gathering. This was coming, as VPCM opened registration of interest for the Mk8 Golf and teased it earlier this month, simply that we didn’t count on it right this moment.
Now we have right here the eighth technology Golf in two flavours – the R-Line in white and the long-lasting GTI in purple. Each shall be launched within the first quarter of 2022 (which is simply across the nook) in CKD domestically assembled type. Whereas CKD Volkswagens rolling out of Pekan aren’t a brand new factor – having started in 2011 with the B7 Passat – that is the primary time that the Golf is being assembled right here. It’s a giant deal, particularly for the GTI, which was solely ever made in Germany and China.
Some are already licking their lips on the prospect of lowered CKD costs, however we now have no indication from VPCM, for now. The CBU Golf Mk7.5 was launched in 2019; then, the 1.4 TSI R-Line went for RM166,990 whereas the GTI was priced at RM239,990.
To the vehicles. We don’t have a spec sheet, or any official data for that matter, however we’ll attempt our greatest through eyesight and questions. This publish is concerning the GTI – there’s a separate piece on the R-Line.
The eighth iteration of the recent hatch that began all of it continues to be powered by an EA888 2.0L TSI engine, now making 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque. That’s a rise of 15 PS and 20 Nm from the common Mk7.5 GTI, and on par with the Efficiency Pack model of that automobile. A six-speed handbook is an choice elsewhere, however we get the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission sending energy to the entrance wheels.
The R-Line’s 1.4L TSI engine makes 150 PS and 250 Nm, so the GTI is clearly a giant step up within the Golf efficiency ladder – that step is 95 PS and 120 Nm in top, and with the faster DSG gearbox too. The new hatch completes the 0-100 km/h dash in 6.4 seconds (similar as our Mk7.5 GTI) and prime pace is 250 km/h.
Below the pores and skin are MacPherson struts on the entrance, multilink suspension on the rear, an XDS digital differential lock and a sports activities suspension setup that’s 15 mm decrease in journey top in comparison with the usual Golf. New for the Mk8 is a Car Dynamics Supervisor management system that coordinates the operation of the XDS and the non-obligatory DCC adaptive dampers. Larger brake discs with purple calipers, too.
As for equipment, the GTI will get the IQ.Mild system (LED headlamps with a light-weight and sight bundle, although curiously with out the same old purple strip) in addition to a set of 18-inch “Richmond” alloys. GTI-specific touches embrace the trademark purple strip on the grille and a honeycomb mesh for the decrease grille – sadly with out the five-point LED fog lights obtainable in different markets.
The GTI is as understated as efficiency hatchbacks come – additionally as a result of our vary begins from the R-Line, which the GTI look builds on – however you’ll be able to simply spot one from the dual chrome exhaust pipes (in contrast to the R-Line, these are actual, one on all sides), a barely extra angular rear wing and the rear GTI badge, which replaces the central Golf badge under the VW emblem.
Contained in the Mk8’s newly minimalist cabin, you’ll discover perforated leather-based sport seats (tartan is cool, however leather-based is what consumers of a RM200k automobile count on right here), a completely digital instrument cluster (with GTI-specific purple gauges) and the newest MIB3-powered touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s all very trendy and digital in right here – the one knob you’ll discover is for the wing mirrors; the lighting controls and cluster between the central AC vents are contact delicate. The buttons on the steering are additionally capacitive.
Like the outside, there aren’t GTI-only cues in all places you look within the cabin, however there’s a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel with a purple accent and GTI emblem. As you’d count on, the inside theme is all-black, together with the pillars and headlining. Pink piping and stitching might be discovered on the seats, however not the steering. Gear knob? There isn’t a lot of a gear knob to wrap within the Mk8, only a small protrusion on the sloping centre console. There’s additionally some honeycomb trim on the dashboard, which is a pleasant sporty contact.
When it comes to security, the GTI will get the same old six airbags, ABS and ESP. Nevertheless, it doesn’t include any driver help tech like autonomous emergency braking (AEB). VPCM mentioned mentioned that it’s working to carry ADAS to its vehicles, however evidently it hasn’t made it to the Golf. One factor of be aware is that there are Isofix factors on the entrance passenger seat, not simply the rear seats.
VPCM says that CKD domestically assembled Golf Mk8 vary shall be launched subsequent yr, likely within the first quarter. No value but, however the CBU Mk7.5 GTI had a 2019 launch value of RM239,990, so you can begin guessing from there. So, what do you consider the newest Golf GTI?
