In the four decades since first launching in South Africa, over 350 000 Golfs have been sold in the country. Since the launch of the seventh generation Golf model range in 2013 the Golf GTI, Golf GTD and Golf R models have made up more than 45% of all Golf sales in South Africa.
Volkswagen is adding more power to the seventh generation Golf R performance derivative by increasing the power output to 228 kW from 213 kW – making it the most powerful Golf ever sold by Volkswagen South Africa.
The seventh generation Golf R continues to be a benchmark for driver assistance systems in the compact class, employing technologies that significantly improve safety. These include the optional Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert as well as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking System.
DESIGN
New exterior design highlights include the optional R Performance Titanium exhaust as well as optional R Performance brakes with brake calipers painted black with the ‘R’ logo. Standard features include the ‘R’ designed bumpers, LED headlights and LED taillights that create a design that gives the Golf R a dynamic look. The tailpipes are placed further out to the sides giving the car a wider appearance. The exterior mirror housing caps come in Matte Chrome or optionally in Carbon. There are also various 19-inch wheel choices – the standard being the “Spielberg” 19-inch alloy wheels or the optional 19-inch “Pretoria” alloy wheels in grey metallic.
As with Golf derivatives, the infotainment systems, such as the
optional 9.2-inch Discover Pro with gesture control are also available in the Golf R.
Standard on the Golf R is the Active Info Display, panoramic sunroof and drive profile selection which includes the Sport Human Machine Interface (HMI) feature. Adaptive chassis control in an optional extra and offers the same feature – Sport HMI. In the Sport profile, the ‘Sport HMI’ of the infotainment system on the centre console shows current engine parameters such as power output and G-forces in play.
The Golf R is offered in the following colours: Tornado Red, Pure White, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect and the classic Lapiz Blue Metallic paint finish.
PERFORMANCE
2.0 TSI with 228kW. The Golf R rockets to 100 km/h in a swift 4.6 seconds thanks to 228 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This gain in dynamics is attributable to an extremely fast-shifting 7-speed DSG and the standard Launch Control feature as well as the overall high engine output.
Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)
2.0 TSI R 228kW DSG R676 000
The Golf R comes standard with a five year or 90 000 km Service Plan, three year or 120 000 km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000 km.
In other motoring related news, Subaru recently introduced a revised MY2019 WRX with safety, tech and performance upgrades.
