After much speculation regarding whether the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI would make its way to South African shores, we can confirm that the ever-popular "vrrr-phaaa" will indeed be coming to Mzansi in 2025! But that's not all!
As confirmed by a representative of Volkswagen South Africa, we understand that two models are currently confirmed for the local market: the much-loved Golf 8.5 GTI and a 'normal' Golf 8.5 1.4TSI. To remind you, South Africa currently only gets the Golf 8 GTI and R models, so the news of the standard model returning will surely be well-received by many locals.
Regarding timelines, we expect both facelifted models to arrive as soon as March 2025. At the time of writing this article (October 2024), there are no indications of local pricing and specifications. However, if history is anything to go by, we can speculate that the Golf 8.5 GTI won't be priced too far off from the current Golf 8 GTI, which currently starts from R828,400. As for the Golf 8.5, only time will tell.
In case you didn't know, the nip and tucked Golf 8.5 GTI has received several styling updates, including an updated front bumper with redesigned LED headlights. The VW logo is now, for the first time, illuminated. A new alloy wheel design is now also available, with five distinctive oval semi-circles that evoke the classic Detroit wheel that was first introduced for the fifth-generation Golf GTI.
At the rear, the Golf 8.5 GTI receives revised 3D LED taillamps with dynamic indicating function available as an optional extra. The infotainment system allows drivers to select three different "Goodbye" and "Welcome" LED sequences.
Inside, VW lovers will be pleased to learn that the multi-functional steering wheel has been revised to include physical buttons instead of the touch-sensitive ones previously found.
The digital driver's instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen have been updated and given a new look, physically and in terms of software. The 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen in tablet style is the main focus and includes illuminated touch sliders for the volume and temperature controls.
As for the technical details, the Golf 8.5 GTI will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, but it now produces more power - 195kW and 370Nm of torque. Power will be sent to the front wheels via a self-shifting DSG transmission. The standard Golf 8.5 will be powered by the familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sending power to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
