WeeklySA_AdminGOLF GTI 8.5: The facelifted high-performance hot-hatch from VW is an improvement of its predecessor and is offered with bloated luxury equipment and bucket loads of snob appeal
By Ali Mphaki
The reputation of a hot-hatch is like a shadow. It sometimes follows and sometimes precedes. It is sometimes longer and sometimes shorter than its size, to corrupt a French proverb.
Not surprising therefore that any new VW Golf GTI is so eagerly awaited that its status upon arrival is guaranteed.
It’s a journey that started more than 50 years ago when the first breed water-cooled, front-engine VW Golf broke cover to an unsuspecting motoring world in 1974.
With its sheer appeal, excellence or exclusivity, it became instantly memorable and desirable from first sightings.
At the time the group’s sole cash cow was the VW Beetle and sales were flagging.
Buyers had also begun to tire of the noisy and tortoise-paced Hitler-inspired People’s Car and the Golf was a “salvation”.
To this day purists still rave about the first breed 1800cc MKI as the best from the Wolfsburg, Germany-based stable.
A lot of oil has spilled – pre and post ‘’dieselgate’’ – and we now in the high-tech era of the facelifted generation eight model launched in 2021 which earns itself the Golf 8.5 moniker.
It’s no secret that the GTI 8 was not well received even though an impressive car in general.
Some felt VW had somewhat dropped the ball basing their criticism on the highly drive-able and desirable front-wheel-drive GTI 7.5.
As if responding to enthusiasts’ cries, the new GTI 8,5 has been updated with a few tweaks to the styling and comes with more power.
There’s a new front bumper and redesigned LED Plus headlights, updated rear tail-lights and an illuminated upper grille strip which features an illuminated VW logo, exclusive to the GTI for now.
The front is also endowed with new 10-spot fog lamp design and the new headlamps can illuminate up to 500 metres ahead. It runs on gorgeous 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels.
Keyless entry leads into a minimalistic cabin dominated by an upgraded 12.9-inch screen with an upgraded software to improve user experience.
Noticeable is the return of buttons on the steering wheel to replace the haptic controls which were a source of distraction involuntarily changing radio stations, volume, etc.
Interior comforts as standard include heated front sports seats with adjustable lumbar, 3-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor, auto emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring.
It also comes with a new centre airbag, rear cross traffic alert, and oncoming vehicle braking.
Options include a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker 480w Harman Kardon audio system, 360 degrees camera, plus Vienna Leather upholstery with heating and ventilation.
If the only way to enjoy the fastest and most powerful standard GTI in history is by putting it on the road, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine under the bonnet of the GTI 8.5 is anything but FUN.
The seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox four-cylinder motto has been pumped to 195kW at 6500rpm (up from 180kW) and for the first time VW can claim a sub-six second 0.100km/h in 5.9 seconds, giving you enough power when you need it. Top speed has been limited to 250km/h.
As a daily companion every trip on the GTI 8.5 tends to be an occasion.
It goes about its work effortlessly and with its immediate throttle response offers a comfortable ride in a firmer suspension.
Guaranteed are oohs and ahhs from onlookers and other motorists alike who are further intoxicated by its eargasmic exhaust note ala a subdued Vrrr-pha.
Fuel consumption depends on your driving habits but with a more spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode, can be a bit thirsty hovering around 13l per 100km/h.
As an overall package, the 8.5 is more polished and seem ready to take on the likes of closest rival the Honda Type R which is priced above the R1-m mark.
From whichever way you look at it the 8.5 is a unique blend of lifestyle and performance and as it gets bigger, better and faster its immortal desirability is enhanced.
At R900 plus and with a three-year warranty it makes a good case for itself.
I want one.
