Coming standard with the GTI is now a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a heads-up display.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) rings in 2024 by giving the local Golf GTI slightly more kit. This enhanced kit list includes the now-standard upgrade of a 10-speaker 480-watt Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, in addition to a Heads-up Display feature.
Replacing the original 7-speaker unbranded setup, Volkswagen asserts for this premium Harman Kardon audio system to push out an immersive surround sound experience and delivering impressive acoustics. The new head-up display meanwhile projects key information — which includes speed, navigation, and system warnings — in the immediate field of vision of the driver on the windscreen.
As expected with this slight increase with kit however, the Golf GTI does incur a slight increase in price. This Germanic hot hatch currently retails for RM 252,990 in 2024, which is roughly RM 7,000 more than what the pre-refreshed version was commanding.
Launched locally initially back in 2022, this is incidentally to be the second refresh for the Mk8 Golf GTI over here. The previous update brought along with it the iQ. Drive active safety suite, in addition to integrated fog lamps on the outside and a wireless charging pad within.
Powering the refreshed Golf GTI is still to be a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol four pot that is good for 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque. This boosted mill is then paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG transmission that sends power to the front wheels, which is then helped along by an ESC-based XDS electronic differential lock system and Vehicle Dynamics Manager with Dynamic Chassis Control.
Highlighting this hot Golf’s exterior is the signature GTI honeycomb front grille and red accents, which are then complemented by full LED headlamps and 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels. Moving inside, notable bits of kit include a a 10-inch central infotainment system (with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
This updated hot VW is currently supported with 5 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. Bookings and test drive arrangements for this refreshed Golf GTI can currently be made at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide.
VPCM is also kicking off its first Volkswagen Tour for the year on the island of Penang. The Tour will happen between the 4th to 7th of January 2024, at Queensbay Mall. On display during the Tour will be this aforementioned updated Golf GTI, the Arteon R-Line, the Golf R and Tiguan Allspace R-Line. Test drives are also available at the Tour during this period.
