The last time a brand new Volkswagen Golf GTI went on sale in Malaysia was back in February 2017 and this was the last batch of the Mk7 Golf GTI and its selling price was a friendly RM235,000.
It had the familiar 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox that provoked a possible 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.
Only a handful arrived full imported and was sold out within a few months despite having a few rivals in the market.
In September last year (2020) we reported that this Golf Mk8 was spotted being driven with test plates around Kuantan, which is very near the Volkswagen Pekan assembly plant.
This hot hatch is long overdue and its arrival in Malaysia comes at a great time as the recent Malaysian budget 2022 included a much needed 6 months’ extension to the SST discount on new cars.
The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was unveiled in February 2020 and it carried a lot of shared cabin technology and features from Audi. This iconic nameplate started in 1976 as the first generation Golf, the Mk1 (we still have in our garage an all original Mk1 GTI) and now 45 years later this hot hatch continues to excite fans from across the globe.
The selling price of this GTI in Britain starts at £33,460 (about RM189,000) for the 6-speed manual-equipped variant, and £34,960 (about RM195,000) with a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG.
So, do not expect its selling price to be near what the Mk5 GTI was sold for 15 years ago, which was RM199.000.
This new GTI delivers 245 PS and 370 Nm on tap from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which allows it to reach 100km/h from a standstill in just 6.2 seconds in its quickest, DSG-equipped version. A top speed of 250km/h is easily reached.
The VW Golf GTI Mk8 brings with it a comprehensive standard equipment package, including styling upgrades, new convenience features and the latest driver assistance systems.
At the front, the Golf GTI gets an illuminated grille strip, as well as LED fog lights in the GTI’s distinctive honeycomb design, with IQ.Light LED matrix headlights completing the light signature. A set of 18-inch ‘Richmond’ alloy wheels gives the GTI a purposeful look from the side.
At the rear, the GTI receives bespoke front and rear bumpers as part of its assertive, sporty look. A roof spoiler also marks out the back, as well as smoked LED tail lights with dynamic turn signals.
On the inside, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s sports seats are clad in a new iteration of the Golf GTI’s distinctive Jacara check cloth, while the sports steering wheel is leather-wrapped and heated, with paddle shifters for the DSG-equipped variant.
The gearshift knob is finished in aluminium, while Black Metal Chrome dash and door panels bring a sleek look to the interior. A keyless entry and start/stop system, 3-Zone climate control and adjustable and foldable door mirrors with built-in puddle lights all also feature as standard.
