Volkswagen Golf makes a comeback with new features and engine

After thrilling the automotive world with its February 2025 premiere at the Volkswagen Indaba in Kariega, the latest iteration of the Volkswagen Golf is now available for sale across South Africa.

This new model continues a storied legacy that began in 1978 when the Mk1 Golf made its debut, quickly capturing the hearts of South African drivers with its remarkable reliability and performance.

Over the decades, the Golf has evolved, consistently appealing to a diverse array of customers. Locally assembled at Volkswagen’s Kariega production plant, the Golf became synonymous with affordability and quality, achieving enduring popularity in the South African market.

The introduction of subsequent generations has only solidified its status, with the fourth generation—launched in 1999—being a notable bestseller. The Golf has continually adapted, incorporating class-leading technology and safety features in its fifth and sixth generations, while the seventh generation, released in 2013, focused on further refinement.

The eighth generation maintains this legacy of excellence, proving to be a pivotal model for Volkswagen in South Africa. Notably, the return of the much-acclaimed 1.4 TSI engine, producing 110kW, marks a significant highlight. This popular engine, absent from the Golf’s 2021 launch in South Africa, is now reintroduced as part of the updated model, signalling a celebration of the Golf’s heritage.

Visually, the new Golf is hard to miss, featuring a striking front end with an illuminated Volkswagen logo and cutting-edge LED headlights, including the top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, which boast an impressive range of up to 500m. The redesign extends to both the front and rear, enhancing the Golf’s contemporary aesthetic.

Available in four distinct equipment lines—Life, Life Plus, R-Line, and R-Line Plus—the Golf caters to varied preferences. The Golf Life serves as the base model, showcasing a perfect blend of style and technology with Eco LED headlights, a 10.3-inch infotainment radio, and a six-speaker audio system, all capped off with 16-inch Norfolk alloy wheels.

Stepping up to the Life Plus derivative introduces additional features such as Driver Profile Selection, a rear-view camera, and ambient lighting options that delight the senses. For those seeking a sportier appearance, the R-Line model offers R-Line seat trim, bespoke bumpers, and an aggressive styling cue with 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels, along with advanced features like Park Assist and Climatronic three-zone climate control.

The R-Line Plus presents an even more luxurious offering, integrating IQ Matrix LED headlights, power adjustable heated front seats, and premium Vienna leather upholstery adorned with the R-Line logo. This range of options ensures that buyers can find a Golf model tailored to their taste.

Under the hood, the new Golf 1.4 TSI is paired with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission, delivering a remarkable torque of 250 Nm between 1500 – 4000 rpm and fuel efficiency of 6.3l/100km. This powertrain enables the Golf to race from 0–100 km/h in an impressive 8.5 seconds, reaffirming its reputation for performance.

Drivers will also find comfort in the standard three-year/120,000 km warranty, a five-year/90,000 km service plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, with service intervals set at 15,000 km—demonstrating Volkswagen’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. With prices starting from R580,900 for the Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life and peaking at R688,100 for the top-of-the-line R-Line Plus, the Golf continues to offer exceptional value for South Africans eager to embrace a blend of style, technology, and performance.