This is the moment fans have been waiting for. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has finally confirmed the arrival of the Golf Mk8, a full year after the Golf GTI was teased on its Instagram account.
Two variants have been confirmed for launch – the R-Line and GTI, and the duo will likely be locally assembled models right out of the gate. Our readers have spotted a registered GTI roaming about in Pekan, Pahang, which is home to Volkswagen’s Malaysian assembly plant. Now, the eighth-generation hatch debuted two years ago, so prepping the hatch for CKD is a reasonable explanation for the delay.
Time for a quick recap. The Golf Mk8 sits on the automaker’s MQB Evo platform, with motive power coming from the trusty EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s more powerful than the outgoing GTI Mk7.5, making 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque. For those wondering, that’s a 15 PS and 20 Nm increase, and on par with the Mk7.5 that’s fitted with the Performance Pack.
A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission is expected to be the sole option here, channeling drive to the front wheels. The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 6.2 seconds, and the 1,388-kg hatch will top out at an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100 km.
Under the skin are MacPherson struts at the front, multi-link suspension at the rear, an XDS electronic differential lock and a sports suspension setup that’s 15 mm lower in ride height compared to the standard Golf. New for the Mk8 is Vehicle Dynamics Manager, a control system that coordinates the operation of the differential and the optional DCC adaptive dampers, though it remains to be seen how the GTI will be specced.
The more affordable R-Line variant, on the other hand, could ship with a newer 1.5 litre turbocharged four-potter, as opposed to the long-running 1.4L TSI lump familiar to Malaysians. Of course, you should take this with a pinch of salt, because nothing is confirmed as yet.
This R-Line model should weigh around 1,250 kg, and the 1.5L engine is available in two states of tune – 130 PS/200 Nm and 150 PS/250 Nm. The latter is a likelier option for our market, and it too should come with a seven-speed DSG. In other markets, this engine is only paired with a six-speed manual, so again, only time will reveal its exact specifications.
There’s no word on the top dog Golf R just yet, but you should know that the AWD R packs 320 PS and 420 Nm, doing the century sprint in just 4.7 seconds. This one’s a mighty car that goes toe-to-toe against the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic, and could be attractively priced should it be locally assembled. Drift mode, anyone?
Based on the photos seen on the website, both the Golf R-Line and GTI will get a fully digital instrument cluster, as well as a nice touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The R-Line also looks to be getting the fancy full LED IQ.Light tail lamps, so we encourage you to watch this space for more updates, as usual. For the time being, you may click here to register your interest for the latest Golf. So, who’s excited?
GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8
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Nice
Same money , better buy Honda CTR…
Did you watch the UK car comparisons? The Honda lost out to the VW in all tests.
Way too expensive than Golf
Active safety features this time please, VPCM?
Better to assemble more VW models
At least come with ADAS
Launch ID EV la
This one ain’t on par with the mk7 though. Seen the reviews and many aren’t happy especially with the cheapo interior. You are paying north of 200k but there’s so much hard plastics in the car that you think u are in a Myvi instead of a premium vehicle.
drive half year, keep one year in factory for gearbox repair.
With KD getting 100% SST rebate, I rather buy this any day than Myvi.
Aaaarghhhh what a shame for ICE cars now that the government has announced the zero-duty policy for EVs till 2025. All these ICE cars will not sell well, and I really love the Golf GTI and R since Mk5.
Since the Merc A Class is now limited to the A35 and A45, the Golf R-Line should sell well. Cause we know the GTI sells well, for every generation that has entered the Malaysian market so far.
The problem with ICE cars priced higher than 200k from now till 2025 is that they’re having to compete with a bunch of EVs (currently available or might be available down the road) due to the duty exemption our government is giving EVs till 2025.
Top up a bit can get 330i. I ll go for the 330i, bigger size, better luxury, style, and badge power. Opss chick magnet too. And when race, straight line or bend, BMW win. And no need make so many friend in service center. Lol
230k?
Yer..built from najib town kah..better not buy
Volkswagen never disappoints. You will never go wrong with Volkswagen
How much is the ckd? If it’s still near bmw price then no point
Would it be a stretch to ask for CKD Golf TSi? My dream car
Would’nt even go near a VW car anymore. Owned a Golf R-Line MK7.5, lousy service, overpriced parts, rattling cabin after 1 year and a host of other issues. VW service center only interested in meeting their monthly revenue targets. Stick to Japanese cars. Safer.
No golf alltrack?