MOTORING NEWS - In the four decades since first launching in South Africa, over 350 000 Golfs have been sold in the country. Since the launch of the seventh generation Golf model range in 2013 the Golf GTI, Golf GTD and Golf R models have made up more than 45% of all Golf sales in South Africa.
Volkswagen is adding more power to the seventh generation Golf R performance derivative by increasing the power output from 213kW to 228kW - making it the most powerful Golf ever sold by Volkswagen South Africa.
The seventh generation Golf R continues to set a benchmark for driver assistance systems in the compact class, employing technologies that significantly improve safety. These include the optional blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, as well as adaptive cruise control with front assist and autonomous emergency braking system.
Design
New exterior design highlights include the optional R Performance titanium exhaust as well as optional R Performance brakes with brake calipers painted black with the 'R' logo.
Standard features include the 'R' designed bumpers, LED headlights and LED taillights designed to give the Golf R a dynamic look. The tailpipes are placed further out to the sides, giving the car a wider appearance. The exterior mirror housing caps come in Matte Chrome or optionally in Carbon.
There are also various 19-inch wheel choices - the standard being the Spielberg 19" alloy wheels or the optional Pretoria 19" alloy wheels in grey metallic.
Infotainment systems, such as the optional 9,2" Discover Pro with gesture control, are also available in the Golf R.
Standard on the Golf R is the active info display, panoramic sunroof and drive profile selection which includes the sport human machine interface (HMI) feature. Adaptive chassis control is an optional extra and offers the same feature - Sport HMI. In the Sport profile, the Sport HMI of the infotainment system on the centre console shows current engine parameters such as power output and G-forces in play.
The Golf R is offered in Tornado Red, Pure White, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Oryx White and the classic Lapiz Blue Metallic paint finish.
Performance
Thanks to the 2,0 TSI with 228kW and 400Nm, the Golf R rockets to 100km in a swift 4,6 seconds. This gain in dynamics is attributable to an extremely fast-shifting 7-speed DSG and the standard Launch Control feature, as well as the overall high engine output. The recommended retail price is R676 000. The Golf R comes standard with a five-year or 90 000km service plan, a three-year or 120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.
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