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When the Volkswagen Golf 7 made its appearance in South Africa seven years ago, one almost knew that the car would garner massive successes.
And why wouldn't it, given that the Golf has become so synonymous with South Africa and its people. The current generation, including the facelifted '7.5', has sold in access of 40 000 units, of which 13 230 (33%) were GTI models. 33%!
That's a significant number, which underlines why Volkswagen Global rates our market so highly. When a special model is produced – either in the last seven years or over the Golf's entire existence - a select number of units have to come our way.
Remember the Clubsport and uber-limited Clubsport S? The two most recent special-edition models that were simply brilliant; almost beyond comprehension.
What do you think of the GTI TCR edition? Would you go for it or hold out for the Golf 8? Email us your thoughts.
These were followed up by the 7.5 GTI, which will be replaced later this year by the all-new Golf 8 GTI. But not before Volkswagen has one final say on the matter.
2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Image: QuickPic
GTI TCR explained
As a final hoorah and send-off for the current GTI model, Volkswagen announced in 2019 that it would bring a TCR version of its GTI to market. TCR, you ask? Well, yes. The GTI TCR is an ode to the Touring Car Racing championship VW competes in with its GTI. And while there are various codes under the TCR banner, the GTI has won the International version on two occasions.
It only makes sense, then, that the automaker signs off on the Golf 7.5 GTI with a TCR model. It's a merger of the successes achieved both on track and the public road. For obvious reasons, the production version of the GTI TCR can't run around with a race-purpose body kit and race-ready drivetrain. Still, the car sees enough alterations over the standard model to accompany the swansong.
READ: Volkswagen's modus operandi - All the new passenger vehicles scheduled for SA in 2020
Available in a five-door configuration only, the GTI TCR boasts with 19-inch alloy wheels, matte black side mirror caps, a front splitter, a TCR roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser. And before you get inside, the TCR logo is projected onto the road when the front doors are opened. This should be especially cool at night.
To make the interior more special than the standard GTI's, Alcantara inserts are found on the gear lever and door inserts, and the sports seats are covered in premium Alcantara with 'GTI TCR' detailing embroidered onto it. Even the black floor mats have red stitching!
Volkswagen South Africa noted that the list of standard features is so comprehensive, that the only option customers really have is to choose between the exterior colours: Pure White, Tornado Red, and Pure Grey.
2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Image: QuickPic
One of 300
At the 2019 South African Festival of Motoring, VWSA had a GTI TCR at its stand. The automaker announced then that only 300 units (three for the press) would make their way to South Africa, but technical details on the South African consignment were heavily guarded.
Now, however, the automaker has confirmed that the GTI TCR will make use of the standard GTI's 2.0-litre petrol engine, but power outputs see a massive increase in this iteration.
213kW and 380Nm are generated by the turbocharged motor, with the torque available in a wide ban between 1950 - 5300rpm. Top speed also sees an increase from 250km/h to 264km/h, while the 0-100km/h sprint needs just 5.6 seconds to be completed
READ: Special edition Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR confirmed for SA
To make the ownership experience that much more special, an 'exclusive to SA' feature is that the local arm will put the GTI TCR's unique number under the GTI logo at the rear of the car, as well as give buyers a personalised ownership certificate.
Come May 20, the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR will be available to order from R669 000, with the first deliveries expected to happen as soon as it's safe to do so.
The Golf GTI TCR comes standard with a three-year/120 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km Volkswagen Service Plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.
