Launched internationally over a year ago, GTI-crazed South Africans have had to wait patiently for Mzanzi's favourite hot hatch to arrive. Now, VW has announced pricing and local specification.
Competitively priced at R669 300, VW has undercut a number of fierce rivals - including the Hyundai i30N (R699 900) and the Honda Civic Type R (R789 400). Even at that price point, VW has included a raft of standard features, including a heated leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, climate control, leather upholstery, parking sensors and cruise control, among other things.
Furthermore, buyers can opt for a number of optional extras, including bigger 19-inch 'Adelaide' alloy wheels (18-inch 'Richmond alloys are standard), a Harmon Kardon audio system and a number of safety systems - including blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and a parallel parking assistant.
Aside from the various wheel options and styling packs (a black styling pack will be made available), would-be buyers can choose from a wide selection of colours, including two pearlescent options, Oryx White Pearl and Deep Black Pearl.
So, what about performance? The turbopetrol two-litre, four-cylinder EA888 sits under the bonnet, producing a healthy 180 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch 'box, it will sprint to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.
