What We Know About The New Compact Hatchback

What We Know About The New Compact Hatchback

What It Is: The next and eighth generation of the Golf, Volkswagen鈥檚 global best-seller. It comes later than expected鈥擵W project development got sidetracked by the diesel scandal鈥攁nd it represents a relatively small technological step forward from the current Golf Mark 7, which migrated to the MQB platform from the previous model鈥檚 PQ35 bones. The eighth-gen Golf retains the current model鈥檚 proportions, but it will get a front graphic treatment reminiscent of VWs from a few generations back, marking a departure from the current Golf鈥檚 mug. The Golf R will be more dramatically differentiated from the regular lineup than it is today, with a wider body. Why It Matters: The Golf 8 will need to continue generating the nameplate鈥檚 usual large profits, since VW is planning to spend them on the global rollout of electric and electrified vehicles. And the car will need to make gains in efficiency now that the company is slowly weaning itself away from diesel propulsion, a field in which it used to claim leadership. Further, it will need to cater to VW鈥檚 traditional owners and aficionados who love their Golfs, SportWagens, GTIs, and Golf Rs just the way they are. Platform: The upcoming Golf will remain on the MQB transverse-engine platform that underpins today鈥檚 Golf and is shared with a number of VW Group vehicles, including the Audi TT and VW鈥檚 large SUV, the Atlas. The electronic architecture will be updated with improved hardware to facilitate a user interface employing large screens, swiping and gesture-control functions, and a large optional head-up display. Estimated Arrival and Price: The next Golf will be launched in international markets in the fall of 2019; the U.S. 2020 as a 2021 model.

Following the launch of the new Polo earlier this year, Volkswagen has now introduced the new range-topping Polo GTI to market in South Africa. The new locally-built Polo GTI is now available in South Africa and not only does it offer better specification than the model it replaces, but it鈥檚 also a bit cheaper, which should please local buyers. A 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine finds a home in the Polo GTI for the first time. It's a detuned version of the engine found in the Golf GTI. For the first time, the new Polo GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 147 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. In terms of performance, the Polo GTI will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 237 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.9 L/100 km. The driver can select various driving profiles and these include Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual.

The standard Polo GTI features sport suspension as standard but can be optionally equipped with Sport Select suspension with active dampers. An XDS differential lock further enhances traction and cornering ability of the Polo GTI. GTI badging and obligatory red detailing sets the Polo GTI apart from its lesser Polo siblings. The Polo GTI features an independent bumper with a spoiler lip and fog lights while the familiar red GTI stripe seen on the grille runs through into the red winglets of the optional LED headlights. The air intakes have a honeycomb structure and the C-shaped air curtains are finished in high gloss black, further differentiating the Polo GTI from the lesser Polo derivatives. At the rear, a two-piece roof spoiler is fitted as is a rear diffuser finished in high-gloss black with dual chrome tailpipes and LED tail lights. The Polo GTI rides on new 17-inch 鈥楳ilton Keynes鈥?alloy wheels while 18-inch 鈥楤rescia鈥?alloys are offered as an option for the first time.

Red brake calipers are standard. The Polo GTI is available in Pure White, Flash Red, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Reef Blue Metallic. The optional Active Info Display lifts the sportiness of the Polo GTI's interior considerably. The Polo GTI features a customised interior in either black, red, grey and chrome. Titan black accents is used to finish off the interior look. The dashboard panel can be ordered in Deep Iron Metallic or Velvet Red. Typical red GTI stitching is seen on leather multifunction steering wheel, gear lever, floor mats and outer seat surfaces. The sports seats are kitted out in Art Velour upholstery as standard while black leather upholstery with heating function is optionally available. The Polo GTI can also be optionally equipped with Volkswagens鈥?latest Active Info Display. The high-resolution, 10.25-inch display can be adjusted to preference using the 鈥榁iew鈥?button on the steering wheel or further configured via the standard 8.0-inch Composition Media infotainment system. Note that the 8.0-inch radio/CD navigation infotainment system is optional as is a sunroof. The Polo GTI has a minimum of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency braking, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control. Other standard safety features include a driver alert system, automatic post-collision braking system and tyre pressure monitoring system. An optional Advanced Safety Package is also available and includes Parallel Park Assist, Park Distance Control, Rear View camera, Blind Spot Detection and electric folding mirrors. Rear traffic alert is offered in conjunction with blind spot monitoring. The new Polo GTI comes standard with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, 3-year/45 000 km service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.