VW Golf 8.5 TSI ‘entry model’ is coming to South Africa

The Volkswagen Golf is set to become more accessible in South Africa with the return of the more humble TSI model for the MK 8.5 range.

Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) has reportedly confirmed to Car Mag that the Golf 8.5 1.4-litre TSI is destined to reach South African shores during the first quarter of 2025.

When the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf first made landfall in South African in 2021, VWSA decided to stick with the performance variants only, starting with the GTI and later launching the R flagship version too.

This was the first time that ‘regular’ versions of the Golf hatchback were not offered in the South Africa market. The previous Golf 7 range, for instance, was offered in 1.0 TSI and 1.4 TSI turbopetrol flavours.

The new Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI is expected to offer outputs of 110kW and 250Nm, as per the Volkswagen T-Roc and Tiguan models in South Africa. The more advanced 1.5 TSI ‘Evo’ engine that’s offered in Europe is still not on the radar for the local market.

The line-up, specifications and pricing for the new Golf 1.4 TSI will be announced at a later date, but it’s almost certain that VWSA will offer it in R-Line trim on the local market, although a lower-spec ‘Life’ derivative could also be on the cards.

The Golf TSI won’t have much competition in South Africa, with the C-segment hatchback market having wilted in recent years as crossovers and SUVs surged in popularity.

Its closest rivals will be the Toyota Corolla hatch 2.0 XR, which is priced at R566 800, as well as the Mazda 3 2.0 Astina, currently listed at R603 700.

The new ‘entry’ Golf will also serve as an alternative to the Audi A3 Sportback, starting at R682 100, as well as the BMW 118 (from R731 395) and Mercedes A200 hatch (from R826 024).

‘Fresh’ from recent upgrades

While Mzansi missed out on the pre-facelift eighth-gen hatchback, the updated Golf 8.5 was launched abroad in early 2024, coinciding with the model’s 50th anniversary.

It came with a host of exterior upgrades, including redesigned front bumpers that differ between model grades, as well as new optional LED Matrix headlights and illuminated grille.

The interior was freshened up too, most notably with a more user-friendly infotainment system, boasting new graphics and menu structure.

It also brought new technologies to the party, including Park Assist Pro with remote parking functionality that allows owners to park in tight spaces using their phones.

The local features list for the Golf 1.4 TSI will, of course, be announced closer to launch. Stay tuned.

Interestingly, the new Golf 8.5 GTI and R models are not yet officially confirmed for the South African market, although they are said to be under consideration. Sales for the current Golf 8 performance models have been moderate thus far.

– IOL Motoring