Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI makes amends but perfection alludes

· Citizen

It would be fair to say that the eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI didn’t exactly promise on the thrill factor when it launched locally five years ago.

Troubled 8

Following in the wheel tracks of the munch vaunted Mk 7.5, the Mk 8, based on various claims, represented a step back similar to what the Mk 4 had been from the three and two.

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Launched as the only eighth generation Golf derivative due to supposed lacklustre sales of the normal TSI and TDI versions, the Mk 8 felt too grown up and nowhere near as polished as the 7.5.

ALSO READ: Golf GTI 8.5 paves way for Volkswagen’s 2026 product rollout

At the same time, it copped flack for its interior, overly complicated infotainment system, irksome touch sensitive switchgear on the steering wheel and being as driver focused as the 7.5.

Not helped by the ongoing software glitches either, the Mk 8 still proved quick at it clocked a time of 5.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h when tested by Road Test Editor Mark Jones at Gerotek five years ago.

A time that made it seven-tenths-of-a-second faster than the admittedly also less powerful Mk 7.5, the general consensus was that Volkswagen could have done more to avail the “rushed-to-sales” feeling the Mk 8 evoked.

Enter 8.5…

This took a radical redress with the Mk 8.5, which saw the return of the conventional TSI last year.

Described as a huge if not completely perfected improvement, the revisions also promised to the rectify criticisms lobbed at the GTI.

…followed by another delay

Not long after its global reveal in 2024 alongside the standard Mk 8.5, Volkswagen confirmed an indefinite delay due to South Africa’s ever present poor fuel quality.

Attributed to the EA888 Evo4 engine having a particle filter to make it Euro 7 emissions compliant, the part was judged unsuitable for South Africa’s fuel standards.

Changes at the rear are the new darkened light clusters. Picture: Charl Bosch

What’s more, simply removing it for South Africa was out of the question as a result of its design to be part of the 2.0 TSI engine instead of a removable item.

A move that threatened to delay the GTI until 2027, Volkswagen made the surprise reveal of the Mk 8.5 at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year.

With the fuel saga now sorted out, the Mk 8.5 finally went on-sale towards the end of last year in limited numbers of 300 units.

The route

Since the beginning of the year, though, it no longer has a capped production run and as such, was finally provided for the media to drive this week.

Billed as a driving experience instead of a launch, the short drive of just under 200 km from Sandton into the Cradle of Humankind and back, reassured that, similar to the regular Mk 8.5, the changes to the GTI had been worth the wait.

What has changed?

Stylistically, the GTI builds on the changes of the standard Golf 8.5 by including a black honeycomb pattern lower air intake, unique Matrix LED headlights and a first-time illuminated upper grille strip and logo bar.

For South Africa, 19-inch “tele-dial” Queenstown alloy wheels have been standard, while the taillight clusters have been redesigned.

Red GTI badge on the grille remains. Picture: Charl Bosch

Still present is the red GTI strip and badges on the grille, tailgate and now on the front doors.

In total, buyers have a choice of six colours; Pure White, Moonstone Grey Premium, ­Grenadilla Black Metallic, Dolphin Grey Metallic, Anemones Blue Metall Pure and Kings Red Premium Metallic.

Inside

Opening the doors reveals the biggest changes. While the seats from the Mk 8 have been carried over, they are now trimmed in Vienna leather, still with red stitching and red embroidered GTI decals on the front headrests.

Taking matters up a notch, the new 12.9-inch infotainment system features a much simplifier interface and cleaner design than before as result of the MIB4 software.

Substantial if not perfected improvements have taken place inside. Picture: Charl Bosch

While the lack of physical switches still hinders, especially for the dual-zone climate control, the new steering wheel sees the return of proper buttons.

What’s more, the 10.3-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster has been refined, illuminated touch sliders added for the climate control and material quality improved.

Spec sheet

Rationalised on the equipment front, an options list no longer needs ticking as all of the various features are standard from the start.

New 12.9-inch infotainment system is a huge improvement from that of the Mk 8, but still isn’t perfect. Picture: Charl Bosch

Besides those mentioned, the GTI is equipped with:

  • sunroof;
  • ambient lighting;
  • keyless entry;
  • push-button start;
  • eight-speaker sound system;
  • embedded satellite navigation;
  • reverse camera;
  • front and rear parking sensors;
  • Light and Vision Package;
  • Adaptive Cruise Control;
  • Travel Assist;
  • Driver Attention Alert;
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking;
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
  • Side and Front Assist;
  • Exit Warning;
  • Park Assist;
  • Blind Spot Monitor;
  • Lane Assist

Absent, though, most likely to due to prevent its price tag overinflating, is the eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and new Head-Up Display to name a few.

More power, better dynamics

Unsurprisingly, the GTI’s biggest takeaways are its improved dynamics and power uptake of 15 kW over the Mk 8.

Feeling more poised and direct than its predecessor, the dynamic alternations involve a recalibrated Dynamic Chassis Control system, better steering and uprated brakes.

In addition, tweaks have also been made to the electronic XDS differential and to the suspension.

As before, the Dynamic Chassis Control offers four modes; Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual.

The drive

Now producing the same 195kW/370Nm as the European model, the Mk 8.5 feels noticeably livelier and more sorted than its forebearer despite no torque increase having taken place.

While the ride is unsurprisingly still on the firm side, it feels significantly better handling-wise, while also being sharper to respond on turn-in.

Seats are now trimmed in Vienna leather upholstery. Picture: Charl Bosch

Along with its newfound power, the seven-speed DSG gearbox is also snappier and largely devoid of the usual low-speed dual-clutch ‘box drag.

Compared to the Mk 8, the Mk 8.5 GTI will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and top out at 250 km/h.

Its trail by Gerotek is, therefore, awaited with interest once it arrives for the seven-day testing period.

Conclusion

While not still perfect, the improvements have made a considerable difference to the Mk 8.5 Golf GTI.

No longer as “wooden” as the Mk 8, it now feels as close as the Mk 7.5 was to almost the perfect GTI ever made.

Even without any options, its R908 000 asking price will still be the bitterest pill still to swallow considering the Mk 8 had a sticker of R669 300 when it launched.

However, given the cache of the GTI badge, and what it now presents compared to the Mk 8, the “outrageous for a Golf” price will have little bearing on those well healed who will buy it simply to say, “I have a GTI”.

Included in its sticker price is a three-year/120 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan.

NOW READ: Volkswagen Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI asks ‘why want a GTI, R or an SUV?’

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