Limited-edition Golf GTI TCR has arrived
We all love the Golf GTI; it’s an icon in the South African motoring landscape. It’s garnered an entire sound that symbolises the GTI performance and distinct noise the double-clutch gearbox makes – ‘Vrrr-pah’.
The Golf GTI TCR will be the final iteration from the Golf 7 line. Consider it a tribute, and the best farewell gift that Volkswagen could give us. The Golf 7 line has been on sale since 2013 (yup, that long). In South Africa 13 230, of the 40 128 units sold, have been GTI models. That’s a conservative average of five Golf GTIs sold every day of the year! Which means we rank in the top 10 markets for Golf GTI sales.
What is the GTI TCR?
The TCR moniker is homage to the TCR Racing Series, which sees 4/5 door production cars, with a few tweaks, racing each other. The Golf GTI TCR has won the international TCR racing series twice. No mean feat when considering the opposition.
The public consumption version, the Golf GTI TCR, arrives fully loaded, the only option box that can be ticked is the colour; Pure White, Tornado Red or Pure Grey.
It’s the same Golf GTI engine we know and love, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit, except it produces 213 kW. That’s 44 kW more than the standard 169 kW. The 6-speed DSG auto box remains, no complaints here, and the top speed is now at 264 km. Nitpickers amongst us may complain that it’s only 14 km more from 44 kW, it’s not about the speed, the 44 kW is about improving the driving dynamics for the Golf GTI TCR.
So, what does R669 000 give the buyer? Well, most obvious is street cred and jealousy of everyone around, there’s only 300 coming to South Africa.
External styling cues include a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch Reifnitz alloy wheels, perforated brake disks, matte-black mirror housings, and everything to make it look fast and mean. There’s the front splitter, sill extensions under the doors, and a bespoke TCR spoiler and diffuser. It’s fitted with puddle lights that’ll project the TCR logo onto the road below when entering or exiting the vehicle.
The interior is Alcantara covered everything. The lovely fabric that is so soft to the touch, it covers the door panels, the gear lever, and the sports seats with GTI TCR detailing. Finishing off the special treatment is a sports-steering wheel, which VW does remarkably well, and ambient light strips that glow red. We’re in lust already.
If the above is not enough to make the Golf GTI TCR stand out from the regular GTIs in the parking lot, there’s the unique number that’ll be placed under the GTI logo at the rear, accompanied by a personalised ownership certificate. Whether you hang that ownership certificate next to the photo of your firstborn is up to you, though we won’t judge you if you do.
Technological toys that are a highlight for the Golf GTI TCR include Dynamic Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Active Info Display (the really nice, digital display for the instrument cluster), parallel park assist, and LED headlights. And the newly rolled out We Connect Go and DataPlug, all the vehicle info that you need in an app.
WATCH: How with WOW – Park Assist
The VW Golf GTI TCR goes on sale in May, so pick up the phone and call any contacts you have at the dealership to get your name on the list, we’re sure it’ll be sold out by close of business on 01 May 2020.
Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)
2.0 TSI Golf GTI TCR 213kW DSG® R669 000
The Golf GTI TCR comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5-year/ 90 000km Volkswagen Service Plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.
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Images: MotorPress