Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed which models will make up the Golf 8 range when the next-generation version of the popular German hatchback arrives on local soil.

The new (already extensively teased) Golf is set to be fully revealed on 24 October 2019.

Speaking to CARmag.co.za, a VW SA representative revealed the local line-up of the eighth-generation hatchback would again include a Golf 1,4 TSI variant (rather than the 1,5 TSI expected to be offered in some other markets), the popular Golf GTI derivative and the range-topping Golf R model.

That suggests no diesel engines – such as the new 2,0 TDI Evo already detailed for Europe – are on the cards (initially, at least) for South Africa. Of course, this makes sense considering SA's outgoing seventh-generation range includes no oil-burners.

While VW SA could not share exact timing for the local launch of the new model (the first units will go on sale in some European markets in December 2019), the company did interestingly confirm the GTI would be the first Golf 8 derivative to arrive in South Africa. That, together with the fact VW SA in August 2019 told CARmag.co.za “the Golf 7 range will be available well into next year [2020]”, suggests local Golf fans are in for a bit of a wait. 

The Wolfsburg-based firm earlier said the new Golf would feature "more digitalisation and connectivity than ever before, packed with innovations and sporting a highly expressive design".

“In the new model, the strengths that have made the Golf a worldwide best-seller have been further perfected. In addition to the new range of efficient engines, further enhanced suspension technology provides a boost in terms of agility," the German firm said in a press statement.

“The new Golf is also a trendsetter in terms of its digitalised and connectivity-oriented interior world, its assisted driving features and its online-based functions and services. Its exterior design is more dynamic than ever before, and yet it is instantly recognisable as a Golf from all sides. On the inside, fresh colours and fabrics define the look of the new compact model, as well as a new digital cockpit.”

The latest Golf will again be produced at the company’s plant in Wolfsburg.

Original article from Car