During the latter part of last year we brought you news that the latest iteration of the Mk7 GTI, called the TCR would be coming to South Africa (read our original story at this link). Earlier today, via virtual press conference, VW SA announced the Golf GTI TCR is now available to order in South Africa and deliveries will start from July. This will be the last Mk7 GTI version to be launched before the eighth generation GTI is made available locally early in 2021 (more info on the Mk8 GTI at this link).

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Limited edition

To say that the GTI badge is a firm SA favourite is underlined in the model’s sales history. Since the Mk7 was launched locally in 2013, 13 000 of the 40 000 units sold were the high-performance GTI. The popularity of the badge in SA meant that we have been privy to all of the limited-edition versions produced in Germany.

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The Golf GTI TCR will be the latest limited-edition to go on sale in SA. Only 300 units will be available for sale via VW’s dealer network. These cars will be sold exclusively in white, grey and red. These will be differentiated by model-specific 19-inch alloys that cover larger brakes, carbon-fibre mirror caps, and honeycomb decals on the flanks. In the cabin, owners will be treated to different seat coverings with Alcantara bolsters. The same grippy material is used on the steering wheel.

Turbo power

This apex model is powered by VW’s ubiquitous 2,0-litre turbocharged inline-four. In the TCR it has been tuned to deliver 213 kW, coupled with peak torque of 380 N.m available between 1 950 and 5 300 r/min. Power is delivered to just the front wheels via VW’s dual-clutch gearbox. The Golf GTI TCR can sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 5,6 seconds. Top speed is rated as an unrestricted 264 km/h.

Price

The list price is R669 000. This includes a three year/120 000 km warranty, five year/90 000 km Volkswagen service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.