Early in 2019, we brought you the story (below) on a motorsport-inspired Golf called the GTI TCR. At the time we were uncertain that the track-biased model would be coming to SA. VW SA has just confirmed that 300 units will be heading to local dealers. They will all be five-door derivatives, not the three-door versions (pictured), which is an option in other markets. If you are keen to own one, don’t expect much change from R700 000. Read the full spec of the GTI TCR below.

Last year we brought you a story on a special Golf GTI that Volkswagen created for the annual gathering of VW Group enthusiasts in Austria, known as Worthersee-treffen. At the time VW didn’t commit to calling it a production reality, but this week they did. Say hello to the VW Golf GTI TCR. The name is derived from the racing car of the same name, which is a two-time overall winner of the international TCR racing series.

Most powerful

The Golf GTI TCR is the most recent evolution of the company’s famous GTI badge. It is also the most powerful GTI model on sale at the moment, and in all likelihood, it is the final iteration of the GTI we’re like to see before the Golf 8 appears.

This apex model is powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged inline-four, like all other current performance Golfs. In this guise the motor produces 213 kW, coupled with peak torque of 380 N.m. Power is delivered to just the front wheels via a 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 limited to 250 km/h, though it can be lifted by 10 km/h if you’d like extra bragging rights.

Fully-loaded

Standard equipment on the Golf GTI TCR includes a front-axle differential lock, perforated brake discs, a drive selector with multiple modes, bucket front seats with seat belts with red edging along with a sports steering wheel. In racecar-style, the leather-wrapped wheel has a red marker at the 12 o’clock position.

Externally the new Golf GTI TCR is differentiated by standard 18-inch forged wheels, black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, a front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear. When you order your Golf GTI TCR new you can also opt for a new honeycomb decor foil for the side panels, carbon door mirror caps, a black painted roof, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels.