Who would have thought that a Skype session about the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR would get me so excited? Before I would have demanded I be invited on the launch to drive it (such a diva). But now with d*ckhead Corona around, driving a new car is not possible. Thankfully, the lovely people at Volkswagen realised that us journos were about to lose our minds and so decided on a virtual launch. Here is all the info you need to know about the Golf GTI TCR:
WHAT IS IT?
The Volkswagen Golf GTI has to be one of the most iconic cars in South Africa. There are GTI-loving communities and clubs all over the country. I don’t want to blow my own horn here or anything, but did you know that the first Golf 1 GTI arrived in South Africa the same year I was born. Coincidence? I think not.
In 2013 the Golf 7 GTI arrived and more than 13 000 were sold, making South Africa one of the top 10 markets for Golf GTI worldwide. There have been a few limited edition versions over the years. Most recently would be the Clubsport S which saw 47 sold locally out of the 400 sold globally.
BUT NOW FOR THE TCR
The GTI TCR is the final swansong of the Golf 7 range and customers will be able to place their orders from May. Here’s hoping all 300 arrive, but some should be here by the middle of July…if the Corona sh*itshow subsides. It will be available in three colours; Pure White, Pure Grey and Tornado Red. It will boast a panoramic sunroof, park assist, active info display and We Connect Go.
It will obviously have an exclusive TCR body kit which includes 19-inch “Reifnitz” alloy wheels, performance disc brakes, matte black side mirrors, TCR logos and TCR honeycomb decals along the sides. Inside will boast Velour sport seats, Velour Gear boot and door inserts, and sports steering with red 12Hr mark.
PRICING AND ACCESSORIES
Each customer will get an exclusive TCR keyring, cap and ownership certificate when you buy a GTI TCR. I can’t get Joey from Friends out of my head standing fully kitted out in Porsche apparel. I am not saying you will look like a complete chop, but you will probably will.
Volkswagen GTI TCR: R669 900
PS. We will only the see the Golf 8 arrive in South Africa in 2021, so there is more than enough time to own this first.
