Volkswagen gives us something to be excited about!
With negative sentiment being all we’re bombarded with these days, I was delighted to receive a virtual E-vite to the launch of the new VW Golf TCR.
The Golf GTi TCR is a pin-striped lining in an otherwise dark time in our industry. This month, car sales are down by more than 90%, but things will go back to the new normal at some stage, and for that, we will need cars. Cars like the TCR.
Give South Africa a Gti and we’ll buy it. Over 30 Percent of all Golf 7.5 sold are Gti’s and we all saw how the exclusive Clubsport version instantly became a cult classic.
Any criticism leveled at the Golf Gti is usually because it’s too good! (whatever that means) So with the TCR, is too much of a good thing, well, wonderful?
300 units at just R669 000 each
With just 300 units available of the race-inspired Gti, the TCR is poised to become a classic. The final swansong for the Golf 7 before the Golf 8 arrives later this year. So other than the fact that it is limited, what else is new?
Available in five doors only car comes with 19” alloys, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser. Inside Alcantara, details can be found on the door inserts and gear lever as well as the seats. In true GTi fashion, there is red stitching everywhere and VW has loaded the car with options so all prospective owners need to do is choose one of the three colours. Pure white, Tornado Red or Pure Grey.
More power, of course
With some clever tuning, TCR now makes 213kW and 380Nm. All under warranty. Top speed is increased to 264km/h (yes hot hatches are doing these speeds these days) and 0-100 comes up in just 5.6 seconds. If the iconic Clubsport variants are anything to go by, I’m sure TCR is a pointy composed and darty joy to drive, we’ll be finding out soon as three of the cars are making there way into the press fleet. (Can you hear me rubbing my hands together?)
As South Africa starts to ease restrictions and life very slowly starts to get back to the good old days again, the TCR represents not only one of the first steps of the industry at a semblance of normalcy, but something enthusiasts can look forward to. Should you wait for a Golf 8 which arrives later this year? I would. But for 300 people who want more exclusivity and collectability. At this price, this is the car to get.
TCR comes with a three-year/120 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km Volkswagen Service Plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.
