Volkswagen is expected to introduce the updated Golf GTI to the southern African market in the last quarter of 2025, marking the arrival of the latest evolution of the world’s most iconic hot hatch. The Limited Edition launch model is expected to retail for over N$900 000. 

From urban streets to coastal highways, no other hot hatch has captured the heart of southern Africa quite like the Golf GTI. With a fanbase that stretches across the globe and well over 2.3 million units sold, the GTI remains the original and undisputed icon of its class. Now, the legend evolves once more: the new Golf GTI arrives with more power than ever before, its output increasing from 180kW to 195kW.

Specific details of the GTI have been enhanced. A core characteristic of the Golf GTI is the outstanding performance of its running gear, with standard features such as the electronic front-axle differential lock and progressive steering. Volkswagen has further refined the setup to deliver an even more precise and dynamic driving experience.

The exterior of the new Golf GTI has been sharpened to enhance its iconic character. It now comes equipped with newly developed LED Plus headlights, designed with a more linear and visually striking appearance. The headlight housings merge seamlessly with the radiator grille emphasising the GTI’s bold stance. A horizontal LED strip in the grille comes as standard, complemented by the signature red line that has been the hallmark of the GTI since 1976. For the first time, the Volkswagen logo at the front is also illuminated, the ‘V‘, ‘W‘ and surrounding circle framed by fine light contours both inside out. Together with the new LED headlights, this creates an unmistakable GTI light signature.

At the rear, the newly developed LED taillight clusters give the Golf GTI a fresh and distinctive signature.

When seen in silhouette, the new Golf GTI is instantly recognisable by the three individual red-on-chrome GTI letters positioned near the A-pillars replacing the narrower badge of its predecessors. As standard, the Golf GTI is equipped. A completely new development is the 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheel, designed exclusively for GTI models.

Volkswagen has completely redesigned the hardware and software of the Golf GTI’s infotainment systems. They are now based on the fourth-generation modular infotainment system (MIB4). Operation has been significantly improved and simplified thanks to brand-new graphics and new structure for the touch display; The infotainment system Discover Pro (with navigation function as standard). The system features a 32.8-cm (12.9-inch) touchscreen. The new tablet-style display is designed to be visually free-standing.

The interior of the Golf GTI features standard premium sport seats with integrated head restraints and Vienna leather. Red decorative GTI stitching on the seats, centre armrest, floor mats, and multifunction steering wheel emphasises the GTI identity. 

A MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear axle form the basic layout of the GTI sports running gear. The GTI also offers individual ESC control to adapt corresponding system interventions to use on racetracks. The model offers superior braking performance: the GTI is equipped with a 17-inch brake system. Four main features of the GTI running gear are progressive steering, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, a front-axle differential lock and the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. All four components have been further developed and adapted to the GTI.