We each have our own unique Golf stories. Mine dates back to 2013 with the arrival of the Mk7 Golf GTI. Keen enthusiast may even recall the advert of the a white 3-door GTI variant drifting on a rooftop parking lot. At a sticker price of R382 800 at launch, it would go on to be the car to adorn my bedroom wall and serve as an everyday reminder to strive towards its ownership one day. Soon thereafter came the Mk7.5 (2017 - priced from R289 900), the Comfortline R-Line being the pick of the bunch. Loved that turmeric yellow paint finish by the way. Avid petrolheads on social media soon dubbed it (unofficially) ‘the best generation of the Golf.’ With the 7.5 generation Golf we also saw the demise of the non-performance variants of the icon. In 2021 came the Golf 8, we loved it, not so much in the way of dreaming to own one given its R669 300 asking price. We went ahead and shot it though regardless. The daddy of the R arrived tires squealing in 2023 and given all the hype that it usually carries with it, we weren’t going to sit by and not go view the 235kW hot hatch in its brilliant Lapiz Blue paint regardless of the R912 800 price. Our variable fuel quality may have forced VW into a decision of erasing non-performance Golfs from the local market in the past, but for 2025, the 1.4TSI engine makes its return to the local car scene. Priced from R580 900, a four-trim grade lineup is now on offer each using the 110kW TSI engine. With their return, this will go down as a motoring moment worth telling down the years and one which I hope marks the beginning for my brother own unique Golf Story. The unit shown is the R-Line priced from R660 000. Full review coming to youtube. #theiconisback #vwgolf #vwgolf2025 #keeponchasing🚗🏃🏽 @VolkswagenSA

‘The Icon Is back!’ - that is @VolkswagenSA tagline to mark the return of the Wolfsburg firms’ best-selling family hatchback. Initially shown to local media at the Volkswagen Indaba back in February held at Kariega (Uitenhage), the launch soon followed and now here it is before us in metal. Let’s get into the details. The last time we received entry-level versions of the Golf was with the Mk7.5, that generation would go on to become the last to follow the traditional nomenclature previously used by Volkswagen. Like its recently introduced siblings, the trim choices have done away with being Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Instead, start familiarising yourself with them being known as Life, Life Plus, R-Line and R-Line Plus. Also note that R-Line is no longer offered as an ‘add-on’ package but a trim level. Pricing starts at R580 900 for the Life and ‘caps out’ at R688 100 for the flagship R-Line Plus. We have here the R-Line coming in at R660 000 before the added extras. Key things to note from an exterior standpoint include new head and taillamps, these are standard, Matrix LED’s can be had at a fee. Also note how the lower bumper has been revised to tuck the updated Golf neatly into the firms model portfolio - think the updated Vivo. Making the headlines as far as exterior updates are concerned is of course the illuminated VW emblem - which we first saw in the firms flagship Touareg (we have a full review to that on YouTube), and the LED strip to complete the front-end look. Inside we see the larger 12.9-inch touch information screen (lesser variants get a 10.3-inch display), R-Line sport seats with electrical seat adjustment and the much-loved by local shoppers panoramic tilt/slide sunroof. The entire Golf range (bar the Mk8 GTI and R iterations) makes use of a 1.4TSI four-cylinder engine producing 110kW and 250Nm. Drive is sent to the front axle through an 8-speed torque converter with a claimed consumption of 7.6L/100km. The cherry on top is that Volkswagen has put a stamp and confirmed that the GTI will soon join the base-Golf towards the end of the year, now we’re sure that these are news GTI-purists will be delighted to hear. We’re soon to revisit our local VW dealer for some quality time with the latest Golf, so be sure to stay tuned for that. #theiconisback #vwgolf #keeponchasing🚗🏃🏽‍♂️

The 12.9-inch mega display features a tablet-style, free-standing television 🖥️. The temperature and volume control touch sliders are said to have been redesigned for improved ergonomics and now feature illumination. The screen is driven by the advanced MIB4 operating platform, and said to offer faster touch and swipe response,we shall explore that when we “live” with the car. Below the infotainment screen is the Island which is house for shortcut function for climatic control, park assistance and to call up driver assistance systems. Below the screen 🖥️ is the USB-C connection points, with centre tunnel which is home for the shift-by-wire button lever, park buttons as well as the start button. #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

Ofcourse with perforated multi-functional flat bottomed leather steering wheel with physical buttons like many latest Volkswagen”s!, with paddle shifters too. Behind the steering wheel is the highly configurable 10.2 inches Digital Cockpit Pro,The driver can use corresponding buttons on the new multifunction steering wheel to set up two different basic graphic configurations (information profiles): Classic with round instruments and Progressive with display tiles. The area between the round instruments or tiles can be assigned freely – for example, with the navigation system’s route guidance or displays from the assist systems. The areas inside the round instruments and tiles can be filled with various information, having lived with the #Golf8GTI I can already notice the graphics and software updates on this latest @VolkswagenSA #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

At the rear-end the highlight is the standard on R-Line Plus optional IQ.LIGHT LED technology with revised 3D LED tail light cluster,whose welcome and goodbye effects can be customised in the vehicle settings (via the infotainment system) with a choice of three different effects. You will notice on the black style package, the Volkswagen Golf” nomenclature will then be in gloss black for the first time in a #Golf . With revised bumpers that are R-Line specific on the R-Line models. #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

#VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

No significant change on the side view however you do get new mag design,the wheel 🛞 mag options run from 16 up to 18 inch!! with the black style package that darkens up the rear windows,turns the mirror couplings gloss black and well as the window seals,gloss black skirting that ties in with the front and rear bumper on R-Line models,with “R-Line” emblem on doors,otherwise keyless entry like before with the “Volkswagen” nomenclature engraved on B pillars. #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

Here I will bring you the new highlights,we will dwell more and specific when we get the unit on test!! So latest @VolkswagenSA Golf model is distinguishable by its modified front end and newly designed LED headlights. As the top-of-the-range version (R-Line Plus) , the standard IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights incorporate a new high-performance main beam with a very long range. For the first time,the @volkswagen logo in the radiator grille is also illuminated,yes you do get R-Line specific grille which distinguish itself from the Life and Life Plus models which looks as cool in my opinion. #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

The options you can get on the Golf 8.5 TSI R-Line plus are: Panoramic Sunroof Trailer Hitch: swivelling & detachable Heads up display Discover Media Pro: navigation Harman Kardon IQ. Drive Package #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

Cool okes in person!! Glad to have attended @VWGAnews @VolkswagenSA #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack, bumping into these chaps was pretty 🆒!!

The Volkswagen Golf has a rich history in South Africa, dates back to its 1978 launch with the Mk1 (first generation). Locally assembled at the Volkswagen production plant in Kariega, it became affordable and popular with the South African customers, MK1 is still very much of a legend that was offered in many parts examples! Its success continued with the launch of the second generation model in 1984, praised for improved quality followed by the third generation in 1993 and fourth generation in 1999, with the latter becoming a top seller in the local market. The fifth and sixth generation models were introduced with class leading technology and safety, while the seventh generation, launched in 2013, which brought further refinement. In year 2014 I bought my first Golf 7 GTI followed by the Golf GTI Clubsport in 2016 which i still own on this very day and never selling! It’s just an absolute all rounder hatchback really!! The Golf’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of quality, performance and design style. The eight generation model continues this legacy, cementing the Golf as a key model for Volkswagen in South Africa. When the new Golf was launched in South Africa in 2021, it was not offered with the venerable and efficient 1.4 TSI engine variant, thus only offered as GTI and R, time will tell if the hatchback market is still an appealing one to the local consumers albeit the popularity of X-overs and SUV shapes! #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

The Golf 8.5 TSI starts at R580 000 with this R-Line Plus being the range topper coming in from R688 100. #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

We're back for round 2 of the @VolkswagenSA Golf Media Launch! Joburg’s media are once again behind the wheel of the #VWGolf2025, experiencing its powerful 110kW 1.4 TSI engine & stunning IQ.LIGHT LED Matrix headlights. The Golf legacy evolves. #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

Yes most people will prefer the R-Line spec, however the non-RLine models are cooking clean maan!! #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

Spent the day of yesterday driving the @VolkswagenSA @VWGAnews updated Golf! It’s a familiar experience having lived with the Golf 8 GTI, the updates are visible to the trained eye and I will go in detail as usual to highlight them. This Kings Red metallic palette 🎨 it reminds me of the Polo and Golf GTI with the latter Volkswagen confirmed it will come at a later stage! Price will always be a debatable topic! However here you paying for the unrivalled refinement you will never get on cheaper cars. Volkswagen have no strong rivalry in this segment as many OEM have given up on the game that Volkswagen started 51years ago!! So this is top in the range Golf 8.5 R-Line plus with black style package , can you notice that the Volkswagen brand logo is illuminated? I must have shown you that on the flagship Touareg,however the it’s the logo at the rear that is illuminated, on the Golf it’s the front logo that is supplied with light 💡 #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

Met one of my all-time favorite footballers Lucas Radebe(Still IKHOSI at heart) as we launched The Volkswagen Group Africa Golf 8.5,the car is good in various aspects, ride, handling and feels quite premium. #VWGolf2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

With pricing and its arrival having been confirmed in February already, today is the day that the @VolkswagenSA Golf finally makes a re-entry into the local car scene. You’ll remember that the outgoing 8th generation was only offered in the flagship GTI and R variants, now in its 8.5 form, VW is introducing the ‘entry level’ offerings of the icon. The Golf employs a 1.4L TSI motor producing peak outputs of 110kW and 250Nm all sent to the front wheels through an 8-speed tiptronic. Pricing for the new lineup is as follows: - Golf 1.4TSI Life - R580 900 - Golf 1.4TSI Life - R604 500 - Golf 1.4TSI R-Line - R660 000 - Golf 1.4TSI R-Line - R688 100 Each unit comes with a 5-year/90 000km service plan. We certainly cannot wait to get our hands on the new model. #volkswagen #volkswagengolf #golf8.5 #theiconisback #keeponchasing🚗🏃‍♂️

Volkswagen Golf. Ever wondered why it’s called ‘Golf’? Fun fact: It’s not about the sport - it’s named after the Gulf Stream winds. Talk about a breeze to drive! #VWGOLF2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

The #GolfPressLaunch was a success, and the new Volkswagen Golf is here to make its mark. Now, it's your turn to experience the thrill. Book a test drive today: vw.co.za/en/forms/testdrive.…. #VWGOLF2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack

Unleash the power! The new Golf’s 1.4 TSI 110kW engine with 8-speed Tiptronic delivers smooth, efficient, and thrilling performance. This is driving redefined. #VWGOLF2025 #GolfPressLaunch #TheIconIsBack