Locally-assembled Volkswagen Golf GTI gets ‘8.5’ update

Until recently, the original hot hatch – the Volkswagen Golf GTI – was made only in Germany from the time it was introduced in 1975 (the Golf was introduced in 1974) until 2010 when FAW-Volkswagen started making it in China. 12 years later, in 2022, Malaysia was added to the list of production sites for the Golf GTI, with a small volume also being made in Mexico for the North American market.

Just as the production of the GTI in China was a big thing because it was the first sportscar made in China by a global brand, the assembly of the Mk. 8 GTI in Malaysia (at the HICOM Automotive Manufacturers plant in Pekan, Pahang) was also a significant development, given that it is only the third production site in the world for the model.

Three years after that milestone event, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the updated version referred to as Golf GTI 8.5 which appeared in the world market over a year ago. It would probably have been in Malaysian showrooms earlier if it was still imported in CBU (completely built-up) form but being assembled locally means that localisation of some parts takes extra time.

Mid-cycle update
This being a mid-cycle update, the overall form is the same but there are distinctive changes in frontal styling that clearly identify it as an ‘8.5’ model. The bumper has been changed and now has a mesh grille with the familiar honeycomb shapes that are synonymous with the GTI. The bumper is deeper, giving a more aggressive look.

There are also new IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with a distinctive LED light strip across the grille, which incorporates the daytime running lights (DRLs). The VW emblem in the middle is now illuminated, standing out brightly at night, while on each side are 5 hexagonal lighting elements that serve as foglights and provide a distinct visual signature.

Behind, the LED tail lights also gain a new 3D light signature, paired with dynamic turn signals and animated rear graphics that also identify the model at night.

Improved engine performance
Each generation of the GTI has seen raised performance from increased engine outputs. The GTI 8.5’s  2.0 TSI turbocharged engine produces 265 ps (20 ps more than before) while maintaining the 370 Nm of peak torque. As before, it has a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) which has been recalibrated and sends power to the front wheels through an XDS electronic differential lock.

IQ.Drive
Most manufacturers have integrated active safety systems referred to as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which Volkswagen calls IQ.Drive. The intelligent safety-enhancing technologies help the driver avoid accidents by helping with awareness of dangers, and also acting autonomously to stop the car if the driver does not respond to prevent a collision. With hands-on semi-automated capability, IQ.DRIVE assists with the most boring parts of driving, allowing the driver to focus on the road ahead⁠.

IQ.Drive has similar systems to other ADAS, such as Automatic emergency braking (not only for vehicles ahead but also pedestrians), Adaptive cruise control, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning System, and even a Drowsiness Monitor. A Proactive Passenger Protection System extends the intelligence, responding to the onset of an accident by initiating actions such as tightening the seatbelts.

A rare active safety system in the GTI 8.5 (and some other Volkswagen models) is the VW Emergency Assist system. This system monitors steering wheel activity and alerts the driver if it detects unusual steering behaviour. While that may trigger the Drowsiness Monitor to suggest a break, the Emergency Assist system will also act if it determines that the driver becomes unresponsive. In such a risky situation, the system can keep the vehicle in its lane and bring it to a controlled stop while activating the hazard lights.

Changes within as well
The 8.5 update, which also applies to other versions of the Golf, sees an improved dashboard within a fully digital cabin. In the GTI, it is sportier and more driver-centric with intuitive controls that can be accessed even while driving fast.

The central display has been enlarged to 12.9 inches, providing more space for the Digital Cockpit Pro infotainment system on the TFT touchscreen. To make it easier to adjust the air-conditioning and audio volume, the touch sliders are now illuminated. Needless to say, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, while the 480W/10-speaker audio system is from Harman Kardon.

In front of the driver is a 10-inch display with multiple colour themes and three distinct display views (Classic, Reduced, and Navigation) to choose from. Designed for clarity and legibility, the display is crisp and clear under any lighting condition. There’s also a standard Head-Up Display on the windscreen which provides key information.

Back to physical switches
With the Golf 8, Volkswagen thought it was moving forward with the touch-sensitive, capacitive buttons that replaced the physical ones on the steering wheel of previous models. But it turned out that those ‘high-tech’ buttons became hated because they were hard to use and required conscious operation, which was not good when driving. Some enterprising businesses even came out with conversion kits to change back to the good old physical switches.

Volkswagen acknowledged that the idea was impractical and promised a redesign, which we see in the new leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel. It now has conventional buttons that work fine and responsively with no need for frustrating second and third tries. Sometimes, becoming too ‘advanced’ is not necessarily a good thing. By the way, paddle shifters are still present for those who like them.

Available in 5 exterior colours – Oryx White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black, Kings Red, and Anemone Blue – the Golf GTI is priced from RM244,012 (without insurance) and with a 2-year/unlimited mileage warranty as well as roadside assistance for the first 5 years. Customers can include the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) for another RM13,000 which extends the warranty period to 5 years and includes 5 years of free scheduled maintenance, along with roadside assistance for the first 5 years.

The first 50 buyers of the new Golf GTI 8.5 will get it a special price of RM249,990 (excluding insurance) with VAP, which is around RM7,000 less than the regular retail price of RM257,012 with VAP. To qualify, customers must have their new car registered by December 31, 2025.

“The new Golf R-Line is physical proof that sporty can also mean sensible by being fuel efficient without giving up the desired element of style. With the new GTI, we are giving our fans more power, sharper design, and smarter technology, ensuring the GTI continues to thrill in performance and handling,” said Renate Noessler, Managing Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.

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