Here’s what you need to know about the new Golf lineup, from its sleek exterior design to the smart, connected cabin and punchy performance under the hood.

Exploring the New 2025 VW Golf 8.5 TSI  

Volkswagen South Africa has officially launched the Golf 8.5 is now available to buy. This comes after reintroducing the beloved 1.4 TSI models to local roads after previously focusing only on the high-performance GTI and R variants. With refreshed styling, upgraded tech, and more accessible pricing, the Golf 8.5 TSI marks a bold return to form for one of the country’s most iconic hatchbacks. 

All you need to know about the new VW model

South African VW fans have had a long-standing love affair with the Golf. It all started back in 1978 when Volkswagen’s local division introduced the Golfie (as we fondly know it) to our roads — and it quickly became a cultural icon. Now, almost five decades and eight generations later, the latest Golf is finally here. It’s Volkswagen’s Golf 8.5, and it's definitely something to get excited about.

Exterior

The Golf 8.5 TSI’s facelift brings a sleek, new modern look, yet unmistakably Volkswagen. A redesigned front bumper gives the vehicle cleaner lines, while the illuminated VW badge — a first for the Golf — blends seamlessly into the grille, taking the glow effect to the next level when the lights are on.

New LED headlights have also been introduced, available either as standard Eco-LEDs or as IQ.Light HD Matrix units on higher trims — offering a beam range of up to 500 metres for improved night-time visibility.
VW fans will spot the revised rear end too, featuring a reshaped tailgate and updated tail light clusters that complement the sharp, angular design of the front. Plus, there’s a playful logo projection option that casts the VW emblem onto the ground when you unlock the car.

As for the R-Line models, they’ve upgraded to sportier bumpers with gloss-black accents, a honeycomb lower grille, R-Line badging, and chrome-effect trapezoid exhaust surrounds — giving the Golf 8.5 a polished, high-tech finish.

Interior

The Golf 8.5 TSI has introduced new updates, blending tech with user-friendly designs that seamlessly work to make driving that much easier and comfortable.

Controls and infotainment 

At the heart of the cabin is Volkswagen’s new MIB4 infotainment system, including a 10.4-inch or 12.9 inch sized freestanding touch screen. The system’s been installed with a faster processor and a newly designed menu structure for more intuitive navigation. Plus, the former touch-sensitive sliders for climate and volume are not illumination, improving usability in low-light conditions. Haptic controls have taken a backseat as physical buttons have made their return to the steering wheel. 

The cabin’s Interior 

The cabin has also had an upgrade in material and quality. Soft-touch surfaces are more prevalent, especially on the dashboard and surrounding areas. The higher trims, like the E-Line, feature sportier seats with integrated headrests and faux carbon fibre trim. 

Optional features

Drivers can also opt for a head-up display, which projects key information directly onto the windscreen, helping you keep your eyes on the road. Plus, Volkswagen has taken a big leap in digital tech by converging ChatGPT to the IDA voice assistant, making voice commands feel more natural and intuitive. 

The Golf 8.5 TSI is equipped with a range of advanced safety and driver assistance features to enhance driver confidence and control. 

• Front Assist with Emergency Braking helps prevent potential collisions by alerting the driver and automatically applying brakes if necessary. 
• Lane Assist keeps the vehicle within its lane by offering corrective steering, while Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains a safe distance from the car ahead. 
• Emergency Assist can bring the car to a stop and activate hazard lights if the driver becomes unresponsive. 
• The Blind Spot Monitor (Side Assist) provides visual warnings when changing lanes, and Rear Traffic Alert helps prevent accidents while reversing. For semi-automated driving support, Travel Assist combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist. 
• Lastly, Park Assist makes parking easier by controlling steering during parallel and perpendicular parking, with the driver managing the accelerator and brakes. These features ensure safety, convenience, and a more confident driving experience.

Powertrain and performance

The Golf 8.5 TSI derivatives are powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. Volkswagen claims a 0–100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 216 km/h. Fuel consumption is estimated at 6.3 litres per 100 km.
All trims offer a balanced combination of performance and efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

Lineup pricing 

• Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life: From R580,900
• Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life+ (with extra features): From R604,500
• Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW R-Line: From R660,000
• Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW R-Line+: From R688,100

*These prices were reported as of February 2025, according to VW Group Africa.

Final Thoughts;

The all-new Golf TSI is a remarkable evolution of the iconic hatchback that has made its mark in South Africa. With its fresh look, updated style, and reasonable pricing — all things considered — it strikes the perfect balance of performance and practicality. Whether you’re a long-time Golf fan or a first-time buyer, the exciting updates are sure to impress, continuing to showcase what it truly means to be a Volkswagen driver.