All-new Volkswagen Golf 8 to be launched in Malaysia on 16 Feb!



Here we go, boys and girls. The highly-awaited all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 will finally be officially launched here in Malaysia on the 16th of February.

As seen in the preview event late last year, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf will be offered in two variants at launch – 1.4 TSI R Line and Golf GTI, both locally assembled here at Pekan, Pahang.

Most of the Golf 8’s specifications have already been revealed, and we already had the chance to see (and touch) the car back in November last year – be sure to check out our walkaround video here.

While no official specification sheet has been provided just yet, we do know that the “base” R-Line variant will feature the same 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Mk7.5 model, with 150 hp and 250 Nm on tap. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, instead of the seven-speed DSG.

The GTI meanwhile will feature a revamped EA888 2.0L TSI engine, now making 245 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Just as before, it’s front-wheel drive only, with power delivered via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission for a century sprint time of 6.4 seconds.

As for kit, both models come with the sportier “R-Line” exterior trim – although obviously, the GTI gets all of the shinier bits including the honeycomb mesh grille, red pin stripes, larger 18-inch wheels (17 on the R-Line), and actual tailpipe exits at the rear. LED Plus headlights and LED tail lights meanwhile are standard across both variants.

Moving inside, both cars are again nearly identical to each other in terms of specification; both get the same semi-bucket seats with integrated headrests (suede-like fabric upholstery on the R-Line, leather on GTI), as well as the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display panel.

However, it’s again the GTI that gets all the extra goodies, including a sportier-looking flat-bottomed steering wheel, plus accent piping and stitching on the seats, and variant-exclusive honeycomb trim on the dashboard. The displays also get sportier-looking GTI-exclusive displays.

As expected, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is still being coy on the pricing for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf 8, but at least we don’t have to wait much longer. Seeing that the Volkswagen Golf will be locally assembled here in Malaysia for the first time ever, we’re also hoping it to be priced lower than the Mk7.5 generation here in Malaysia – only time will tell!

Interested to get involved in the launch? VPCM is also currently running a contest for a chance to win two passes to the Malaysian launch event in Sepang – more info can be found on its Instagram profile, linked here.


GALLERY