Driven: The limited-edition Golf GTI TCR

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

By the way, the Golf GTI TCR (Touring Car Racing) is derived from the racing car of the same name; the two-time overall winner of the international TCR racing series.

Five-door and unmistakeably GTI

The Golf GTI TCR is only available in a five-door version in Mzansi and is distinguished by the standard black 19-inch alloy wheels, perforated disk brakes, matte black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The Golf GTI TCR makes a further strong impression even before the driver settles behind the wheel, as the TCR logo is projected onto the road when the front doors are opened.

Black and red

In the interior, Alcantara door inserts and the gear lever, premium Alcantara sports seats with GTI TCR detailing with a new fabric design as well as floor mats with black and red stitching, further accentuate the Golf GTI TCR. Additional interior features include climatronic air-conditioning and red ambient light strips and an exclusive sports steering wheel.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The Golf GTI TCR also features standard technology such as Dynamic Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Active Info Display, Parallel Park Assist and LED headlights.

Let’s add some colour

The Golf GTI TCR comes with a host of standard features and that is very welcome. So if you walk into a showroom, there is no need to add this or subtract that. What you see is what you get, apart from the colour, that is. It is the only model in the Volkswagen range in South Africa where the only optional features are the colours. Customers can choose between the following colours; Pure White, Tornado Red and Pure Grey.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Another exclusive offering just for the Golf GTI TCR customers in South Africa will be a unique number that will be placed under the GTI logo at the rear of the car and a personalised ownership certificate.

Powerful engine

The Golf GTI TCR, with a six-speed DSG, reaches 100km/h after just 5.6 seconds. It’s a very responsive engine mated to a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. Without getting too technical, this special gearbox is effectively two separate clutches that work together as one unit, without a clutch pedal and with fully automatic or semi-manual control.

Recommended Retail Price, STC (VAT and emissions tax included)

The 2.0 TSI Golf GTI TCR 213kW DSG costs R669,000.

It comes standard with a three year/120,000km warranty, a five-year/90,000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15,000km.