CKD 2021 Mk8 VW Golf GTI for Malaysia - can it still make it for SST-exempted price?

For 7 generations, the VW Golf GTI has been the de-facto hot hatch. It has seamlessly blended usable performance with unmatched practicality. For the first time ever, the 2021 Mk8 Golf GTI will be assembled locally in Malaysia in CKD form. What can we expect the 8th iteration of this hot hatch to feature? Let's dive in. 

Will CKD bring prices down?

The Mk7.5 Golf GTI had a price tag of RM 240k, being fully imported. Traditionally, local assembly has, in the past, brought prices down. If we were to guesstimate, the CKD Mk8 Golf GTI should be priced around the RM 220k mark. Here's hoping.

What's new outside?

Straight away from its silhoutte, you can tell that the body shape retains familiar curves that make the Golf so recognisable. That said, the 2021 Mk8 Golf GTI gets a completely new bespoke front end, including the iconic honeycomb grille (with an illuminating strip), and an IQ Light LED matrix headlights completing the light signature. 

At the back, the Mk8 Golf GTI maintains its signature symmetrical dual-exhaust set up. Also new are the tail lamps, bumper design, central 'GTI' emblem and a roof spoiler to give it a distintive, subtly aggressive look. New wheel designs are also available, although at this juncture the Malaysian-spec design is yet to be confirmed.

Swanky interior

In the 2021 Mk8 Golf GTI, the interior takes a giant leap forward into the digital future. On top of the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, there is a touchscreen 10.25-inch Discover Pro infotainment system that further accentuates the digital vibe of the interior.

A new steering design, paired together with GTI-specific sports seats round things off inside. Whilst other countries get the signature 'Tartan' cloth upholstery, expect the Malaysia-spec Mk8 Golf GTI to get leather, as has been the case since the Mk5 Golf GTI.

Still using a 2.0 TSI turbo engine?

Yes, the 2021 Mk8 Golf GTI will still be powered by the ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine, now in Evo 4 guise. It now pushes out 245 PS and 370 Nm, and does 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. For the Malaysian market, there will only be one sole transmission choice, which is the 7-speed wet-type, dual-clutch DSG. A new mechanical locking differential is added as standard for the first time in the UK market, so here's hoping we get it as standard also.

Anything else I should know?

For the 2021 Mk8 Golf GTI, VW has made it a tech-fest. There are a host of familiar and new technologies available, such as;

• Vehicle Dynamics Manager
• Adaptive Chassis Control DCC
• Electronic differential lock XDS+
• Travel Assist with Side Assist and Emergency Assist
• Lane Assist
• Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring

CKD local assembly, where?

The 2021 Mk8 Golf GTI will be produced in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form in VW's Pekan assembly plant. We're very much looking forward to seeing it's launch, which is sometime in 2021. Here's hoping it's is launched in time for buyers to enjoy the now-extended SST exemption prices.