Alongside its regular TSI variant, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has also launched the new 2022 Volkswagen GTI Mk8 in Malaysia. The new hot hatch is priced from RM 211,698.
The reduction in price was possible as the Mk8 Golf GTI is now locally-assembled (CKD) at DRB-Hicom's facility in Pekan, Pahang. Malaysia is the first country outside of Germany and China to produce the Golf GTI.
Previous generations of the iconic GTI were imported (CBU) from Germany.
Also Read: This is proof that CKD production of the Mk8 VW Golf GTI has started in Malaysia
As before, the Golf GTI gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. In the Mk8 guise, the tried-and-tested EA888 churns out 245 PS and 370 Nm, 15 PS and 20 Nm more than the Mk7.5 it replaces.
Also Read: Locally-assembled (CKD) 2022 VW Golf GTI Mk.8, Golf TSI R-Line previewed in Malaysia
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a wet-type 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Also Read: CKD 2021 VW Golf GTI, Golf TSI R-Line (Mk8) officially teased in Malaysia
Visually, the Mk8 Golf GTI for Malaysia gets LED headlights, LED tail lights, 18-inch Richmond dual-tone alloy wheels, and GTI-only additions, like the red strip on the front grille. The massive honeycomb lower air intake is also another GTI-specific bit, differentiating itself from non-GTI variants.
Also Read: Spied: CKD 2021 VW Golf GTI Mk8 spotted in Malaysia, to be launched by end of the year?
Inside the cabin of the Mk8 Golf GTI, it gets leather upholstery on the sport seats, GTI-specific 10-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, tri-zone air-conditioning system, and the latest 10-inch Discover Media infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety kit mirrors the regular Golf TSI – there’s the usual six airbags and stability control. ADAS is nowhere to be found on the Malaysian-spec Golf GTI.
Colour options for the Mk8 Golf GTI mirror that of its TSI sibling, which includes Atlantic Blue, Deep Black, Kings Red, Moonstone Grey, and Oryx White.
As with other VPCM models, the Mk8 Golf R-Line is backed by a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty. The German hatchback also includes 3 years / 45,000 km free maintenance package as well as 5 years roadside assistance.