Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced the refreshed Golf GTI Mk8 here with the headlining act being that it’s finally blessed with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), making the locally-assembled hatch the first VPCM model with ADAS in Malaysia.

Volkswagen labels its ADAS as IQ.Drive and apart from that, the other updates comprise wireless charging and embroidered GTI logos on the front seats.

All that though brings the price to RM 244,990, a premium of about RM 19k. That does include three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty and five years roadside assistance though.

IQ.Drive consists of Travel Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which uses radar and various sensors to detect vehicles ahead, as well as Side Assist which acts as an active blind spot monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers of potential danger when the reverse gear is engaged to back out of a parking spot.

Also Read: Review: CKD 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI – Is she still the girl that can do both?

The Golf GTI Mk8 also comes with Front Assist, commonly identified as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), that that uses a radar sensor integrated into the front of the vehicle to continuously monitor the distance to the vehicles ahead. In addition to detecting vehicles, the latest version of Front Assist also detects pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road.

The Lane Assist function on the other hand ensures that the driver stays in their lane, using its camera-based lane-keeping assistant. If the vehicle deviates towards another lane when direction indicators are operated by the driver, the system automatically intervenes by steering back into line. Additionally, there’s also an Adaptive Lane Guidance function that keeps the car within its own lane on an ideal line learned from the driver’s driving characteristics.

The Golf GTI is also now offered with a host of upgraded interior and exterior features such as an additional centre airbag; bringing the total to 7, front fog lights in the honeycomb lower bumper fascia, electrically heated and adjustable folding mirrors.

Also Read: Locally-assembled (CKD) 2022 VW Golf GTI Mk.8, Golf TSI R-Line previewed in Malaysia

IQ.Drive further complements the existing suite of safety tech such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control); Post Collision Braking System that prevents a second collision and an Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) to improve traction and reduce understeer.

Mechanically, it remains identical with 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivered to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG.

Aesthetically, the Golf GTI retains its signature honeycomb front grille and red GTI trims as well as the iconic 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels.

Inside, the driver still enjoys its handling in an entirely digitalised cabin via a customisable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control. Connectivity and infotainment is managed through the 10-inch Discover Media infotainment that offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Further convenience is in the form of voice recognition as they can locate the person who is speaking (driver or front passenger) and respond accordingly, for example by identifying which interior zone’s temperature needs adjusting.

Colour options for the refreshed Golf GTI comprises 5 shades, Kings Red and Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing; Moonstone Grey for non-metallic option; as well as Deep Black and Oryx White with a pearl effect.