Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 finally gets AEB, ACC in Malaysia; RM19k more expensive

Volkswagen, one of the last holdouts in Malaysia lacking active safety features in its cars, has finally announced the addition of these systems to its locally-assembled Golf GTI Mk8. This marks the end of an embarrassing saga for the brand, as it long lacked basic functions that even a RM48,500 Perodua Myvi came with.

The hot hatch receives the IQ.Drive package that throws on:

• Autonomous emergency braking (Front Assist)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane centring assist (Lane Assist)
• Blind spot monitoring (Side Assist) with rear cross traffic alert
• Emergency stop assist (Emergency Assist)

Additionally, the GTI now has a Qi wireless charger (hidden underneath a flip-up cover in the centre console), the red “GTI” logo embroidered into the front bucket seats and a centre airbag, bumping up the airbag count to seven. There are also a couple of much-requested features—the distinctive five-segment hexagonal fog lights and (finally!) power-folding door mirrors.

However, these features come with a significant RM19,000 price increase, bringing the CKD hatch from RM227,012 (itself an RM11k bump up from the RM216,012 it was sold for originally) to a whopping RM246,012 on-the-road without insurance.

The rest of the equipment is identical and includes LED headlights with cornering lights, LED taillights with sequential indicators, 18-inch “Richmond” turbine-style alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic air-con, heated and cooled seats with driver’s side power adjustment, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a ten-inch Discover Media infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and seven speakers.

There are also no changes to the mechanicals, with the GTI continuing to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sending 241hp and 370Nm of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission. You also get an XDS brake-activated front differential lock and passive sports suspension.