Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Golf Mk 8.5 GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is more than just another hot hatch, especially here in South Africa. Over the years, the GTI has developed an almost cult-like following, becoming a legend on our streets and a car that remains instantly recognisable wherever it goes. With the arrival of the Golf Mk 8.5 GTI, Volkswagen hasn’t tried to reinvent the formula. Instead, it has taken what was already a very capable package and refined it with sharper styling, more power and improved technology.

DESIGN

At first glance, the changes to the Golf Mk 8.5 GTI may appear subtle, but spend some time looking at it and the enhancements become more noticeable. Volkswagen has sharpened up the design, giving the GTI a sleeker and slightly more aggressive appearance while still retaining the familiar Golf silhouette that has made the car so iconic. One of the standout additions is the new set of 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, which suit the character of the GTI perfectly. They give the car a more purposeful stance and add a premium edge to the overall design. The updated LED Matrix headlights also contribute to the sharper appearance, while the illuminated Volkswagen emblem at the front is a small but distinctive touch that gives the Mk 8.5 a more modern identity, particularly at night. I’ve always liked the fact that the GTI doesn’t need oversized wings, excessive vents or dramatic styling to make its presence known. The red GTI detailing, sporty bumpers and signature design elements are enough to distinguish it from the regular Golf, while still allowing it to retain that understated sophistication the GTI has always been known for. Overall, the design changes may not be revolutionary, but they work. The Golf Mk 8.5 GTI looks sharper, sleeker and more modern without losing the familiar character that has made the GTI so popular.

PERFORMANCE

This is where the biggest improvement can be felt. Volkswagen has increased the output of the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to 195 kW, while torque remains at a healthy 370 Nm. On paper, the increase in power may not seem dramatic, but behind the wheel, the Mk 8.5 GTI feels noticeably stronger and more eager to perform. Acceleration is quick and effortless, with plenty of torque available when you need it. Whether pulling away from a traffic light, overtaking on the highway or enjoying a more spirited drive on an open road, the GTI delivers its performance in a way that feels both accessible and usable. That has always been one of the strengths of the GTI: it is fast enough to be exciting without becoming difficult to live with every day. The handling also feels improved. The car feels more planted and grounded, particularly at higher speeds, giving you greater confidence behind the wheel. There is a sense of stability that makes the GTI feel incredibly composed, while still retaining the agility and responsiveness expected from a hot hatch. The steering is precise, the chassis feels well balanced and the car changes direction with confidence. It is equally comfortable cruising on the highway as it is attacking a series of corners. The GTI has always been about finding the balance between performance and everyday usability, and the Mk 8.5 continues to get that formula right.

COMFORT

Performance may be a major reason why people buy a GTI, but the Mk 8.5 also proves that a hot hatch doesn’t have to compromise on comfort. The sports seats provide excellent support and are comfortable enough for longer journeys, with both heating and cooling adding a level of luxury that makes a noticeable difference in everyday driving. In South Africa, especially during our warmer summer months, ventilated seats are certainly a feature that will be appreciated. The cabin has also received an important technology upgrade with a new,12.9-inch infotainment display, much better than the MK8 which screen was smaller than my mobile phone! The system gives the interior a more modern feel and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making smartphone connectivity simple and convenient. The larger screen is clearer and easier to use, addressing one of the areas where the previous Golf 8 could sometimes feel overly dependent on touch controls. A sunroof is also standard, adding to the premium feel of the cabin and making the interior feel lighter and more spacious. Combined with the quality of the materials, ambient lighting and familiar GTI touches throughout the cabin, it creates an environment that feels sporty without sacrificing refinement. There is also an impressive amount of technology and safety equipment on offer. Modern driver-assistance systems help make daily driving easier and safer, while features such as the LED Matrix lighting improve visibility at night. The GTI manages to combine performance, comfort, connectivity and safety into one very complete package. What I particularly like about the Golf GTI is that it remains a car you can genuinely use every day. It is comfortable in traffic, practical enough for everyday life and refined on longer journeys, but the moment the road opens up, it reminds you that you are driving something special.

VERDICT

In South Africa, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has a reputation that few other cars can match. It has become more than just a performance hatchback; it is part of our motoring culture. From one generation to the next, the GTI has remained a favourite among enthusiasts, and for many South Africans, it is still the ultimate combination of performance, practicality and street presence. The Golf Mk 8.5 GTI doesn’t dramatically change the formula, and it doesn’t need to. Instead, Volkswagen has refined it. The subtle styling enhancements make it look sharper and more modern, the increase to 195 kW gives it stronger performance, the handling feels more composed and the upgraded interior technology makes it a better car to live with every day. There are faster cars and there are certainly more dramatic-looking performance cars, but few manage to combine everything quite as well as the GTI. It can be your comfortable daily driver during the week and still provide plenty of excitement when the opportunity arises. For South Africans who have grown up admiring the GTI, the Mk 8.5 continues the legacy of a nameplate that has become a legend on our streets. It is more powerful, more refined and more technologically advanced, but importantly, it still feels like a GTI. And perhaps that is the greatest compliment you can give it. The Golf Mk 8.5 GTI has evolved, but it hasn’t forgotten what made South Africa fall in love with those three letters in the first place: GTI.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed DSG
Power	195kW
Torque	370Nm
0-100km/h	5.9 seconds
Price	R908,000

 

Bucket Seat: Renault Captur Esprit Alpine

When Renault first launched the Captur, it was dubbed "the Clio on stilts" which in essence what the car really is, a crossover variant of the much loved hatch-back. The trend continued with face-lifts and newer models but when Renault launched the latest version of the Captur last year, there was a clear difference with this new one, it was here to create it's own identity. Bearing the Esprit Alpine name badge the car already feels special and with the re-designed front end, it looks the part too. I got to spend a week with the car and here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

There’s something about the Renault Esprit Alpine that just hits differently, and a lot of that comes down to how it looks. This isn’t your typical safe, slightly bland compact SUV it’s genuinely sexy. The sharp LED lighting, sculpted body lines and coupe-SUV stance give it a presence that feels far more premium than you’d expect at this level. In Alpine trim, the detailing adds just enough sportiness without overdoing it, and it’s the kind of car you find yourself looking back at after parking. Not because you have to, but because you want to. The front end is futuristic and classy, with details that just add a different dynamic to any other Renault on the market. The details don't just stop there, it extends to the large 19-inch alloy wheels which are finished off in black, and while the rear remains mostly the same as the previous model, the details on the LED lighting make it look different. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine might not sound like much on paper, but out on the road, it tells a different story. It’s got a gutsy, eager nature that suits everyday driving perfectly. Around town, it feels responsive and lively, with enough low-down torque to make stop-start traffic and quick gaps feel effortless. It’s not trying to be a performance SUV, and it doesn’t need to be  it delivers exactly what most South African drivers are looking for: usable, accessible power without feeling strained. Push it harder and it does start to lose a bit of breath at the top end, but in real-world conditions, it rarely feels lacking. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox complements the engine well and, for the most part, delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. In normal driving conditions, shifts are quick and almost unnoticeable, giving the car a polished feel that you really appreciate on a daily basis. There is the occasional hesitation when you demand sudden acceleration, especially during overtakes, but once you get familiar with its behaviour, it becomes easy to manage. For the majority of driving scenarios, it remains silky and fuss-free.

COMFORT

Comfort in the Esprit Alpine strikes a nice balance. The ride is slightly on the firmer side, likely due to the larger wheels and sportier setup, but it never crosses the line into being uncomfortable. Instead, it gives the car a more planted and confident feel, especially at higher speeds. Long-distance driving is easy and relaxed, with supportive seats that keep fatigue at bay. On rougher South African roads, you will feel some of the imperfections coming through, but it’s a compromise that makes sense considering the car’s styling and overall character. Step inside, and this is where the Renault really starts to impress. The interior layout is clean, modern and thoughtfully put together, with a strong focus on the driver. The Alpine touches elevate the space, adding a sporty yet premium feel without being over the top. Materials and finishes are generally well chosen, and everything feels intuitive to use. It’s a cabin that doesn’t just look good  it feels like a place you’d genuinely enjoy spending time in, whether it’s a short commute or a longer journey. Despite its sporty, sloping roofline, the Esprit Alpine manages to offer impressive space inside. Rear passengers have enough room to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, which is often where coupe-style SUVs fall short. The boot is also practical enough for everyday use, handling everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways with ease. It’s a car that manages to balance style with real-world usability, which is exactly what many buyers are after. In terms of technology, the Esprit Alpine comes well-equipped with all the essentials you’d expect. The infotainment system supports smartphone connectivity, there’s a digital driver display, and multiple driving modes add a bit of versatility to the driving experience. Safety-wise, you’re covered with the basics like stability control and traction control, although some of the more advanced driver assistance systems are either limited or optional depending on the spec. That said, it still feels modern and functional enough for most buyers.

VERDICT

The Renault Esprit Alpine doesn’t try to be everything, and that’s exactly why it works so well. It delivers a combination of standout design, solid everyday performance, comfort and a genuinely premium-feeling interior, all in a package that feels a bit more special than the average compact SUV. For South African consumers who want something stylish yet practical, and refined without being overly expensive, it hits a very sweet spot. It’s not perfect the gearbox can hesitate at times, the ride is slightly firm, and it could do with more advanced safety tech but overall, it’s a compelling and well-rounded offering that proves you don’t have to sacrifice personality for practicality.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.3L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed EDC
Power	113kW
Torque	270Nm
0-100km/h	9.6 Seconds
Price	R614,999

Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI

Yesterday I was invited by Volkswagen South Africa to experience the new Golf GTI, first showcased at last years Festival of Motoring and later went on sale around December 2025, the new GTI has a lot more advancements than the previous model which was launched in 2024. For starters, we are now getting the full European spec in terms of engine performance where as the previous model had a down tuned version of the engine, after various tests locally it was found that the fuel quality locally has proven to be suitable for these cars hence the change in mind for bringing us this new GTI, albeit a bit later than the rest of the world. 

This translates to the engine producing 195kW and 370Nm of torque, making this one of the most powerful GTI's to hit the streets of Mzanzi (that is stock). So what else is changed in the car? Well there is new alloy wheels that make the car look amazing, 19-inch Queenstown rims are the only choice available on the new GTI and the design pays homage to the Mk5 GTI rims. The headlamps and tail lights receive new Matrix LED' signature designs and the VW badge in the front is now illuminated. Stepping inside, the first thing you would notice especially if you driven the Mk8 GTI is that the steering wheel now has actual buttons and not the haptic touch ones used previously, the infotainment screen has grown with it now measures 10.3-inches but the cars we drove came with the optional 12.9-inch screen with a redesigned interface and VW's MIB4 operating system. 

All GTI's come standard with a range stuff, like premium sports seats with integrated head restraints and the GTI logo embossed in it. The driver side seat is electronically adjustable with the front passenger having to do it manually. The climate control still is accessed via the screen and does get a bit cumbersome especially when driving. The screen is angled at the driver so as the front passenger, trying to access the screen can get a bit tricky. The new GTI also has a range of safety features like travel assist, side assist with rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front assist with emergency braking which we tested voluntarily, PDC and reverse camera, proactive passenger protection system and driver alert system to detect when you need to pull over and have a stretch of the legs.  

On the road, the GTI remains true to its heart as a performance hatchback, it gives you the thrill that you'd associate with the car and more. The new engine performances speaks for itself and you can feel it when you are on the road, the cornering and braking is very responsive and even though the Vrrrpha is not as loud as we are used to, it still sounds amazing when you're in the car. Driving on both the highway and side roads really gave me some insight into how well balanced the car is and while being a performance car, it still has that practicality to it. 

Staring price for the GTI is R908,000 with not much additional extras you can get, I will give me full review on it after having it on test. 

Bucket Seat: Mercedes Benz A35 AMG

As much as we all say that hot hatches are aimed at the youth, ask any grown man, as soon as we get behind the wheel of one, we are also now “youth”. There’s something about them that invigorates our soul, whether it’s the pocket rocket performance or the nimble nature of them that gives you that go-kart like feel, it just fuels a desire inside of us like no other. Also they’re damn easy to park. A few weeks back I got to spend some time with the Mercedes-Benz A35 AMG which just underwent some minor cosmetic surgery, while it shares the same engine with the A45S AMG, the performance levels in this one is toned down just a bit and I wanted to see if it warrants the hot-hatch label.

DESIGN

While very similar to the pre-facelift model, the A-Class hasn’t changed much in its overall shape but there are some cosmetic differences that make this one stand out, the most noticeable one being the horizontal slats in the grille which are synonymous with the AMG models that have now been adopted by all AMG's across the range. The front difusser remains the same with the side air intakes now blanked off. The large Merc emblem adorns the front grille that extends to the lines of the front head lamps. The side of the car has minor tweaks but there is a range of new alloy wheels to choose from, this particular model came fitted with a 19-inch twin spoke AMG light wheel rim which is bi-colour finished in black and silver. It also came fitted with the aero kit that that has fins and lips attached to the front and rear bumps and a big wing on the back which does assist with down force but mainly makes the car look cool. Noticeable differences in the interior see's the removal of the wonky touch pad mouse thing in the center as the A-Class range now comes fitted with the new MBUX system that is touch screen and voice controlled. Extra detailing on the dash with AMG accents along with the sport seats complete the hot-hatch look to it.

PERFORMANCE

The A35 and A45 always had the 2.0-litre 4 cylinder turbo engines so there was no real uproar with this new model that came with the newer version of it. While the bigger brother the A45 comes with the more menacing version of it, this particular one still has some bit to it. Churning out 225kW and 400Nm of torque, the A35 is very nippy and those dual AMG performance exhaust pipes are quite throaty as well. Acceleration in the A35 is quite something as there is a whole host of emotions that you feel when performing the launch, Merc claim a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds which for a car of this nature is damn good. The AMG Speedshift 8G gearbox is a dream to work with, whether leaving it in auto mode or swapping over to manual with the paddle controls, the power delivery to the wheels is proper and accentuates that go-kart like feel that you want with a small hatch like this. Powering through corners and racing up mountain passes feels like what this car was born to do and while short city stint driving is fun, I managed to take this on a nice long road trip down to the Eastern Cape where I got to see what it could truly do on the open road. Apart from the bumpy ride, it was mountains of fun to navigate on those twistys and inclines. Fuel consumption on these type of cars does leave one with a light wallet but on that long distance run I managed to achieved a respectable 8.8L per 100km. If I had used cruise control and put it in eco mode it could have done better but where is the fun in that? 

COMFORT

Yes, this is a performance hatch back, its low to the ground, has racing seats and stiff suspension so its not going to be Rolls Royce quality comfort when driving around but it's not that bad. After driving for 6 hours I didn't get out with back pain, I was fine and because the drive is so enjoyable I didn't feel tired as well. The drive and front passenger get electronically adjustable seats with the controls on the doors which confused a few of my passengers but its pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it. Dual-zone climate control, seat heating as an optional extra was also fitted in the car. The rear occupants get their on vent in the back for their comfort. While the car size is small, its still spacious enough for 4 adults and the luggage space is not too shabby either. Like most of the manufactures, Merc offers most of its extras as packages to suit their clients, this car came fitted with the AMG night package which included the welcome lights, adaptive LED's and interior ambient lighting. It also came with the Premium plus package which includes the memory seats and premium sound system. The list of standard equipment is a quite a bit as well but my personal favourite is the new MBUX multi media system that can control just about anything from voice commands. It has wireless mobile apps built in as well and pretty cool info graphics about the car to scroll through. 

VERDICT

While it isn't the range topping A45S, the A35 AMG still manages to charm its way around, it is still fitting to wear that AMG badge and does provide oodles of fun for those who want a bit of Jekyll and Hyde in their car. As per my intro, many would think this car is aimed at the youngsters but trust me, it doesn't matter who you are, once you push that start button, you'll realise that this car is worth its name in metal. From its stylish exterior to the well laid out interior, Merc really delivered on this one. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L 4 Cylinder Turbo
Gear Box	8G AMG Speedshift
Torque	400Nm
Power	225kW
0-100km	4.7 seconds
Price	R1,112,751*

*base price

Bucket Seat: VW Golf 8 R

It is probably the most anticipated car in the country, could be the last ever Golf R, a badge which took over the monarch from the much famed Golf Mark V R32 when the Mark 6 hit the market. The Golf R rose to fame properly in the outgoing  Mark 7 and 7.5 where it had cult status on the roads and the underground drag racing scenes so when VW revealed the 8 R, many couldn't wait to see what their favourite OEM had to offer in their latest iteration of the hot hatch. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors included the global microchip shortage and Covid, the arrival of the car onto local shores was delayed by over 2 years! It's official launch locally took place in April this year and still to this day there are few and far to be seen on the roads. I had the opportunity to spend time with the car last month to see how VW  have improved the model from the last one and what the big fuss over the car was. As someone who isn't the biggest fan of the Golf models, I was going in with an open mind as it has been one of their best selling models, and has developed a cult status in the city of my birth so it was only fair for me to give it some respect. 

DESIGN

With VWSA only opting to bring two models of the Golf 8 to the country, namely their performance models in the GTI and the R, the styling of the R follows the same sporty cues as the GTI with a low stance, large rims, sleek body kit and large front difuser. Unlike the GTI, the R's grill is a full air-intake with no fancy LED fog lamps. The front headlamps feature VW's new iQ LED lighting house in the winged shape housing which has a solid LED light that runs across the front end joined in the middle by the VW emblem. The profile of the car features a sill that flairs at the rear passenger door to give it that aerodynamic sporty look. The side mirrors are finished in brush aluminium and the rear has the quad tail pipes as quite a prominent feature. The model I had didn't come with the optional extra Akropovic pipes but still looked the part. There is no mistaking this is an R, with badges all around the car and on the brake calipers, it's hard not too. The Golf 8 R comes fitted with 19-inch Estoril diamond cut 5-spoke alloy wheels which are wrapped around Goodyear 235/35 rubbers. The interior of the Golf R is almost a carbon copy of the GTI's with a few colour modifications and badges to suit the R. I'm a big fan of the racing bucket seats which are covered in leather had have the R badge stitched in, definitely looks the part. Overall the 8 R is a stunning looking car and definitely has people turning their heads to get a better look everywhere I went. 

PERFORMANCE

Well, given the reputation it's predecessor had, VW had to up the anti with this one and with the group announcing that the 8 generation of the model being the last one with an internal combustion engine, it would be the cars swansong and it they have to end it on the right note. While there is a face-lift planned for late next year and I'm sure a few special edition models to come, this launch edition packs quite a heavy punch with its 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder TSI motor, giving a total power output of 235kW and a torque reading of 400Nm, all that power controlled by their famed 7-speed DSG gearbox is enough to put a smile on any drivers face when behind the wheel of the car. With the various driving modes, the car can turn from a hot hatch ready to take on the fastest in the streets in R model to a comfortable cruising family car in Eco mode and first up on my list was a long distance test with it, completing a 550km journey I averaged just 8.5L/100km, which is not that far off from the 7.8L claimed on their brochure that is normally tested in ideal conditions. The car can get extremely thirsty when switched into Race mode as I soon found out after refueling the car and spinning around on the weekend with it, from giving me close to 600km on the first tank, I was battling to reach 300km with the second, did I mind it? Of course not! Having done the long distance fuel economy run on the first day, it was time to enjoy this car they way it was meant to be enjoyed! Thrusting down the straights, flinging it through the bends, testing out that 4Motion technology and seeing if it is as adaptive as the Quattro from its sister company. It definitely is a fun sports car and while its center of gravity might not be that low, it still gives the driver a good feel for the road and handles like a champion. The fast changing DSG box helps on most occasions but when you feeling racey, I'd suggest you give the paddle shift a go, limiting this bad boy in to the red lines provides some extra excitement to your driving experience. 

COMFORT

Being a sporty hatch back, you wouldn't expect this car to give you the same level of comfort as a sedan or normal hatch would but truth be told, even with the bucket styled sport seats, the Golf 8 R is pretty damn comfy and it has seat heating for those cold winter days, with steering wheel heating to go along with it! The suspension is stiff but adaptive when in Eco mode to provide you with some level of softness despite the large rims and low profile tyres. I even took the 8 R on some short gravel roads, which it managed quite well at low speeds. The multi-function steering wheel also features the haptic touch sensitive buttons like the GTI, which takes some getting used to when you first use them but you get the hang of it after a while, where I don't like them is on the sunroof controls which become an issue when you're trying to operate it when driving, trying to tilt the roof? You have to get your finger in the exact center to get this right so rather just wait till you at a complete standstill before doing that. The Golf 8 R comes with the same 8.25-inch infotainment touch screen which UI is pretty easy to you but with App-Connect and wireless mobile apps such as Android Auto and Car Play, you very rarely find your self accessing the cars menu other than to check values, using the radio or resetting that damn tyre pressure monitor! Coming back to the seats, I like the band of suede which I presume is colour coded to the cars exterior paint work, the model I had was in Lapiz Blue so the band around the front two seats were blue, I could be wrong and the blue is standard across all cars but it does give the interior a nice contrast from all the black. As far as the new gear selector goes, still not won over it, while I know most of the brands in the greater VW group are opting for these, I still miss the old style gear "knob". 

VERDICT

While the Golf 8R does feel much more mature and sophisticated, there is an animal waiting to be unleashed in that engine and when you let it out, it brings about tonnes of fun. Seeing there they are few and far to be found, I took the car to some VW purists who live and breathe the brand. I honestly though they would be disappointed seeing that not much mods can be done to the car and the high price tag but after going for a few short sprints, they were very much pleased with what the car offered. Most of the cosmetic mods VW had as standard already, so there was no need for them to go out and get large carbon paddles for the gears, or line the car interior with ambient lighting because that was catered for too. Down pipe? Who needs that when VW have Akropovic as an optional extra. No need to change the headlights because you're not getting better that the IQ Matrix LED lights which are based of Audi's technology and being a Durbanite, that Harman Kardon sound system bangs so you can forget about buying that biryani pot sized subwoofer for it. Everything about this car was well thought of when designing, so that it could be the perfect farewell to what is an extremely loved model from the brand. It really changed my perception on the car and what it means to many, while the car is still in high demand and selling for some eye brow raising prices on the second hand market, for the fans, its a winner. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TSI
Gear Box	7-speed automatic DSG
Torque	400Nm
Power	235W
0-100km/h	4.8 seconds
Price	R918,200*

*base price