A HOT hatch is a high-performance hatchback vehicle.
When you hear the words “hot hatch”, you immediately think of the Volkswagen Golf, as well as the phrase “Vrrr pha” if you’re from Mzansi.
When the Golf 1 GTI was introduced, it combined performance and handling with usability and quality to rival some sports cars.
This contributed to its success because it could be used as a family car and was highly desirable.
Between 1976 and 1983, the production car had an 80kW 1,6-litre engine with mechanical fuel injection and a four-speed manual transmission.
Fast forward four decades and Volkswagen has introduced the eighth generation of what is the pinnacle of a hot hatchback.
Mzansi went crazy for the Vrrr Pha when it went on sale in September, and some have already had their hands on it.
On Saturday, 16 October, the GTI 8 On Tour gave Mzansi VW enthusiasts the opportunity to be driven, and for those who were lucky enough, to drive the hot hatch.
The GTI 8 On Tour is a series of “car meet” events that began in Cape Town and travelled to Durban and then Joburg this month.
Car shows are a chance for petrol heads to get together and show off their rides, while also building a community.
The largest VW community event in Mzansi is called VDUB CAMP FEST, and it attracts international car builders and enthusiasts and it is the largest VW annual event in South Africa.
