2024 VW Golf GTI gets harmon/kardon audio and HUD

The current 8^th generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI (assembled in Malaysia, by the way), has been updated for the 2024 model year. You won’t see anything different on the outside – nor is there a need for change – but on the inside, there is an audio system by Harman Kardon and a Head-up Display (HUD) as standard.

Premium audio system
Harman Kardon has long worked with Volkswagen to customise audio systems for each model so that sound reproduction is at its best. The system provided has a 480W amplifier and 10 speakers strategically located around the cabin.

With 70 years of experience in its field, Harman Kardon has the expertise to deliver impressive acoustics that enhance the interior ambience and deliver an immersive surround-sound experience.

Head-Up Display
Head-Up Displays or HUDs originated with fighter jets and were first available in cars in the late 1980s. The advantage of the HUD is that important operating information will be visible to the driver while he or see is looking straight ahead through the windscreen. This improves driving safety as the eyes will not have to be diverted downwards to the instrument panel.

While the earlier HUDs showed basic information such as the road speed, today’s HUDs like the one in the Golf GTI (below) provide additional information such as cruise control speed, route guidance (linked to the car’s navigation system) and important warnings.

The display is projected onto the windscreen glass ahead of the steering wheel. Its position is adjustable to suit drivers of different heights, and it is clearly visible in all kinds of lighting conditions. Of course, the conventional instrument panel is still present and provides a broader range of information.

IQ. Drive
Since July 2023, the Golf GTI (and some other models) have had Volkswagen’s IQ. Drive system which enhances active safety while driving. The driver-assistance system for the Golf GTI includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) which allows semi-autonomous motoring and Side Assist to monitor blind  spots along the sides of the car.

When reversing, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (shown above) is automatically activated to scan both sides of the car for approaching vehicles. This is useful when coming out of a parking bay and the view is obstructed by other cars. If the system detects a vehicle approaching, a warning will alert the driver so the vehicle movement can be stopped to avoid an accident.

There’s also Travel Assist which complements ACC and uses the lane-keep assist function to control the accelerator, brake, and steering. Fatigue can be reduced on long journeys as driver workload is reduced with semi-autonomous operation.

The powertrain remains the same, ie with the 245 ps/370 Nm 2.0TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 7-speed wet clutch DSG. All that power is delivered to the road by 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

5-year warranty and free maintenance
Priced from RM252,990 (without insurance), the Golf GTI comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled maintenance for the same length of time. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia also includes complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years of ownership.

The updated Golf GTI and other models will be on display at the Volkswagen Tour which will be ongoing throughout the year. The first one will be at the Queensbay Mall in Penang from January 4 – 7. Viewing and test-drives are also available at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information on the models available in Malaysia or to locate a showroom, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

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Find pre-owned Golf GTI models at Motor Trader Malaysia