Volkswagen is phasing out the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf, as Volkswagen Malaysia has already unveiled the Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf. To clear remaining stock of the Mk8 Golf GTI, Volkswagen Malaysia has introduced this special edition Golf GTI, giving buyers more reason to choose this outgoing generation. This final special edition pays tribute to Malaysia’s iconic Sepang International Circuit, hence the name Golf GTI Sepang Edition.

With the Sepang Edition, you do get several equipment highlights that set it apart from the regular Golf GTI. For a start, there are blacked-out components around the exterior of the vehicle. These include the roof, front spoiler, rear diffuser, side skirts, and side mirror covers. This definitely makes the car look that bit more special and sportier. The appearance is further enhanced by a decal pack exclusive to the Sepang Edition. To remind you that you are driving the Sepang Edition, there are Sepang Edition stickers on the B-pillar and tailgate, which are definitely hard to miss.

Apart from that, the rims receive some special treatment as well. They now come in a sleek gunmetal grey finish, which matches well with the dark blue exterior colour of the vehicle. On top of that, the rims feature self-levelling centre caps, similar to those found on the 50th Anniversary variant. The valve caps also come with VW badging, something you do not get outside of these special edition models. Inside the cabin, the most noticeable addition is the front and rear dashcam setup, meaning you do not need to refit anything if you plan to add another dashcam. Lastly, the car comes with full Volkswagen tint all around, so you do not have to pay extra for tinted windows.

When it comes to the way it drives, the Golf GTI feels exactly like how it did when I first tried it. The 2.0-litre petrol engine still provides just the right amount of power, allowing the Golf GTI to outrun many vehicles on the road. The handling remains one of the best in the market, making the GTI a very good all-rounder. You can use it as a daily driver thanks to its practicality, but once you hit some B-roads, the GTI truly comes alive and delivers all the fun you would want from a hot hatchback.

The Golf GTI Sepang Edition is priced at RM264,012, which is RM18,000 more than the regular Golf GTI. While Volkswagen has tried to make the GTI feel more special, the reality is that these are largely cosmetic upgrades. This may not be the type of enhancement that enthusiasts are looking for. There was plenty of opportunity for Volkswagen to make the Sepang Edition even more distinctive. That said, what you see is essentially what you get with the Golf GTI Sepang Edition. If you simply enjoy driving a Golf GTI, the regular model would likely be more than good enough. And with the new model already launched, it seems clear that Volkswagen is aiming to clear its remaining stock.

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