Volkswagen AG has held a large official presentation dedicated to the eighth generation of its best-selling Golf hatchback. The iconic car boasts minimal exterior changes, but the cabin is all-new, and a hybrid version becomes available for the first time.
Overall, the newcomer stays true to the design standards set by its forebears. The telltale curve of the c-pillar, the shapes of the side windows and the proportions all stay the same. The lighting is the only major element that has been revised, with LEDs being standard equipment in all trims and LED Matrix headlights available as an option.
Moving on to the cabin, the dashboard now resides on a 10.25-inch digital screen, and the multimedia display is available in 8.25 and 10 inches. Another small display to the left side of the steering wheel controls backlighting and window heating, and there is a touch bar on the ceiling for opening and closing the hatch. Three-zone climate control, HUD and premium audio are paid features.
In Europe, the Mk8 Golf will ship in eight powertrain versions. These include a turbocharged three-cylinder mill available in 90 hp (67 kW) and 110 hp (82 kW) variants, and its larger 1.5-liter, four-cylinder alternative purchasable in 130 hp (97 kW) and 150 hp (112 kW) implementations. Transmission is either six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. The diesel engine lineup has expanded to incorporate a new 2.0 TDI mill obtainable with either 115 hp (86 kW) or 150 hp (112 kW) at the crank.
The list goes on to include mild hybrids so far only available as pre-orders. These come based on a low-yield gasoline engine (110, 130, or 150 hp; 82, 97, or 112 kW) assisted by a 48-volt starter/generator and a modest-sized lithium-ion battery. Wrapping up the range are full-fledged plug-in hybrids based on a 1.4-liter TSI engine, an electric motor and a larger 13-kWh battery. Depending on the particular implementation, the Golf eHybrid sends between 204 and 245 hp (152 – 183 kW) to the wheels by means of a preselection-enabled DCT transmission.
The Golf Mk8 will hit the showrooms in Germany and Austria in December, and the other markets will follow in 2020.