VW leaks Golf Mk8 exterior ahead of summer premiere

Based on the spy photos recently uploaded online, Volkswagen is running final tests of the eighth iteration of its Golf compact hatchback series. The car won’t premiere until at least summer 2019, so let us have a closer look at it while we can.

Luckily, the car spotters have found this VW Golf completely free of any kind of test mule camouflage. Based on the shots, we can tell it is getting new lighting front and rear, revised bumpers, and a differently styled radiator grille. The company said some time ago that the next-gen Golf had gone through the most comprehensive design makeover so far, and that we should expect the new interior to be nothing less than “revolutionary.”

The car is based on a modified version of the MQB platform and should therefore weigh 35 to 70 kilos (77 – 154 lbs., depending on the particular trim version) less than its predecessor. It also offers 400 liters (14.1 cu. ft.) of trunk space.

The series will ship with a choice among several 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engines, 1.5-liter diesels, and a PHEV drivetrain.

In the foreseeable future, the Volkswagen Golf family will expand to incorporate a sporty GTI trim version armed with a stronger engine rated at 250 hp (186 kW), as well as a range-topping R version with 350 hp (261 kW) at its disposal. One final addition will come in the form of a new plug-in hybrid model packing more power and range.

Production of the VW Golf Mk8 will begin in June 2019.

Photo: carscoops.com