Half a century of the Golf: VW unveils the final new petrol model
- Volkswagen reveals particulars of the final new Golf that bought with petrol and diesel engines earlier than electrical change
- Here are eight issues it’s essential to find out about it, together with when it is going to be arriving in UK showrooms
- New options together with a parking system operated from a smartphone and a
There are so many vehicles which are given icon standing, however the Volkswagen Golf is one which has earned the moniker after half a century of excellent reputation.
And 50 years on from the unique’s launch, VW has unveiled the refreshed Mk8 model (we’ll name it the Mk8.5), which will get tweaked seems, a giant tech improve and a flashy new parking function.
But its reveal comes with a heavy coronary heart and a lump within the throat, as this would be the final newly-launched Golf with a combustion engine.
Here’s a fast take a look at eight issues it’s essential to know concerning the latest VW Golf and Golf GTI.
End of the street for the petrol Golf: The facelifted Mk8 Golf (left) would be the final new instance of VW’s mainstay hatchback bought with inside combustion engines. Here’s eight issues it’s essential to find out about it
1. It’s the final new Golf with a combustion engine earlier than going electrical
Volkswagen is bidding auf wiedersehen to its petrol-powered Golf as plans have been laid for the Mk8.5 facelift to be the final launched with inside combustion engines.
It marks the start of the top for one of the well-liked motors Britain’s drivers have come to know and love over the past half century.
VW first revealed the Golf in 1974. Since then, the nameplate has been a mainstay of our roads.
It is the most-built VW of all time, its GTI scorching hatches have a cult following and it was the best-selling automotive in Europe for 14 consecutive years between 2008 and 2021. Still as we speak, it stays one of the well-liked household hatchbacks in each European and British showrooms.
VW first revealed the Golf in 1974. Since then, the household hatch has been an evergreen mannequin of Britain’s roads throughout eight totally different generations
However, VW’s change to electrical vehicles means this revised ‘Mk8.5’ model shall be its final with a petroleum engine.
Bosses final yr confirmed that the next-generation T-Roc crossover in 2026 would be the last new combustion engine mannequin to launch earlier than the model totally commits to electrical. This finally means the Mk9 Golf could have electrical propulsion.
‘With that [the Mk8 facelift], the automotive is ready till the top of the last decade. Then we’ve got to see how this phase develops,’ Thomas Schaefer, CEO of VW vehicles, advised German journal Automobilwoche in April.
‘If the world develops utterly in another way than anticipated by 2026 or 2027, we may develop a completely new car – however I do not suppose it’s going to. So far that isn’t anticipated.’
The unveiling of the VW Golf Mk8.5 marks the start of the top for one of the well-liked motors Britain’s drivers have come to know and love over the past half century
Golf is the most-built VW of all time, its GTI scorching hatches have a cult following and it was the best-selling automotive in Europe for 14 consecutive years between 2008 and 2021. Still as we speak, it stays one of the well-liked household hatchbacks in each European and British showrooms.
he Mk8.5 will proceed to be accessible as a traditional hatchback and spacious property automotive from 2024 – and will keep in showrooms for the following few years
VW is because of launch 10 new electrical fashions by 2026, together with the ‘reasonably priced’ ID.2 crossover, which is promised to value lower than €25,000 – that is round £22,000 – when it hits the market in three years’ time.
The automotive maker plans to maintain the Golf identify for a future electrical mannequin, however the earliest that is more likely to be launched is 2028.
The Mk8.5 will proceed to be accessible as a traditional hatchback and property from 2024.
2. There’s one engine possibility that may already go 62 miles in electrical mode
The new Golf GTE plug-in hybrid presents an electric-only vary of 62 miles. This means British drivers may, in concept – primarily based on a mean day by day mileage of 18 miles – recharge it as soon as per week and full their day by day commutes with out the petrol engine
Volkswagen goes out with a bang with its final combustion-engined Golf, providing quite a lot of powerplants earlier than they kill them off for good. Nine powertrain variants shall be accessible in whole.
The hottest would be the 1.5-litre petrols. These can be found with and with out mild-hybrid know-how, producing 114bhp and 148bhp. An uprated 2.0-litre petrol can even observe later with 201bhp – some 13bhp greater than the earlier unit produced.
Diesel choices are to stay, too, with the selection of a 114bhp or 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI models.
And VW has additionally upgraded its plug-in hybrid powertrain, promoting two choices from 2024. Both use a mixture of 1.5-litre petrol engine (changing the outgoing 1.4), with the brand new TSI eHybrid utilizing a 201bhp electrical motor and the GTE getting a 268bhp e-motor – an uplift of 20bhp over the present variations.
The new PHEVs are actually geared up with a 19.7kWh battery (up from 10.6kWh) and DC fast-charging as much as 50kW.
Using electrical energy completely, VW says it might go for 62 miles with out use of the combustion engine – and the 2 mixed ought to be good for 620 miles of driving earlier than needing to cease to refuel and/or recharge.
3. GTI lives on – Golf R to observe
This is the up to date Golf GTI, which continues to make use of a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol. Power has now been upped by nearly 20bhp from 242 to 261
Big information is that consumers will solely get it with a seven-speed DSG computerized gearbox as Volkswagen has taken the controversial resolution to ditch the handbook ‘box – something that’s likely to irk traditionalists. However, there is a return for the teledial alloy wheels, which haven’t been available for the hot hatch since the Mk6 model
If the Golf is an icon then the Golf GTI is a legend. And enthusiasts will be glad to hear it will still be available for the next few years.
It will continue to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, though with power upped by almost 20bhp from 242 to 261. Big news is that buyers will only get it with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox as Volkswagen has taken the controversial decision to ditch the manual ‘box – something that’s likely to irk traditionalists.
However, appeasing GTI fans will be the reintroduction of the teledial alloy wheel designs as an optional extra for 2024 – the first time these have been available since the Mk6 version sold between 2008 and 2012 – and the continued use of red flashes across the headlight clusters (blue for the GTE) to identify it from a standard Golf.
A honeycomb grille and ‘air guides’ in the front spoiler are also exclusive to the GTI, while customers can order genuine VW carbonfibre interior trims for the very first time. Of course, the tartan cloth seats are a tradition carried forward to the 2024 facelift, too, though there is the option for leather sports seats.
While not yet confirmed, an all-wheel-drive Golf R will follow, though likely not until 2025. Given the GTI’s power upgrades, the last petrol Golf R might be the most potent to carry the iconic nameplate.
4. The first illuminated front badge
New EU regulations mean car makers can now have illuminated badges on their vehicles – and the Golf will be one of the first to have this feature
The biggest talking point about how the facelifted Golf looks is its illuminated VW badge on the bonnet.
Previously, any lit element of a car’s exterior bar the lights themselves were illegal, but a recent change in Europe’s advertising laws means makers can now use these on their new models.
As for the headlights themselves, customers will be able to pay extra for VW’ latest IQ Light HD matrix tech. These are said to cast a beam distance of up to 500 metres.
5. Has VW fixed the terrible infotainment setup?
Following massive criticism from owners, Volkswagen has made wholesale changes to the infotainment system of the Golf for ease of use…
The volume and heating controls at the bottom of the touchscreen are now backlit so the driver can see them at night. This was a big problem with the Mk8 sold until now
Hopefully, yes!
One of the biggest criticisms of the Golf Mk8 has been its infotainment system – mostly the control functions to adjust the temperature and volume level, which before were operated using an unlit haptic touch slider.
These are backlit from 2024, so drivers can locate and use them more easily at night. And the touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel – which were previously temperamental and infuriating to operate – have been replaced by physical switches.
The Golf Mk8.5 gets a central – landscape-orientated – touchscreen, which in cheaper models is 10.4-inches, while higher-grade vehicles have a larger 12.9-inch screen
Touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel – which were previously temperamental and infuriating to operate – have been replaced by physical switches for the facelifted model
Volkswagen says the rest of the ‘hardware and software of the Golf’s infotainment system are completely new’ for 2024.
This includes the debut of ChatGPT in one of its models, meaning drivers can ask their Golf any question and receive a spoken response.
It gets a central – landscape-orientated – touchscreen, which in cheaper models is 10.4-inches, while higher-grade vehicles have a larger 12.9-inch screen. These have the latest ‘MIB4’ operating system, which includes a new menu structure with the screen divided in two to keep shortcut functions visible at all times so a driver or passenger can easily navigate around the commonly-used functions.
The Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster is now a 10.2-inch screen and can be supplemented with an optional widescreen head-up display.
6. You can park it with your smartphone
The arrival of a new Park Assist Pro2 feature means buyers of the new Golf can park their car from outside the vehicle using just their smartphone
One of the headline new features of the Golf is the arrival of Park Assist Pro2.
This enables the car to be driven into and out of parking spaces using the driver’s smartphone while stood outside the vehicle.
Another upgrade is to the latest Area View2 system, which provides a 360-degree all-round view by merging four cameras to provide a bird’s eye view of the Golf and its surroundings on the infotainment screen.
7. It’ll be right here in April and keep till the top of the last decade
The newly refreshed Golf ought to be arriving in UK showrooms in months. Prices are usually not but confirmed, although we’re anticipating a slight premium over present RRPs
UK sellers predict to load their showrooms with the facelifted Golf in April.
Volkswagen bosses say the raft of updates made to the Mk8.5 ought to see it by way of to the top of the last decade, with the electrical Golf 9 anticipated near 2030.
The hope is {that a} recent provide of autos can push the Golf again up the registrations pecking order in each the UK and Europe.
Last yr, the Golf slipped out of the highest 10 finest sellers checklist for the primary time in many years, whereas in Europe it’s now outsold by the T-Roc SUV – in addition to the Tesla Model Y, Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio and Peugeot 208.
8. How a lot will it value?
VW UK has but to announce how a lot the Golf will set consumers again, although the expectation is for the beginning value for the entry 1.5-litre petrol to edge nearer to £30,000. The Golf GTI shall be round £40k – the Golf R much more.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLFS THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
Golf I: 1974 – 1983
VW bought nearly 7m examples of the unique Golf between 1974 and 1983 because it efficiently succeeded the enduring Beetle
VW debuted the primary mannequin of the Golf in March 1974 as a substitute for its beloved Beetle.
The automotive featured a totally new car mannequin that included a front-mounted, water-cooled engine and sharp, boxier strains.
One of its standout design options was its upright, strong C-pillar – a styling cue that is been used on ever Golf mannequin since.
When it rolled off the Wolfsburg manufacturing line in March ’74, the promoting slogan used was: ‘The new well-liked sport: Golf’. And prospects lapped it up, with VW shifting 6.99million models in 9 years.
Golf II: 1983 – 1991
The Mk2 Golf proved vastly well-liked between 1983 and 1991 amassing some 6.3m world gross sales
The Golf II was larger and extra aerodynamic than its predecessor however retained a lot of the identical design language with a view to hold the nameplate’s DNA.
Styling tweaks included a reshaped rear with the brake mild cluster moved increased up.
But the true adjustments had been the technological improvements, which included anti-lock brakes, energy steering and all-wheel drive.
A complete of 6.3million second-generation models had been bought by the point manufacturing ended in the summertime of 1991.
Golf III: 1991 – 1997
When the Mk3 Golf arrived in 1991 it regarded very totally different and featured a extra aerodynamic form. Almost 5m had been bought globally by 1997
When the third-generation Golf emerged in 1991 it had a markedly totally different look.
It was the primary with a ‘wedge’ form designed to enhance its aerodynamic effectivity, whereas engineers prolonged its footprint by making the observe wider and reducing the automotive to offer it extra presence.
‘As we moved from the primary to the second Golf, we made the automotive larger, put in extra highly effective engines and gave it higher dealing with. In the third era, design now performs a better position. We discovered a glance that’s typical of the Golf, which radiates security and high quality,’ mentioned Herbert Schäfer, VW’s chief designer on the time.
Volkswagen additionally ushered in a brand new period of security with the Golf III and from 1992 bought it with entrance airbags – later adopted in 1996 with the introduction of aspect airbags.
Almost 5million examples of the Mk3 had been bought earlier than it was changed.
Golf IV: 1997 – 2003
A extra outstanding C-pillar was the standout function of the Mk4 Golf. It additionally debuted a bunch of latest tech to make it extra interesting to household automotive consumers. It bought nearly 5m examples
The fourth iteration of the Golf emerged in 1997 and once more there was a drastic redesign of the hatchback.
The roof was prolonged and the rear had a steeper, box-like form. The conventional C-pillar was additionally prolonged to offer it extra prominence within the general design.
Not solely did it look totally different, VW needed the Mk4 to really feel extra premium than ever earlier than – and it actually generated loads of badge enchantment, with 4.99million sol worldwide in whole.
It additionally had a lot of new security improvements, together with debuting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) from 1998.
The Mk4 additionally delivered to market VW’s own-designed DSG double-clutch gearbox, which stays among the best computerized transmissions as we speak.
It was additionally the era of Golf that noticed it overtake the legendary Beetle by way of whole models. On 25 June 2002, the Golf quantity 21,517,415 rolled off the meeting line and made it the most-built Volkswagen of all time.
Golf V: 2003–2008
The Mk5 Golf retailed the automotive’s DNA and bought a whopping 3.4million examples around the globe
In 2003, the Golf hit a brand new milestone of changing into the best-selling automotive from Germany for nearly three many years.
It earns the nameplate the title ‘das Auto’ simply because the fifth era automotive emerges in showrooms.
It continues the Golf DNA, combining the attribute C-pillar, highly effective rear form, a sporty entrance finish and all-round muscular silhouette.
In phrases of technical improvements, it had loads: a laser-welded physique, rear aspect airbags, four-link rear suspension, new seven-speed DSG, bi-xenon headlamps, rain sensor and panoramic sunroof.
The Mk5 was additionally the primary Golf to diversify into the MPV phase with the higher-bodied Golf Plus in 2006 and in whole Volkswagen bought a whopping 3.4million examples throughout all derivatives to prospects around the globe.
Golf VI: 2008 – 2012
The Mk6 Golf wasn’t on sale lengthy however nonetheless generated a staggering 2.85m gross sales in 4 years between 2008 and 2012
A sleeker design was launched for the Golf VI that arrived in 2008 as Volkswagen aimed to up the hatchback’s premium enchantment and security tech.
It aced Euro NCAP crash assessments with a five-star ranking, with this era of Golf debuting the knee airbag to supply extra safety to drivers throughout collisions.
The Mk6 additionally launched us to a lot of high-tech help programs that had been by no means earlier than seen in a household hatch.
Automatic primary beam management Light Assist was first used within the fifth-gen mannequin in addition to ParkAssist, Hill begin assistant, digital damper management suspension, fuel-saving start-stop system and LEDs used as a part of a tail mild cluster.
Its luxurious, sharp seems and baggage of apparatus earned the Mk6 ‘World Car of the Year standing and VW bought 2.85million models in simply 4 years earlier than the Mk7 arrived.
Golf VII: 2012 – 2019
The Mk7 Golf was the primary to debut an electrical – e-Golf – variant in addition to a hybrid possibility. Almost 6m had been bought worldwide
While the Mk7 Golf regarded to proceed the identical aesthetics because the Mk6, it was very totally different beneath the pores and skin.
Launched in 2012, it was the primary Volkswagen to make use of the model’s revolutionary and light-weight modular transverse equipment (MQB) platform, which saved round 100kg off its weight. This in flip improved gasoline financial system by as much as 23 per cent on sure engine variants.
This utterly modified the look, really feel and practicality of the Golf, shifting the entrance wheels additional forwards to scale back the overhangs at every nook of the automotive and lengthen the bonnet for a extra premium look. It additionally dramatically improved inside house.
Volkswagen’s then chief designer Klaus Bischoff mentioned: ‘The car cab strikes visually to the rear, giving a so-called “cab-backward impression”.
That’s what we name the proportions of luxurious class autos the place the bonnet is lengthy, and the cab may be very far again. That’s why the Golf VII has proportions which are in any other case solely present in increased segments.’
The Mk7 additionally debuted a digital instrument cluster and introduced much more help programs within the luxurious class to the compact class.
An electrical e-Golf and hybrid GTE variant was added to the vary and widened its enchantment. It noticed VW shift nearly 6million models in whole.
Golf VIII: 2019 – current
The Mk8 Golf would be the final with a combustion engine earlier than VW shifts to electrical car manufacturing earlier than the top of the last decade
The present Golf arrived in 2019 and Volkswagen has crammed it with a bunch of know-how.
The well-liked household hatchback contains a semi-autonomous mode that enables the automotive to drive itself at speeds as much as 130mph (although not legally within the UK), a communication system that talks to different autos and a operate to name forward to order a desk at your favorite eating places.
It was the primary mannequin in its phase to function a ‘utterly digital cockpit’ with the motive force’s show and instrument cluster bundled into a brand new 10.25-inch display screen.
It has undergone its mid-life facelift in 2024. The final combustion-engine Golf on sale, it ought to stay in showrooms till the latter years of the last decade.
CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST
