Volkswagen says the new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf is the most sophisticated Golf there’s ever been. And given the Volkswagen features an almost entirely digital cockpit, uses never-before-seen hybrid engines and boasts a raft of driver-assistance system, who are we to disagree?
But it’s also the end of an era. Volkswagen now sees its future in the pure-electric Volkswagen ID 3, meaning that although the new Golf will be the brand’s sales powerhouse for several years to come, as a concept it exists on borrowed time (not to sound overly dramatic). Still, we’d expect this one to once again compete for class honours against not only its usual rivals from Audi, Ford and Renault but now also BMW, whose new front-wheel-drive BMW 1-Series has impressed.
When the Mk8 Golf arrives early next year, will it still be the family hatchback to have? We drove a pre-production model in Portugal to learn more.
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New 2020 Volkswagen Golf gains mild hybrid engines, new technology
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Dust traps
Am I the only one thinking that the bit along the top of those screens will be full of dust? This will look awful very quickly.
Dust traps
Am I the only one thinking that the bit along the top of those screens will be full of dust? This will look awful very quickly.
Shiny reflective plastic surrounds
There seems to be a lot of shiny plastic, and while showing us the dashboard, there were a lot of distracting reflections and glints. Worse than on my current 7.5 Golf.
The touch controls are the worst bit about mine. I was glad to see that many of the controls can be actioned from the multi function steering wheel. Also glad to see that fully electric seat with what looked to be fabric trim, rather than requiring all leather.
Oh, and to follow on from my last post, the beardy bodie appeared at 03:46 and again later at 5:50 as the external view video was repeated - how cheap.