What is it?
The story of the Volkswagen Golf began in 1974. Back then few would have imagined just what sort of success the practical hatchback would become.
Forty-five years later, the Golf has firmly established as the world’s best-selling car, with more than 35 million sales worldwide.
Predictably, then, Volkswagen takes the development of each and every Golf model very seriously indeed, carefully preserving what is cherished while diligently updating elements considered old or flawed.
As a result of this step-by-step approach, it has managed to remain relevant and competitive in Europe’s hardest-fought market segment without resorting to any radical or contrived changes for seven complete model cycles - something no hatchback rival can claim.
Engineering-wise, this new eighth-generation model is more of a revision than a replacement; the new Golf retains the same front-wheel drive MQB platform as its VW Golf predecessor, albeit updated to offer greater structural rigidity. Its chassis draws heavily on the car it replaces without any significant changes in geometry or hardware.
The exterior is more individual looking than the previous Golf. The flamboyant design of the LED headlamps is particularly out of character for Volkswagen's best selling model and the most controversial design element in a distinctly lower front end. There’s also a more defined swage line running from the leading edge of the front doors through to the rear lights.
In a development that helps to bring it into line with some rivals, buyers can option Volkswagen’s IQ light package. It includes automatic main beam, strobe-like indicators, and gives the rear lights a distinctive LED graphic.
The new Golf is 29mm longer, 10mm wider and 4mm taller than before, with the same wheelbase. Yet Volkswagen has managed to improve aerodynamic efficiency; the standard model boasts a Cd of 0.27 compared to the 0.30 of its predecessor.
The new Golf will be offered exclusively with five doors. We did spot some cost-cutting measures: it eschews gas struts for the bonnet, relying on a simple manual strut. Volkswagen says this is because the new model adopts two bonnet latches instead of a single latch. The underside of the bonnet is also finished in black undercoat rather than body colour, a move claimed to streamline assembly.
The new Golf’s engine line-up includes three new turbocharged petrol-based eTSI mild hybrids that use a 48-volt electric drive system, and a revised petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain offering two different states of tune.
The mild-hybrid eTSI units are a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine developing 89bhp, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol powerplant offering 129bhp and 148bhp - all offering a claimed 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the non-electrified powertrains they replace.
The plug-in hybrid drivetrains combine Volkswagen’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a gearbox-mounted electric motor, offering 148bhp and 241bhp in a performance-focused Volkswagen Golf GTE model – although only the higher-powered version will be offered in the UK when it goes on sale next year. Both use a 13kWh lithium battery, claimed to provide a 50 per cent increase in electric range of more than 37 miles.
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A step backwards
The predictatble move to a touchscreen is one (dumb) thing but what's with the light "switch" ?
Just cannot see that being an improvemton the current knob which allows all funtions without looking away from the road - if you feel your way around that pad, there;s a good chance you'll switch something on or off you didn't intend to...
Greg's right - it is absolutley a step too far for part of its customer base, me included. Trouble is, they won't realise it until it's too late.
Will the MK9 herald a return of the knobs?
I had been keeping an eye on
I had been keeping an eye on the new Golf for several months before deciding whether to stick to the plan of making the final payment on my GTD Mk7 to own it outright. The payment was made recently and I am glad I did. This just doesn't do it for me - I am really not sure about the exterior looks. The interior sure has good tech but it's just lost something I can't put my finger on. It's more modern than the 7 inside but it's just not that appealing to me and also I will keep my analogue dials too as a couple of others have said! I am sure the hotter versions will look a bit better but I am not sure VW have played a blinder here with this one at all. Underwhelming I think is the word that springs to mind for me.
As it always was.
The new Golf then is just the same as the last one and the one before that back to at leat 2006 which was the last major upgrade.
I for one was expecting more in terms of unique styling and innovative engineering (like a proper use of the 48V hybridisation with electric turbos and coasting functions) and at least retaining hydraulic bonnet struts and body paint under the panel. Probably Golf owners never raise the bonnet but still...
Unfortunately, this is right up against the premium brands on one side and competition from its own stable brands on the other. Lots of people will buy it, but discerning or savvy shoppers will look elsewhere.