New Golf to feature class-leading tech
The eighth-gen hatch from VW will boast unprecedented specs when unveiled later this month.
The next-generation Volkswagen Golf, to be unveiled this month, aims to revolutionise the volume hatchback market with 48V mild-hybrid engines and technology not yet seen in the class.
The German maker is betting on the new Mk8 Golf to secure its foothold in the shrinking segment — down 16% globally in the first half of 2019, according to analyst firm JATO — by offering not only class-leading technology but also the lowest CO2 emissions, important for running costs and the brand’s social responsibility standing.
VW’s technical chief, Frank Welsch, said: “We are now in pre-production, in the phase to make sure that one part fits perfectly to another. Everything we did on the prototype is nice, but now it’s time to see whether it works in the series solution. We are testing in Germany, America, Spain, China — everywhere.”
There’s been much debate about the Mk8’s engines and which should use hybrid tech, with decisions understood to have been reversed after the departure of Matthias Muller as CEO and the subsequent appointment of Herbert Diess.
The outcome, Mr Welsch said, is that the volume engines — 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol-turbo units — will be available in a 48V system with VW’s dual-clutch transmission only. The 1.0 will make 130hp and the 1.5 will produce 150hp.
Mr Welsch added: “We have 48V on the mainstream petrol engines but not on the diesel. The diesel has better CO2 emissions anyway and diesel is more expensive. So to keep it balanced, we did it only on petrol.
“The 48V mild hybrid is not only good in terms of CO2 but also comfortable driving. You won’t hear the restart on the start/stop system. It’s much more powerful with the mild-hybrid starter/generator system. Even while driving, if the car is just rolling, you don’t need extra power. The engine turns off while driving, and if you just touch the pedal, it starts again and you don’t feel it. It’s very comfortable.”
Alongside the two volume petrol engines, there will be an updated version of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel, code-named EA288 Evo, which has been significantly re-engineered to reduce exhaust pollution.
There’s also a more efficient and responsive turbocharger, and the engine itself is lighter. VW has said the unit offers an average of 9% more torque and power, together with an average 10g/ km decrease in CO2 emissions.
The Golf GTE plug-in hybrid continues with 241hp, while a lower-powered version rated at 201hp will also be available. There will be no e-Golf, as VW is focused on its new electric ID 3.
The next Golf GTI, due to arrive by late 2020, is set to use much of the hardware from the Mk7 Golf GTI, including an updated version of the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which will exceed the 241hp of the current iteration.
An even hotter Golf R will follow in 2021. A range-topping 400bhp R Plus, to rival the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3, is also on the cards.
The Mk8 Golf is underpinned by an evolution of the existing model’s MQB platform, featuring a strut front and multi-link rear suspension in combination with adaptive damping control. The electromechanical steering of the outgoing car has been heavily reworked to provide it with added levels of feedback and a more direct ratio.
The new Golf’s design, as ever, will not be a dramatic overhaul from its predecessor’s, given the loyal fan base of VW’s third biggest selling car globally, behind the Tiguan and Polo.
There will not be a three-door Golf, with VW choosing to focus on the five-door and estate variants as it streamlines its range in a bid to maximise cost efficiencies and profits. The estate will have a 50mm-longer wheelbase and a longer rear overhang than the hatchback.
Jurgen Stackmann, VW board member for sales and marketing, doesn’t see a risk of cannibalisation of sales between the Golf and ID 3.
“If you look into the mindset of who’s buying Golf and for what reason, they want the same as before,” he said. “They love Golf for what it is. They love technology but they don’t go wild. In the long term, in maybe six or eight years, we will start to see crossover between Golf and ID 3 customers.”