VW Golf returns for eighth instalment

Faster GTIs, slick hybrids and digital inside. Georg Kacher introduces the new Golf

1

GTI AND R GET FASTER

VW is preparing three fast Golfs; GTI, GTI Cup and the all-wheel-drive R. The 232bhp GTI is an evolution of the original concept, complete with cloth upholstery. The 286bhp Cup adopts the more extrovert livery of today’s TCR, including bigger wheels, more spoilers, extra warpaint and a go-faster interior. The Golf R retains the 2.0-litre engine but power leaps to 328bhp. Aided by a 37lb ft torque boost, 0-62mph drops to 4.5sec.

2

THEY DON’T ALL LOOK THE SAME

Big-ticket Mk8s get more chrome, fivepoint LED lights up front, twin exhausts (round or rectangular, depending on engine) and bigger rims. The GTI gets a standalone visual treatment with added black and red accents, bespoke wheels, diamondshaped daytime running lights, a wider track and lowered suspension. All GTIs also get upgraded suspension, steering and brakes.

3

INSIDE, GOLF’S GONE DIGITAL

Jump in and you’ll find digital instrumentation, a by-wire shifter, slick eight-inch or 10-inch touchscreen options and a compact indash touch panel for headlights, foglights and parking lights. Wherever you look, there’s the new whiteon-blue brand logo. Customers can specify an optional head-up display and a multiview virtual cockpit is standard. nd Push buttons are definitely a dying breed…

4

HERE COME THE PHEVS

Mk8 will launch with a 1.5-litre TSI rated at 128bhp and 148bhp, a 1.5 TSI 48-volt mild hybrid and a 2.0-litre TDI with 113bhp and 148bhp. The sevenspeed DSG remains an option for the lowend powertrains. In comes a new 1.4-litre TSI in two PHEV Golfs, rated at 148bhp and 178bhp and due to come on stream next summer. The least potent Mk8 gets an 89bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder.

5

IT’S STILL GOLF SIZED

The new car is virtually unchanged in size, with a 2630mm wheelbase. The estate gets a 50mm stretch for more rear legroom and a bigger boot. VW is claiming a best-inclass drag coe cient.