Previewed at CES in Las Vegas with a camouflaged GTI, the new Volkswagen Golf mk 8.5, a restyling of the eighth generation, introduces mainly technological innovations, especially in infotainment. On one hand, it aims to address what wasn’t well-received in the current model, focusing on improving build quality and some features, such as bringing back physical buttons on all versions after the soft-touch buttons on the steering wheel failed.
The car is set to arrive in 2024, and prices will be announced in the coming weeks. The GTI is also refreshed with new details curiously in an Alfa Romeo style and an innovation that we are sure will divide enthusiasts of compact sports cars.
New Volkswagen Golf: What changes on the outside
The most noticeable exterior changes concern the redesigned LED headlights, with richer versions featuring not only the headlights but also the Volkswagen logo in LED. Optional are the matrix LED headlights, which have an almost twice as powerful high beam compared to the regular high beam.
At the rear, the lights become more elegant with three-dimensional graphics and up to three selectable patterns, similar to those found on some Audis.
With the restyling, the Golf adds four new metallic paint options: Crystal Ice Blue, Anemone Blue, Oyster Silver, Grenadilla Black; and five alloy wheel designs ranging from 16 to 19 inches. There are five trims: Golf, Life, Style, R-Line, GTE, and GTI, each with an updated bumper design. Additionally, a black roof is available with the Style trim.
Reflecting the pre-restyling Golf, the Variant still does not have GTE and GTI versions, and it’s unclear if the Golf R Variant will continue production.
Volkswagen has already showcased the updated interior earlier this month at CES, emphasizing the return to conventional buttons on the steering wheel, a change also expected in the Golf R. It’s worth noting that those annoying soft-touch buttons were only included in the richer versions, creating a paradox where more expenditure resulted in less convenience.
The most significant interior change is the latest-generation infotainment system with a tablet-style screen of 10.4 inches on the more economical Golfs and 12.9 inches on the more expensive models. The much-disliked sliding bars for climate control are (unfortunately) still present, but at least they are illuminated.
An optional head-up display will be available, and the OS has been updated and now benefits from the assistance of Chat GPT.
The new Golf hybrid with fast charging
The entry-level Golf will be equipped with a 1.5 TSI petrol engine with power of 113 or 148 HP, both front-wheel drive paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. A mild-hybrid version of the same engine, called 1.5 eTSI, has the same powers but is exclusively offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
For those seeking more power, there is a larger 2.0 TSI engine with 201 HP and a seven-speed DSG transmission. Interestingly, there is no mention of the smaller three-cylinder 1.0 TSI engine offered in the pre-restyling Golf’s more affordable version.
In the diesel field, the proven 2.0 TDI engine will have 113 HP and a six-speed manual gearbox or 148 HP and a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Both diesel engine versions are exclusively front-wheel drive.
Those who don’t want a diesel can opt for the eHybrid with 201 HP, a six-speed DSG gearbox, and front-wheel drive. The electrified model now uses a larger lithium-ion battery pack, increasing from 10.6 kWh to 19.7 kWh, extending the electric-only range to 100 km, compared to the approximately 80 km of the outgoing model.
Moreover, the new battery supports faster charging: not only does the alternating current charging increase from 3.6 to 11 kW, but there is also support for direct current charging up to 50 kW, taking 25 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. This innovation aligns with the Passat and other models in the group, potentially addressing the longstanding issue of higher plug-in consumption on highways when the battery is depleted.
The two most powerful Golfs: GTE and GTI
The first of the two more powerful versions, the Golf GTE, has a combined power of 268 HP (27 more than before) sent to the front axle via a six-speed DSG gearbox. Like the normal Golf eHybrid, it switches from the old 1.4 TSI engine to the 1.5 TSI unit with a variable turbocharger.
Finally, the GTI, which with the update seems to pay homage to Alfa Romeo with the new eight-ring wheels reminiscent of the Milanese brand’s telephone dial discs. It loses the manual gearbox in favor of a seven-speed DSG. Additionally, the power increases to 261 HP, always with front-wheel drive: 20 HP more than the current GTI.
The Golf R is expected to make its appearance later this year, while the return of the GTD is uncertain.
