Volkswagen is updating its renowned compact car, refreshing the Mk8.5 Golf to stay competitive in a crossover-dominated segment. The enhancements include a crisper exterior design, a fresh infotainment system, and necessary mechanical upgrades. While the GTI and Golf R will be exclusive to the US, the standard Golf will continue to be accessible in hatchback and wagon variants across Europe.
VW showcases the revised Golf in various versions, presenting the hatchback in eHybrid and GTE plug-in hybrid variants, along with the GTI bound for America. The Variant estate model appears in the R-Line guise, with the all-wheel-drive R and GTD performance diesel being the only absentees from the lineup.
New VW Golf Preview
Exterior
The primary exterior modifications involve the revamped LED light fixtures. The pricier Golf models boast a full-LED headlight arrangement with an illuminated VW emblem. Customers can choose, at an extra cost, a more advanced matrix LED setup featuring a high beam nearly twice as potent as the standard one. The upgraded taillights at the rear exhibit 3D-like graphics with three selectable patterns, reminiscent of the options Audi provides on certain models.
The enhanced 2024 Golf introduces four fresh metallic paint options (Crystal Ice Blue, Anemone Blue, Oyster Silver, Grenadilla Black) and five alloy wheel designs varying from 16 to 19 inches. Each trim level (Golf, Life, Style, R-Line, GTE, and GTI) receives discreet updates to bumpers, while models from Style grade and above sport a black roof.
In line with the original Golf version, the more practical of the two body styles won’t be provided in eHybrid, GTE, and GTI configurations. The anticipation is that the Golf R Variant performance wagon will persist.
The revamped cabin was revealed by VW earlier at CES this month. Yes, the sporty hatch is returning to traditional buttons on the steering wheel, and a similar approach is expected for the Golf R. It’s worth noting that the less expensive Golf Mk8 models in Europe featured standard controls, with only the pricier variants incorporating the less popular touch-sensitive keys.
Interior
The most significant interior alteration involves the next-gen infotainment system, boasting a substantial tablet-style screen measuring 10.4 inches on the budget-friendly Golfs and 12.9 inches on the higher-end models. The notorious sliders for the air conditioning system remain but are now (finally!) illuminated. An optional head-up display will also be on offer.
Powertrains
The base model Golf will come with a 1.5 TSI petrol engine producing either 113 or 148 horsepower, both transmitting power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. An eco-friendly variant of the same engine, named 1.5 eTSI, offers identical performance but is exclusive to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
For those seeking more power, there’s a larger 2.0 TSI boasting 201 hp paired with a seven-speed DSG. Notably absent is any mention of the smaller three-cylinder, 1.0 TSI engine present in the budget-friendly pre-facelift Golf.
On the diesel front, the proven 2.0 TDI will be available in two versions: 113 hp with a six-speed manual or 148 hp with a seven-speed DSG, both limited to front-wheel drive.
For non-diesel enthusiasts, the eHybrid option provides 201 hp, a six-speed DSG, and front-wheel drive. This electrified model incorporates an enlarged lithium-ion battery pack (from 10.6 kilowatt-hours to 19.7 kilowatt-hours) offering a range of up to 62 miles (100 kilometers), surpassing the previous Golf eHybrid’s maximum range of 50 miles (80 kilometers).
The hybrid plug-in model has increased its AC charging capability to 11 kilowatts, up from the previous 3.6 kilowatts, and now supports DC charging at a maximum of 50 kilowatts. During DC charging, it will require approximately 25 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80%. When the battery is fully charged and the gas tank is filled, Volkswagen estimates a travel range of up to 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) before the need for refueling.
Moving on to the more thrilling variants, the Golf GTE boasts a combined power output of 268 hp, transmitted to the front axle through a six-speed DSG. Similar to the standard eHybrid, it transitions from the previous 1.4 TSI engine to the 1.5 TSI unit with variable turbocharger geometry. Compared to its forerunner, this electrified hatch packs an additional 27 hp.
Saving the most exciting update for the end, the refreshed GTI comes with its Alfa Romeo-inspired wheels. Unfortunately, the hot hatch has parted ways with its manual gearbox, now featuring a seven-speed DSG that channels 261 hp to the front wheels – an increase of 20 hp compared to the pre-facelift model.
While VW had a more powerful Clubsport version available in Europe before the facelift, delivering 296 hp, it seems to be absent from the current lineup. The vehicle showcased at CES might have been a Clubsport, hinting at its potential introduction to the United States.
Final Thoughts
The unveiling of the Golf R is anticipated later this year, while the return of the GTD is uncertain due to the declining popularity of diesel post the VW Group’s complex situation.
This could be the final significant update for the VW Golf in the era of traditional combustion powerplants. With about 37 million units produced and half a century on the market, the ninth generation is confirmed as an electric model on the VW Group’s Scalable Systems Platform. Production is set to begin near the end of the decade in Wolfsburg, Germany, alongside other SSP-based cars.
Whether the two models will coexist peacefully before VW transitions to an all-electric lineup remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear – the German brand has committed to producing only electric cars in Europe starting in 2033, signaling the inevitable end of the ICE Golf.
Source and Images: Motor1