Even though Volkswagen will always be known as the manufacturer that created the legendary Beetle, the truth is that the VW Golf is a much more relevant and important product. On the market since 1974 and with over 32 million units sold, the Golf has long surpassed the Beetle's production numbers and has become one of the world's best selling cars.
Until now, it has evolved through eight distinctive generations and has become the worldwide standard for family hatchback vehicles. In the true fashion of "people's car" (translation of the name Volkswagen), Golf is offered in numerous variants and models, with dozen of engines and drivetrain options.
Designed to be a car for everybody, Volkswagen now has the difficult task of enduring the compact SUV dominance while keeping the Golf relevant to modern customers. Since the 8th-gen Golf has recently been released, we will take a closer look at it and see if it has what it needs to continue the winning streak of the previous seven generations.
Design
Volkswagen's designers had a tough job keeping the signature Golf's design elements while still revamping it enough to make it fresh and appealing. The Mk7 was a very successful design that defined the Golf looks; however, we have to say that the Mk8 looks more like a thorough refresh than an entirely new generation.
The drag coefficient is improved, the front end looks sharper with new headlights and grille, and new taillights and rear bumper complete the rear redesign. However, when looked at from the side, the Mk8 seems almost indistinguishable from its predecessor.
Chassis
Even though the design isn't revolutionary, the chassis architecture is. The Golf Mk8 is built on the brand new MBQ Evo platform, launched last year. More robust, lighter, and more modular than the one it replaces, the MBQ platform offers better driving characteristics, more structural rigidity, and, most of all, more drivetrain options.
A more versatile platform was essential since VW is now offering a hybrid and an all-wheel-drive variant, in addition to the standard front-wheel-drive model. This platform is shared with other models from VAG, such as the brand new Audi A3, Skoda Octavia, and Seat Leon Mk4.
Volkswagen Golf GTE, Golf 1.5 eTSI and Golf eHybridEngines
One of the Golf's biggest strengths was its wide range of engine options, and VW continues with this tradition on the Mk8. The German auto manufacturer offers three and four-cylinder ICE engines, running on gasoline, diesel, natural gas (available only in specific markets), and hybrid powertrains. The fully electric version is not yet announced, but it will be offered along with the new Volkswagen ID.3 electric vehicle.
Engine choices start with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine with just 90 hp paired with a 5-speed manual and a 1.4 and 1.5-liter TFSI four-cylinder with 130 to 200 hp in higher-trim models. The eHybrid model uses a 1.4-liter engine and delivers a pretty remarkable 204 hp.
Find a repair manual for your Volkswagen Golf here!
Volkswagen was always known for its diesel engines. However, after the infamous Diselgate scandal of 2015, the management decided to gradually abandon diesel variants in favor of more environmentally-friendly alternatives. This decision explains why the Mk8 has only one diesel engine option, the venerable 2.0-liter TDI unit with 115 or 150 hp in standard models.
Golf GTE
Interestingly, Volkswagen offered three high-performance models and covered all aspects of the hot hatch market with the GTE, GTD, and GTI models. The first one is a very innovative GTE, a high-performance plug-in hybrid version, using a 1.4-liter TFSI engine and electric motors. The combined power output is 245 hp, and the performance is pretty spectacular with a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds.
The GTE version will come with several unique design details like a rear spoiler to be easily differentiated from other Golf models.
Golf GTD
The second variant is the Golf GTD, a diesel-powered hot hatch aimed mostly at the European market, where diesel-powered cars are still highly popular. Producing 200 hp, thanks to the 7-speeD.S.G.G. automatic transmission, the 2.0-liter TDI engine can sprint to 60 mph in only 6.9 seconds.
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Golf GTI
The classic variant that single-handedly created the hot hatch segment is, of course, returning for the 8th generation. Already adored by millions of fans worldwide, the GTI is the real old-school, high-powered, gas-burning sports car of the Golf family. It's powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder producing 245 hp. The expected 0 to 60 mph time should be around 6 seconds, making it the quickest Mk8 on offer.
Customers can choose between a classic 6-speed manual or a blisteringly quick 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Technology and Equipment
Since modern cars are more about tech and features then pure performance, Volkswagen prepared an extensive package for its new Golf Mk8, starting with LED headlights and head-up display, standard on all models. The automatic variants will get shift-by-wire systems, while higher trim levels will get advanced Alexa integration, Android Auto, and Apple Car Play. Every model will get a digital instrument cluster, and, depending on the trim level, either an 8.25-inch or 10-inch central touch screen display.
Of course, all electronic stability systems are included in the standard package, and a semi-autonomous driving system is available as an option. The adaptive cruise control and lane-assist steering are present on the list of options as well as the emergency braking system.
Interestingly, the Golf Mk8 is the first Volkswagen model that can be equipped with the Car2X system, allowing the Mk8 to exchange information with other cars and road infrastructure inside an 800 meters radius.