The popular family hatchback has received an interior redesign as part of its mid-life facelift.
The legendary Volkswagen Golf hatchback will turn 50 years old in 2024, and Volkswagen has decided to celebrate with the launch of the long-awaited redesigned eighth-generation Golf.
The Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 is the name given to this new model due to how big the changes are.
Rarely is there a mid-life change for a car we looked forward to so much, especially in light of the fact that the Golf has lost ground to the Volkswagen Tiguan mid-size SUV in terms of popularity around the world?
The third version of this car will also go on sale in 2024. However, this is a big deal, given the premium positioning of the Golf and the expectation that the brand will resolve major customer complaints with the revised model (mostly interior design).
2024 Volkswagen Golf competitors
Volkswagen's attempt to restore the Golf's reputation could also help it better compete against newer rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic.
Volkswagen's Golf now faces competition from a wide range of electric hatchbacks, such as the Renault Megane eTech, the Born Cupra, and the Volkswagen ID.3.
Volkswagen Golf 2024 design after facelift
As is usual with a mid-life facelift, the latest Volkswagen Golf has undergone some styling changes, but the Mk8.5 doesn't look too different from the current model, which was introduced in 2019.
Golf exterior design
- The facelifted Golf comes with new LED lights front and rear, a slightly more aggressive front bumper, and an illuminated VW badge on the nose.
- However, the most noticeable changes at the rear are the updated bumper and revised LED taillights. For the Mk8.5 model, there are also five new alloy wheel designs and four new metallic color options.
- The Golf GTI hot hatch retains its traditional red stripe in the same place, but the Golf GTE hybrid is still identified by a blue stripe on the upper radiator. In addition, a more pronounced roof spoiler and a powerful front bumper have been added to both versions.
Interior features of the Volkswagen Golf that have changed
Volkswagen hopes that the upgrades buyers will appreciate most will be found inside the cabin rather than stylistic tweaks.
With the introduction of the VW Golf Mk8, the company's interior design philosophy has been simplified. Almost all physical buttons have been replaced with touch-sensitive panels on the steering wheel and slider controls for the radio level and cabin temperature above the dash.
The choice was primarily controversial, and the car's functions became more difficult to use while driving due to faulty software, slow response times, and complex menu systems.
This was especially true in contrast to the Golf Mk7/7.5, which had internal and physical controls that were easier to use.
Fortunately, Volkswagen realized its mistake and equipped the modified Golf steering wheel with more practical traditional buttons and switches.
The touch-sensitive sliders for volume and climate are now backlit, making them more visible and usable at night.
New golf technology and techniques
- Volkswagen has added a new free-standing central touchscreen to the updated Golf, mimicking the design found in the Passat and Tiguan.
- A huge 10.4-inch screen is standard on the Golf Mk8.5, but a larger 12.9-inch panel will be offered as an optional extra. There is a 10.2-inch adjustable "Digital Cockpit Pro" display behind the steering wheel.
- Additional technological innovations include a head-up display, Volkswagen's latest 'MIB4 ' infotainment software, and a new 'Park Assist Pro2 system that lets you maneuver the Mk8.5 into and out of parking spaces using assistance from your smartphone.
Chat GBTV Golf
ChatGPT, a component of Volkswagen's next-generation infotainment system, is another innovation for the Mk8.5.
Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant, which Auto Express tested in the Golf Mk8.5 during CES 2024, can be contacted via a button on the steering wheel or by saying "Hello IDA." ChatGPT is integrated into this system.
The plan is for questions or functions in the car that the Volkswagen system can't handle to be easily sent to the AI to answer, with the answer sent back to the user through a recognizable Volkswagen voice.
Powertrain for the 2024 Golf
The updated Volkswagen Golf will be offered in the UK with a choice of hybrid, mild-hybrid, diesel, and petrol powertrain options.
The base 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine in the Golf Mk8.5 is turbocharged and produces 114 or 148bhp.
Hybrid engines
- Power outputs for the 2.0-litre TDI non-hybrid diesel and eTSI mild hybrid diesel models are identical.
- With these, the 1.5-liter four-pot e is paired with an electric motor to assist with starting and driving at low speeds.
- Volkswagen's second-generation hybrid technology, which includes a 19.7 kWh battery (compared to 10.6 kWh previously), is used in the updated Golf eHybrid and Golf GTE models.
- The Golf GTE now has a greater pure electric driving range of 62 miles as well as a power increase of 286 hp. The 201 horsepower produced by the less aggressive Golf eHybrid is unchanged.
- Of course, the legendary Golf GTI is still available, and its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder now enjoys a welcome increase in power, ranging from 242 to 261 hp.
- The Golf GTI is currently only offered with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which won't sit well with purists who prefer a manual transmission.
Power and performance
When the upgraded model is released later this year, the hotter VW Golf R should get a similar power boost.
The 20-year special edition has 328 hp, compared to the current model's 316 hp, so the Mk8.5 Golf R may have a similar power output.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and all-wheel drive system will once again provide the car's power.
2025 will see the addition of a 201 hp 2.0-litre TSI engine and 4 MOTION all-wheel drive to the Golf lineup.
Price of Volkswagen 2024 facelift
Although the price of the updated Volkswagen Golf is still unknown, we expect to see it in UK dealerships this summer.
The standard Golf will be available in four trim levels: unnamed base specification, Life, and R-Line. GTE, GTI, and R will work according to your requirements as usual.
Has the Volkswagen Golf Estate also undergone a makeover?
Yes, the Volkswagen Golf Estate now has the same exterior design and updated interior as the hatchback. A selection of petrol and diesel engines will be available for the facelifted model, but neither a hybrid nor a GTI version will be available. The 2017 Passat is the only hybrid available from Volkswagen; It is only available as a real estate model. The hot Golf R Estate will eventually be launched.
The Golf Estate's luggage capacity remains unchanged at 611 liters with the rear seats in place and 1,642 liters with them folded.