VW Golf Enters Final Petrol-Powered Iteration with Enhanced Mk8 Refresh
The iconic Volkswagen Golf is celebrating its 50th year of production in 2024, and to mark the occasion, VW is introducing the final version of the petrol-powered Golf Mk8. This updated model boasts a range of enhancements and bug fixes, making it the most refined iteration of the best-selling model.
The refreshed Golf Mk8 features revised front and rear-end designs, with the most prominent updates visible at night. Notably, the optional extra illuminated Volkswagen logo in the front grille adds a cool touch, while the newly redesigned IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights offer high-performance main beams with a reach of up to 500 meters. The brake light clusters at the back have also been revamped to match the overall aesthetic.
In addition to the exterior updates, there are new alloy wheel designs and four fresh paint colors for customers to choose from. Inside the cabin, VW has completely overhauled the MIB4 infotainment system, replacing the buggy MIB3. The new system features a free-standing 10.4-inch or optional 12.9-inch touchscreen, allowing drivers to create personalized shortcuts for quick access to their favorite features. Furthermore, the console now features ergonomically optimized touch-sliders for adjusting cabin temperature and radio volume, which are illuminated for improved visibility at night. Most notably, the much-maligned haptic pads have been replaced with proper buttons on the revised multi-function steering wheel.
While the design and technology updates are noteworthy, the biggest standout feature of the refreshed Golf Mk8 is the introduction of a new ChatGPT-enhanced IDA voice assistant. VW claims that the IDA can understand natural language and enable drivers to control various functions such as air conditioning, telephone, navigation, and even provide online information from weather forecasts to general knowledge questions. This enhanced voice assistant aims to improve the driving experience and ensure a seamless interaction between the driver and the car’s features.
In terms of engine options, customers can choose between two petrol variants equipped with a 1.5l TSI engine producing either 113bhp or 148bhp. Alternatively, there is a mild hybrid eTSI option, which starts in electric mode and offers over 66 miles of electric range. Furthermore, VW is introducing two new plug-in hybrid drivetrains, the eHybrid with 201bhp and the GTE with 268bhp. Both models come with a DSG dual clutch gearbox and a larger battery offering an electric-only range of approximately 62 miles when fully charged. The plug-in models are also equipped for AC charging up to 11kW and DC quick-charging up to 50kW.
The highly anticipated GTI model boasts a 2.0 litre petrol engine, delivering an impressive 261bhp, an increase of 20bhp compared to the previous version. However, the manual gearbox is no longer offered, which may disappoint some enthusiasts. Regrettably, the diesel-powered GTD, the diesel equivalent of the GTI, has been discontinued.
The refreshed Golf Mk8 introduces enhanced parking capabilities with the Park Assist Plus function, which assesses potential parking spots and assists with parking itself. Moreover, the optional Park Assist Pro system allows for remote parking via smartphone. Safety during maneuvers is further improved with the new Area View system that utilizes four cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings on the touchscreen display.
Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, expresses his enthusiasm for the latest Golf model, stating, The Golf does not get any better than this. However, he acknowledges that improvements can still be made as VW is set to unveil the first all-electric generation of the Golf in the near future.
The VW Golf Mk8 refresh will be available for sale in the spring, offering customers a heightened driving experience with its design upgrades, enhanced technology, and new engine options. As VW bids farewell to its final petrol-powered iteration of the iconic Golf, the future of the model looks electrifying.
