Volkswagen Golf Mk8

The Volkswagen Golf (Mk8) (also known as the Golf VIII) is a compact car, the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk7. It was launched in Wolfsburg on 24 October 2019, and arrived in German showrooms in December 2019.

The Golf Mk8 uses the same MQB Evo platform as the fourth-generation Audi A3 and SEAT León.

Features
The exterior of the Mk8 has evolutionary design changes, with a new two-dimensional Volkswagen logo and more angular styling. At the rear there are new L-shaped taillights similar to those of the T-Roc. A more prominent downward arch at the nose contributes to a reduced drag coefficient; the Mk8's is compared to the Mk7's, giving a drag area of 0.61 m2. The dimensions are roughly the same as the Mk7, 29 mm longer, and 10 mm narrower with a similar wheelbase. The three-door hatchback has been discontinued, leaving the five-door hatchback as the only model available at launch. The Golf Estate (Variant) was revealed in September 2020, alongside a rugged "Alltrack" version with slightly raised suspension, body cladding, and all-wheel-drive.

Technology
The Mk8 features several technological advancements, including standard LED headlights on all models and optional matrix LEDs, an advanced head-up display, a shift by wire system on models with the dual-clutch gearbox, Alexa integration, and an NFC mobile key with compatible Samsung smartphones via eSIM. The interior received a major overhaul, replacing the traditional analog instrument panel with an entirely digital 10.25" driver's display and either an 8.25" or 10" center touchscreen for multimedia. Instead of physical buttons, a touch-sensitive panel houses controls for various functions, including the headlights and air conditioning/ventilation. The vehicle can also be upgraded with new functions after purchasing it, such as adaptive cruise control, WiFi hotspot, online-based voice control, Light Assist, navigation and Wireless App-Connect. The reliance on touchscreen controls in place of conventional physical buttons, knobs, or dials was criticised as being frustrating and unintuitive to use. Which? noted that "too much attention must be diverted from the road to operate simple functions such as the climate control" and called the layout "a step backwards."

Assistance systems
The Mk8 includes a semi-autonomous driving system known as Travel Assist that can work at speeds of up to 210 kph by using the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems. Sensors in the steering wheel detect when the driver is touching it; if no input is detected for more than 15 seconds, the system will warn the driver before the emergency braking system automatically activates. It is also the first Volkswagen vehicle to use Car2X, where information can be exchanged with other cars and the traffic infrastructure within a radius of up to 800 m.

Golf GTE
The Golf GTE is a hot hatchback version with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that produces 180 kW. It has an all-electric range of about 60 km in EV mode, with a 13 kWh lithium ion battery supplementing the 1.4-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine. The GTE, GTD, and GTI have different styling to distinguish them from less powerful Golf models. The front has a large honeycomb grille with a blue accent and an LED light strip positioned below, a black lower bumper trim, and an integrated background exterior light. The rear has a diffuser-style rear bumper. The roof spoiler is also different, with wider side sill panels, larger wheels, and red brake calipers. Inside, there are many minor differences, including sports seats with different interior fabrics and other minor changes.

Golf GTD
The Golf GTD is a turbodiesel hot-hatchback version that is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine (TDI) producing 147 kW and 400 Nm. The engine uses two selective catalytic reduction filters with dual AdBlue injection. The manual transmission is not offered, with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic being the only option. The suspension is shared with the GTI, having MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link system at the rear. 18-inch and 19-inch wheels are available. Plaid upholstery is standard like on the GTI, but grey highlights are used rather than red; the steering wheel also has touch-sensitive multi-function controls. An electronic shift lever is used in place of the patterned shift knob found on the GTI.

Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is a hot hatchback version that is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 180 kW and 370 Nm. The bodywork is nearly identical to the GTE, however the GTI is equipped with different wheels, badges, and red grille accents. The rear bumper has dual exit exhausts. Vehicle Dynamics Manager allows for more adjustability of the adaptive suspension dampers, while an Individual setting joins the other driving modes. The suspension is lowered by 15 mm. Inside, plaid upholstery is standard, with additional red accents on the seats and steering wheel. 17-inch wheels are standard in Europe, with optional 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.

Golf GTI 380
Announced by Volkswagen of America on 30 August 2023, the Golf GTI 380 is a special edition model for the 2024 North American model year. It is a commemorative model celebrating the Golf GTI's final production year with a manual transmission in North America. Future model years will only offer Volkswagen’s DSG transmission.

Golf R
The Golf R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 235 kW and 420 Nm which is an increase of 15 kW and 40 Nm when compared to the Mk7. It is offered with either the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic globally or the six-speed manual (US and Canadian markets only) in both the hatch and estate body styles. The R is 20 mm lower than the standard Golf, and has a stiffer suspension incorporating an aluminium front subframe. The all-wheel-drive system has been updated and benefits from a torque-vectoring rear differential. Dynamic Chassis Control has also been updated to work with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, allowing for a Drift Mode function. The exterior features quad exhaust tips and 19-inch wheels, while the interior is similar to the GTI, and has Nappa leather bucket seats as well as several R badges and an R-specific driver's display.

Golf R 333
Set to debut on 31 May 2023, the limited edition Golf R 333 is meant to replace the 2022 Golf R "20 Years Edition".

Facelift
In January 2024, the Golf range was given a mild facelift, known as the Golf Mk8.5. Changes include redesigned headlights with the new option of an IQ.LIGHT LED matrix setup, a new illuminated logo, new front bumper, new taillights with three selectable patterns, new exterior colours, new alloy wheel designs, a new MIB4 software for the infotainment system, touch-slider controls for HVAC controls are illuminated, the most expensive Golf variants revert to conventional buttons on the multi-functional steering wheel, a few new driver assistance system features and updated standard features across trim levels.

Powertrain
All internal combustion engines are turbocharged three- or four-cylinder units; engine options include petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel and natural gas powertrains. The previous e-Golf model is no longer available, as it was replaced by the ID.3.

TSI

Euro 6d

TSI models sold in Euro 6d compliant countries consist of a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with 66 kW or 81 kW, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 130 PS or 110 kW. All engines with an output up to 130 PS feature the efficient TSI Miller combustion process and a variable-geometry turbocharger, and the 1.5-litre engines have temporary Active Cylinder Management. A compressed natural gas (CNG) version of the 1.5-litre engine is also available as a TGI model.

Euro 5

TSI models sold in Euro 5 compliant countries, such as Australia, will at launch feature one option, a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with 110 kW. Unlike previous Golfs which featured a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), this engine will be paired with a traditional 8-speed torque converter automatic. The transmission choice is due in part to the specific engine calibration (and automatic transmission combination) developed to meet Australia's outdated Euro 5 emissions regulations introduced in 2009, which are about a decade behind European standards.

eTSI eTSI models use the same engines as the TSI models with the addition of a mild-hybrid system and a powerful brake energy recuperation function, paired exclusively with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The energy stored in the 48 V lithium-ion battery supplies the 12 V vehicle electrical system and drives the 48 V belt starter generator. The engines produce 81 kW, 130 PS or 110 kW.

eHybrid eHybrid models use a 1.4-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine supplemented by a 13 kWh lithium ion battery, with a 6-speed DSG. The all-electric range is rated at about 60 km in EV mode. The engine produces 150 kW or 180 kW.

TDI TDI models utilise a new twin dosing system featuring dual AdBlue selective catalytic reduction, which lowers nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by up to 80% compared to the Mk7. A 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit is used, producing 115 PS or 110 kW.

Euro NCAP
The Golf in its standard European market configuration received 5 stars from Euro NCAP in 2019.

Golf GTI
The 2022 Golf GTI was tested by the IIHS and received a Top Safety Pick award:

Golf R
The 2022 Golf R was tested by the IIHS and received a Top Safety Pick+ award: