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The new Volkswagen Golf Mk 8 has been revealed overnight with a range of new hybrid models as the German hatch swings towards electrification.

 

Volkswagen claims the new Golf offers more cabin space without wholesale changes to the silhouette. Dimensionally, the Golf now measures in at 4284mm long, 1789mm wide and 1456mm tall with a 2636mm wheelbase. For context, when compared to the outgoing model, the Mk 8 is 26mm longer, 10mm narrower, 4mm taller with a 16mm longer wheelbase.

 

While Volkswagen insists the “design of the Golf will revolutionise the compact vehicle category”, its lineage is instantly recognisable.

 

In terms of the powertrains, European buyers will be offered two four-cylinder petrol engines producing 66kW or 81kW. There’s also a pair of four-cylinder diesel engines offering 85kW or 110kW, along with a natural gas unit that’s good for 96kW.

 

European buyers will also be able to choose from five hybrid drive versions including three 48V mild-hybrid models tuned to produce either 81kW, 96kW, or 110kW. Volkswagen claims the system that comprises a belt starter generator, 48V lithium-ion battery and the latest generation of efficient TSI engines reduces consumption by up to 10 per cent (on the basis of WLTP).

 

There will also be a pair of plug-in hybrid models which generate 150kW or 180kW in the GTE variant. When the 13kWh lithium-ion battery is fully charged an electric driving range of approximately 60 kilometres is possible.

 

Manual and DSG automatic transmission will be available, as will the brand’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

 

Inside, Volkswagen has adopted the popular minimalist approach that does away with the majority of physical controls.

 

Volkswagen says the cabin has undergone a “digital revolution” with the inclusion of a fully-customisable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Higher grades will also feature wireless Apple CarPlay.

 

Depending on the market, the Golf will be equipped with an eSIM which allows the car to receive Tesla-style over-the-air software updates.

 

Volkswagen is also promising a class-leading safety package that includes adaptive cruise control with predictive speed detection, front assist and Car2X communication which can exchange information relevant to the traffic situation with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure within a radius of up to 800 metres.

 

Unfortunately, the new powertrains haven’t been confirmed for Oz. Locally, Volkswagen Australia has stated the Golf Mk 8 will launch late in 2020 with the 1.4-litre 110kW/250Nm turbocharged petrol engine from the current model.