New hybrid options keep VW’s Golf fresh, writes James Stinson
Whatever madness is going on in the world, it’s reassuring to know that the VW Golf, now some 50 years old, is still selling strong. Even with the stellar rise of SUVs, the Golf was still among the top 10 selling cars in Europe last year with more than 37 million sold over its now 50-year lifespan. The Golf’s appeal largely remains the same. It’s a well-engineered, desirable family hatch with a degree of cache that places it above mass market rivals from the likes of Ford and Vauxhall and closer to premium brands like BMW and Audi. It was and is a motoring status symbol.
The latest Mk8 model, introduced in 2020, has just been given a major refresh, including VW’s latest infotainment system – complete with ChatGPT integration – plus a sharper design that incorporates an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front. There are also new hybrid drive systems, including plug-in hybrids with an increased all-electric range of more than 60 miles. The range kicks off with a choice of 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines and all initial models adopt a traditional front-wheel-drive layout. They include 114bhp and 148bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol units – with and without mild-hybrid technology. A reworked turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine also joins the range with an added 13bhp, at 201bhp, in the upgraded 2.0 TSI – and 20bhp more in the 262bhp GTI. The diesels get a further developed version of Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, offering 114bhp and 148bhp in a pair of 2.0 TDI models.
The existing plug-in hybrid models have been reworked with what Volkswagen describes as a second generation petrol-electric drivetrain. Consisting of a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine (in place of the previous 1.4-litre unit) and an electric motor, it develops 201bhp in the new 1.5 TSI eHybrid and an added 20bhp over the outgoing model, at 268bhp, in the 2024 GTE. The two plug-in hybrid Golf models also receive a 19.7kWh lithium ion battery in place of the 10.6kWh battery used in predecessor models.
These updated PHEVs versions, which will appeal to company car buyers especially, also allow for faster charging while Volkswagen claims an electric-only range of around 62 miles for both. A key update comes with the introduction of VW’s new fourth-generation infotainment system, called MIB4, which has already been rolled out to the latest Tiguan, Passat and ID 3 as well as the new ID 7 saloon. With quicker processing times, revamped menus and slicker graphics, it runs through either a standard 10.4 inch or optional 12.9 inch touchscreen display and introduces a new ChatGPT-powered voice assistant, which can be used to control the air conditioning, telephone and navigation system as well as access the internet.
Manoeuvring both the Hatch and Estate versions of the new Golf will soon be simplified by the latest assist systems including the enhanced Park Assist Plus and Park Assist Pro, which will be available for the first time for the Golf and enables driving in and out of parking spaces using a smartphone. The 360-degree Area View is another new and useful feature. Life, Match and Style trims for the Golf Hatch and Life and Style trims for the Estate are the first versions to go on sale in the spring with prices starting from £27,035 for the Golf Hatch and £28,400 for the Golf Estate.
The first Golf R-Line models will be available shortly after with a wealth of sporty styling and additional features, including 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather-wrapped and heated multifunction sports steering wheel, 12.9-inch infotainment display, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist. R-Line prices start from £30,285 for the Hatch and £31,650 for the Estate. Other models, including eHybrid, GTI and GTE versions, are set to arrive in the middle of this year.