Volkswagen will launch the restyled eighth generation Golf next year, the last «hydrocarbon» model in its history. Some details have been released about how the Golf will change amid criticism and falling sales.
The “eighth” VW Golf debuted in 2019, in technical terms, it became an evolution of its predecessor and all the innovations, in fact, came down to a redesigned design and quirks in ergonomics. Volkswagen wanted to make the «eighth» Golf advanced in terms of digitalization, but it turned out badly on all fronts — poor ergonomics with the dominance of touch keys combined with raw and not very convenient software, because of this, the new model was criticized by the press and rejected by many loyal customers .
8th generation VW Golf before restyling
At the end of last year, VW Golf lost its status as an absolute European bestseller. Sales results in the first half of 2023 are even more depressing: according to the analytical agency JATO Dynamics, the VW Golf sold 88,754 units in Europe. is the ninth most popular new passenger car after the Tesla Model Y, Dacia Sandero, VW T-Roc, Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris Cross and Fiat 500. still the best and Volkswagen hopes to cement this status with restyling.
According to the British magazine Autocar, the updated “eighth” Golf will hit the market next year, when the model will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In a restyled form, the “eighth” Golf can stay in service until the end of the current decade, and the ninth generation will already be fully electric and will probably be named ID. golf. By 2033, Volkswagen intends to completely switch to electric vehicles in Europe, and in 2035 a general ban on the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines will come into force in Europe. The development of a new «hydrocarbon» generation of VW Golf is also not economically viable in light of the upcoming Euro 7 environmental regulations, which should come into force in 2025.
Updated VW Golf rendered by Kolesa.ru based on spy photos
According to British colleagues, for environmental reasons, the updated Golf will not be offered with a manual transmission, that is, there will only be two-pedal versions in which it is easier to control exhaust parameters. The hybrid versions of the eHybrid and GTE will get a 1.5-liter EA211 Evo petrol turbo engine instead of the previous 1.4-liter EA211 and a new generation electric motor, due to which the maximum combined output of the power plants will slightly increase. The new battery in hybrids will increase the range on electric traction from the current 62-80 km to about 100 km. Conventional petrol and diesel versions of the Golf will be fitted with a mild-hybrid makeover (a starter-alternator and a small buffer battery), including the Golf GTI and Golf R hot hatches.
Updated VW Golf, rendered by Kolesa.ru based on spy photos
In the cabin, the quality of finishing materials should noticeably improve. The multimedia screen will become larger (the diagonal will increase from 10.4 to 12.9 inches) and a little closer to the driver for easier access, while the interface will be simplified, virtual buttons will increase in size. Sensor strips instead of the «normal» microclimate control unit, unfortunately, will remain, but at least they will get a backlight to make them more convenient to use at night. The touch keys on the steering wheel will be replaced with physical ones. There will be more electronic driver assistants, their functionality will expand: in particular, the car valet will be able to work without a driver inside — it will be possible to control it through the application in the smartphone.
In addition, along with the restyled «eighth» Golf will receive a slightly upgraded rear suspension with reinforced attachment points — handling will become even better, although no one complained about it.
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