PIECES OF EIGHT (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_volkswagengolf_2020

By Jonathan Crouch

The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf has been usefully improved. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 55

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf, Volkswagen has significantly updated this eighth generation design, most significantly inside. As one former Volkswagen Group Chairman once pointed out, 'the biggest mistake any Volkswagen Golf can make is to stop being a Golf'. That's not happened here and loyal Golf owners will find lots to like.

Backgroundword count: 121

Previous versions of this model have been marked by gradual evolution and that's happened once again here. You won't notice many differences from the outside because most of the significant changes lie within. The previously awkward infotainment system's been vastly improved and the cabin's now considerably more user-friendly. Plus there's a second generation PHEV powertrain for those wanting to plug in. So most of the awkward edges of this previously quite controversial MK8 design have been ironed away. And pricing now undercuts a number of rival Stellantis Group models. All of which means you might want to take a fresh look at this Golf's family hatch segment proposition. If you always wanted one, then you'll like what Wolfsburg has done here.

Driving Experienceword count: 341

In the family hatchback segment, there's nothing quite like the solid, reasuring feel of a Golf - though of course its drivetrain engineering is almost identical to what you'd find in the three other VW Group products in this segment, the SEAT Leon, the Skoda Octavia and the Audi A3 Sportback. Not much of that has changed with this update, particularly at the affordable end of the range, which as before offers 115PS and 150PS version of three engine formats: conventional 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol eTSI mild hybrid and 2.0 TDI diesel (the latter lightly updated). Only the 115PS unelectrified petrol and diesel units can be had with manual transmission. Otherwise, you'll be looking at the usual 7-speed DSG automatic. More significant differences lie further up the range. The Plug-in Hybrid eHybrid and Golf GTE models now get a larger 1.5-litre engine (up from 1.4) and a much bigger 19.7kWh battery (up from 10.6kWh before), which means a much longer 62 mile EV driving range. The eHybrid still puts out 204PS but the GTE now has 290PS. Also gaining a power hike is the Golf GTI hot hatch, whose 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine now puts out 264PS, nearly 20PS more (though unfortunately this variant can't now be ordered with a manual gearbox). An even faster revised version of the top Golf R is planned to slot in above. The 2.0 TSI turbo unit powering both these hot hatches is also used in a lesser 204PS state of tune with 4MOTION 4WD in the crossover-themed Golf Alltrack estate. Otherwise, things are much as before. As usual, across the range there's the option of Volkswagen's 'DCC' 'Dynamic Chassis Control' adaptive damping system which works with a 'Driver Profile' driving modes system offering 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual' settings. And of course there's plenty of camera-driven tech, including an optional 'Travel Assist' system which combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane assist to allow 'hands-free' driving at speeds of 130mph. Which sounds vaguely alarming but which Volkswagen assures us is a significant safety aid.

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