Volkswagen Golf Mk8

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 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 . File:2020 Volkswagen Golf Style 1.5 Rear.jpg|Rear view File:Volkswagen Golf VIII Variant IMG 4291.jpg|Golf Style Wagon File:Volkswagen Golf VIII Variant IMG 4289.jpg|Golf Style Wagon File:2024 Volkswagen Golf R-Line TSI - 1498cc 1.5 (150PS) Petrol - Reflex Silver - 02-2024, Front.jpg|Golf R-Line File:2024 Volkswagen Golf R-Line TSI - 1498cc 1.5 (150PS) Petrol - Reflex Silver - 02-2024, Rear.jpg|Golf R-Line File:Volkswagen Golf Alltrack (2020) 1X7A0289.jpg|Golf Variant Alltrack File:Volkswagen Golf Alltrack (2020) DSC 7316.jpg|Golf Variant Alltrack File:Volkswagen Golf VIII IMG 2044.jpg|Interior == Golf GTE ==

The Golf GTE is a hot hatchback version with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that produces . It has an all-electric range of about 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. The new 2024 facelift includes a larger 1.5-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a bigger 19.7 kWh battery. Like the pre-facelift it has a standard Golf engine but with a 95 PS (70 kW; 93 hp) electric motor that sits in between the engine (flywheel) and DSG Gearbox. File:2020 Volkswagen Golf GTE S-A 1.4.jpg|Volkswagen Golf GTE File:2020 Volkswagen Golf GTE Rear (1).jpg|Rear view File:Volkswagen Golf VIII GTE Facelift IMG 0059.jpg|Golf GTE (2024 facelift) == 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 and . 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. In the 2024 model year, Volkswagen discontinued the GTD. File:Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD IMG 4336.jpg|Volkswagen Golf GTD File:Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD IMG 4337.jpg|Rear view == 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 and . 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 . 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. File:Volkswagen Golf VIII GTI IMG 3604.jpg|Golf GTI File:VW Golf GTI (VIII) – h 03012021.jpg|Rear view File:VW Golf VIII GTI Clubsport.jpg|Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport File:VW Golf VIII GTI Clubsport Heck.jpg|Golf GTI Clubsport rear view File:VW Golf GTI (VIII, Facelift) – f 12102024.jpg|Golf GTI (2024 facelift) File:VW Golf GTI (VIII, Facelift) – h 12102024.jpg|Rear view (2024 facelift) 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 and which is an increase of and 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 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. File:VW Golf VIII R 20210304.jpg|Volkswagen Golf R File:VW Golf VIII R Heck 20210304.jpg|Rear view File:Volkswagen Golf VIII R IMG 4081.jpg|Front view File:Volkswagen Golf VIII R Facelift DSC 5979.jpg|Golf R (2024 facelift) File:Volkswagen Golf VIII R Facelift IAA 2025 DSC 2522.jpg|Rear view (2024 facelift) Golf R 333 Debuted on 31 May 2023, the limited edition Golf R 333 is meant to replace the 2022 Golf R "20 Years Edition". File:Volkswagen Golf VIII R 333 Limited Edition IMG 9486.jpg|Volkswagen Golf R 333 File:Volkswagen Golf VIII R 333 Limited Edition IMG 9480.jpg|Rear view == Facelift ==

In January 2024, the Golf range was given a mild facelift, known as the Golf Mk8.5. Changes include redesigned headlights with hexagonal-shaped, daytime running lights and a new option of an IQ.Light LED matrix setup, a new illuminated logo, new bumpers, 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. The facelift continues to be offered in both hatchback and Variant (wagon) body styles. The most significant interior update is the introduction of the MIB4 infotainment system, featuring a faster processor and available in 10.4-inch or 12.9-inch floating touchscreen configurations The touch sliders controlling cabin temperature are now illuminated for improved nighttime visibility. The system integrates ChatGPT into the IDA voice assistant, though this feature has received mixed reviews. The powertrain lineup includes four turbocharged petrol engines (TSI), two turbodiesel engines (TDI), two 48-volt mild hybrid turbocharged petrol engines (eTSI), and two plug-in hybrid petrol systems (eHybrid and GTE). At launch, the 1.5-liter TSI engine is available with either 115 or 150 PS paired with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid variants offer the same power outputs exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The updated eHybrid and GTE plug-in hybrid models feature a larger 1.5-liter TSI engine replacing the previous 1.4-liter unit, paired with a 19.7 kWh battery providing up to 82 miles of electric range. Manual transmission options were discontinued globally for the 2025 model year, with DSG dual-clutch transmissions becoming standard across the range. The Golf R variant received a power increase for the Mk8.5 update, with the 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder engine now producing 333 PS and 310 lb-ft of torque, representing a 14 PS increase over the previous model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is achieved in 4.6 seconds for the hatchback and 4.8 seconds for the Variant wagon, with power delivered through a seven-speed DSG transmission and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The GTI Clubsport, Golf R, and Golf Variant R received the facelift treatment in the second half of 2024. File:VW Golf 1.5 TSI GOAL (VIII, Facelift) – f 31122024.jpg|Volkswagen Golf (facelift) File:VW Golf 1.5 TSI GOAL (VIII, Facelift) – h 31122024.jpg|Rear view File:Volkswagen Golf VIII Variant Facelift IMG 0401.jpg|Volkswagen Golf Variant (facelift) File:Volkswagen Golf VIII Variant Facelift IMG 0407.jpg|Rear view File:2024_Volkswagen_Golf_R-Line_TSI_-_1498cc_1.5_(150PS)_Petrol_-_Grey_-_03-2025,_Front.jpg|Volkswagen Golf R-Line (facelift) == 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 or , and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with or . 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. In 2024 for the Golf '8.5' the lineup was simplified to the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine only with either or . 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 , or . 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 in EV mode. The engine produces or . 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 or . Both engines were originally available with 6 speed manual or 7 speed automatic gear boxes depending on trim level. In 2024 for the Golf '8.5' the manual gearbox was restricted to the and the automatic transmission to the engines. Manual transmission options were not available in the Australian market. The last manual transmission offered for the Golf in Australia was in the Mk7.5 MY19. == Safety ==

ANCAP Euro NCAP IIHS 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: == References ==