New Golf is Very new but still remains Golf.
New Golf is Very new but still remains Golf.
Volkswagen has revealed the new generation Golf, the Golf 8. Even though the exterior profiles remain unmistakably Golf, everything about the new Gold from the outside is new. As the company’s most popular model of all time, Volkswagen does not want to mess up with the design and disappoint the numerous Golf fans. VW has sold over 35 million units of the Gold since 1974, that’s a lot of families to take care of. Because of that, anytime the Gold is due for a redesign, VW makes sure it does not depart away from at least the previous generations.
When you have a history and a name to protect, you don’t try to fix the unbroken, Gold drivers have never been needed a radical design. They are interested in how the car makes them feel, the quality of the ride. Unlike brand models like the Hyundai Sonata (2020 Sonata and 2011-2014 Sonata) that can radically shift away from its previous design and still make a huge can out of it, VW might not be that lucky with the Golf. Ralf Brandstatter, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars did not mince words about this: “This car is completely new. But of course, a Golf always remains a Golf. Because the underlying concept is timeless. This car has defined our brand over decades. The Golf has consistently made new technologies available for everyone.”
Let see what makes the 2020 Golf new even as we believe it still has the characteristics of the previous generation. The grille is much narrower, giving it a wider look, some trim levels will be incorporating LED lights running through from the headlight to the conspicuous VW logo.
The Golf has taken a great move towards technology in this new release; it is the first VW car to feature the Car2X functionality that helps it communicate with other vehicles within a 0.4-mile radius. There is the travel assist allowing for automated driving on the highways, requiring the driver keeps one hand on the steering wheel. Other technologies include adaptive cruise control, which is becoming very important now for car safety, cyclist and pedestrian monitor.
One area where the Golf, as well as other VW models, have lagged is the interior especially the instruments and gadgets that are fitted to the cars. I have never been impressed with the conservative approach VW has towards the interior design of the Golf. This time, the Golf seeks to disappoint its interior critique, it is more high-tech than ever. As standard, the new Gold comes with a digital cockpit comprising a 10.265-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an online connection, and a multifunction steering wheel. Even the operation of the panoramic sunroof has been digitalized with a touch slider. Then we have the surprise, WeConnect app; this app allows you to use compatible Samsung phones as digital keys; very interesting from VW because even the luxury VW brand, Audi, is very easy on things like this relative to competing brands like Mercedes, BMW.
There will be over-the-air updates and driver settings such as the seating position, exterior mirrors and air conditioning that can be saved to the cloud. I believe VW is responding to its critiques in a very strong way. I am not forgetting to mention that there two optional 10-inch infotainment systems available, along with a windshield heads-up display.
One section of the car that keeps the Golf family coming back generations after generations is what lives under the hood. There will be as many as eight engine choices comprising of petrol, diesel, natural gas, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. VW has decided to debut the GTI models later after the market launch. The GTI variants will include 2.0-liter TSI and 1.5liter TGI. The Golf will start selling initially with four turbocharged TSI engines including a 1.0-liter three-cylinder producing a maximum 110 hp, and another 1.5-liter maxing 150 hp with temporary Active Cylinder management, sounds like cylinder deactivation system. The 110 hp variant can be configured to have the increasingly popular mild hybrid by fitting it with a 48-V system and a dual-clutch transmission. The 48-V system ensures that energy that would be lost on braking will be stored and sent back to the battery. The Golf GTE plug-in hybrid should take care of the environmentalist or those seeking to have fun riding and efficient cars. The GTE will debut in 202 with a powerful 245 hp.
