It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for the new
Mk8 Volkswagen Golf, and we’ll have to wait a little more – Wolfsburg announced
during its recent Brand Annual Session presentation that the car will only
arrive in the third quarter of 2019. To tide us over the company
showed a teaser of the next-generation family hatchback in a form of an outline
sketch.
As you’d expect from an iconic vehicle now entering
its eighth iteration, Volkswagen has opted for evolution rather than
revolution, with the Golf set to retain its general profile shape and the
signature kinked C-pillar shape. However, the new model will get a strong
shoulder line running from the headlights – which appear to be slimmer – to the
tail lights.
We’re expecting some of the new lighting
technologies that were previewed earlier in the year; the matrix tail light
prototype shown then, which allows customisable messages to be displayed within
it, is similar in shape to the lamps of past Golf models but with a slimmer
profile. Also expected are new infotainment systems and displays, like those
seen in the latest Touareg.
Under the skin, the new Golf is set to ride on the
updated MQB platform and will reportedly weigh up to 50 kg less. It will get a
48-volt mild hybrid system, with the GTI model expected to be a recipient of
the new technology – the hot hatch should also gain an electric turbocharger
and see power boosted to a level similar to the 261 hp Golf GTI Clubsport.
Meanwhile, the EA288 Evo 2.0 litre TDI turbodiesel
will get a 12-volt version of the mild hybrid system and will be offered in
power outputs ranging from 136 hp to 204 hp. Elsewhere, the current 1.6 litre
unit is expected to be replaced by a new 1.5 litre unit, while on the petrol
side the 1.0 litre three-cylinder and 1.5 litre four-cylinder TSI petrol
engines introduced on the Mk7 facelift are likely to soldier on.
Last but not least, the GTE plug-in hybrid model
will likely receive significant improvements that will boost its electric-only
range beyond the current car’s 50 km. The Q3 2019 introduction will put the Mk8
Golf’s introduction some time after the facelifted Passat and just before the
new I.D. electric hatch.
