Volkswagen has started testing the all-new
Golf Variant in Germany, and our man with the cam was there to immortalize it. The
second body style of the Golf Mk8, after the five-door hatchback, has an identical
front end and a rear that reminds of the previous generation. Nonetheless, take
a closer look at the taillights and you will see that they are covered with
tape meant to mask their shape and pattern, which otherwise seem very similar
to the hatch.
The number plate has moved from the bumper
to the redesigned tailgate on this early test car, which sports a hidden
exhaust pipe and fake trim in the diffuser that will probably be outlined by a
chrome strip.
The interior will be copied from the
new-gen hatchback and will include the same dashboard layout, with a big
infotainment screen sitting in the middle, above the wide central air vents and
next to the digital dials. The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel,
ambient lighting, tiny gear selector on models equipped with the automatic
transmission, buttons, knobs and everything else will carry over. The only
difference will be the significantly increased boot capacity that will make it
a more family friendly choice.
Don’t expect any surprises from the engine
lineup either, as the usual 1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-liter petrol units will be
joined by the 2.0-liter diesel. Electrification will be included and while
there is no official confirmation yet, it’s believed that the range will be
topped by the hot Golf R Variant. The sporty model will pack a 2.0-liter
four-banger, with around 330 HP, and will benefit from the 4Motion all-wheel drive
system and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Given the minimum amount of camouflage on
this prototype, we are probably a few months away from the unveiling of the new
Golf Variant. In all likelihood, it will be limited to Europe, so don’t look
for it in U.S. showrooms, where the previous-gen Alltrack and SportWagen were
discontinued after the 2019MY.
