This year marks an impressive 50 years since the Volkswagen Golf first debuted, with a new updated model being revealed to mark the occasion.
With more than 37 million Golfs produced, it’s the third best-selling car ever made, only behind the Toyota Corolla and Ford F-Series pick-ups. But the latest eighth-generation model, introduced in 2020, proved a bit controversial, with its touchscreen-heavy interior not being as usable as Golfs were always known for.
This latest facelifted model aims to address that, with a series of improvements made to all key areas. But what’s actually changed? Let’s take a look.
New touchscreen with upgraded infotainment
One of the biggest gripes of the previous Golf was its touchscreen and infotainment system, and this is the largest alteration on the new model. Available on a bigger screen measuring up to 12.8 inches, it gets VW’s latest MIB4 infotainment and features a new menu structure that’s said to improve usability significantly.
While the touchscreen still controls the climate control, there are new illuminated touch sliders for the volume and temperature that are designed to be more ergonomic. The screen offers greater customisation options depending on your preference, along with constantly present shortcut buttons.
Much-improved plug-in hybrid
The plug-in hybrids on the previous Golf continued to rise in popularity, and one of the biggest changes on this new model are much-improved versions.
Now featuring a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as well as a large 19.7kWh battery, these offer a significantly improved electric range of ‘around 100km (63 miles)’. There are two versions, the regular 201bhp e-Hybrid and a 268bhp GTE model. Both can now charge faster at up to 11kW AC, while being compatible with DC rapid chargers for the first time.
More powerful GTI version
The Golf is synonymous with its sporty GTI hot hatch, and Volkswagen has made sure this won’t go unnoticed. The GTI will be available from launch, and now boasts a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 268bhp – a 23bhp increase – though is now only available with a DSG automatic gearbox, as the manual version has been discontinued.
Further sporty Golfs will follow, with a GTI Clubsport and acclaimed four-wheel-drive Golf R both due to arrive later in 2024.
Refreshed styling
Volkswagen hasn’t changed the overall design of the latest Golf all that much, but there are a range of differences to look out for.
Many of the changes affect the LED lighting, with slimmer lenses used at both the front and rear, while an illuminated front Volkswagen is introduced. There are reprofiled bumpers too, while there are various new alloy wheel designs and a choice of four new colours – Crystal Blue Ice, Anemone Blue, Oyster Silver and Grenadilla Black.
Improved parking assistance
Volkswagen has also worked to improve the driver assistance features on the latest Golf – predominantly when it comes to parking.
Available on the Golf is a new feature called Park Assist Pro, which enables the vehicle to be driven in and out of a parking space using a smartphone, with the car braking, steering and accelerating independently. A 360-degree parking camera is also a new addition to this hatchback and estate car.
If you’re thinking of getting a new Volkswagen Golf, take a look at our latest leasing offers.
