What’s new about the MK 8 Golf?

One of the biggest and most anticipated cars of 2020 is the new Volkswagen Golf 8. In South Africa, the VW Golf is a firm favourite and has been for decades. Since the release of the MK 1 in 1974, the VW Golf is one of the most iconic vehicles and a best-seller. It’s easy to see why, the Golf has always offered great practicality, reliability and class-leading technology. Over the past 40+ years, VW has managed to sell 35 million Golfs worldwide which is currently the 3rd best selling vehicle of all time. 

South Africa will most likely receive the new MK 8 Golf later this year.

The eighth-generation Golf has plenty to offer over the MK 7 predecessor. The headlights and taillights are the most obvious difference between the MK 8 Golf and previous Golf generations. The LED designs are very distinctive to only the Golf 8 and can be recognised easily as the latest generation. Smaller differences include a new bumper design which now integrates the spotlights. New alloy wheels are standard, with the GTE, GTI and GTD versions are available with diamond cut alloys for added sporty characteristics. 

Three new engines will be available for the Golf 8, starting with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol, which manages to produce 66kW. Secondly, there is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol that cranks out either 96kW or 110kW depending on which engine spec is chosen. The plug-in hybrids have a 13kWh battery that is mounted onto the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, there is 110kW available on the standard hybrid model and 180kW on the GTE performance version. 

All versions of the Golf 8 in South Africa will be optioned with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG. However, it’s not confirmed yet whether SA will receive the 6-speed manual versions as well. The MK 8 Golf R will only be revealed at a later stage in 2020 but VW has confirmed that the R version will produce 238kW from a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder and will still feature the 4-motion all-wheel-drive system from the previous generation.

As for the interior, the VW Golf 8 has improved drastically, which says a lot as the MK 7 was in no way a disappointment when it came to building quality and features. Volkswagen has really stepped up a level on interior designs with their latest vehicles. The Golf 8 features a touchscreen system for most interior controls, moving away from physical buttons and giving the Golf a cleaner and modernised atmosphere. VW has replaced the 7.5 -inch infotainment screen with a larger 8.25 or 10-inch centre touch screen. The Golf 8 also features a massive 10.3-inch digital cockpit display that can access the vehicles menu via the steering wheel controls.

The MK 8 also has ambient lighting throughout the cabin, heads up display is an option available on the Golf now and an eSIM feature that allows the Golf to be continuously connected to the internet for music streaming and updated traffic information.

Overall the Volkswagen MK 8 Golf looks impressive and is guaranteed to sell like hot cakes in South Africa, where we have a love affair with practical hatchbacks and SUVs. With the great features and build quality presented on the 2020 Golf 8, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most anticipated vehicles of 2020. It may not even be a surprise to many if Volkswagen wins Car of the Year with the latest Golf 8 model.

Thinking of buying a new car this year? One of the most important things you have to do is research, research, research. The Reviews section on the MotorHappy blog is a good place to start – every month we unpack and analyse the latest vehicle models available in SA.

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.cars.co.za