Volkswagen Golf: how the eighth-generation restyling looks and feels

The Golf has been at the heart of the Volkswagen brand for more than half a second, and it is difficult to change a model that continues to post impressive sales figures, such as the 37 million units produced since the first series in 1974. In 50 years, the Golf has become Volkswagen's number one model in Europe and is the best-selling European car since the invention of the automobile.
An absolute reputation that always raises expectations when a new generation or restyling arrives. We tested the evolution of the Golf 8 on the roads around Verone, which introduces slight innovations in design, technology and engines.

Aesthetically, it is a Golf. The dimensions remain unchanged from the Golf 8: 4.28m long and 1.79m wide. However, some aesthetic touches are noticeable. At the front, the LED headlights have become more linear and a more advanced version of headlights will be available as an option: the Performance headlights. Here, in addition to an additional LED crossbar in the radiator grille, for the first time on the front of a European Volkswagen there will be a luminous VW logo: the V, the W and the circle around the two letters will be framed on the outside and inside by thin light lines, creating a completely new and unmistakable design. And, again as an option, Matrix LEDs are available. For personalisation, Volkswagen has come up with four more new body colours: Crystal Ice Blue metallic, Anemone Blue metallic, Oyster Silver metallic and Grenadilla Black metallic. A further new addition to the range for the R-Line, Gte and Gti versions is the optional black painted roof. In addition, five new alloy wheels up to 19 inches have been added.

Once on board, one is greeted by a not too large but comfortable and technology-rich cabin. There are two displays available to the driver: the 10.2-inch digital dashboard and the touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. The latter is available in 10.4-inch as standard and 12.9-inch as an option. We appreciated the intuitiveness with which one can scroll through the different screens of the system. In fact, thanks to the three buttons located near the air vents, it is possible to enter submenus directly. The buttons for adjusting temperature and volume are now backlit, allowing a better view and management of the climate. As a reminder, for infotainment, the restyled Golf 8 features completely revised hardware and software, now based on the fourth-generation modular infotainment system. One flaw in the interior is that there are unfortunately few storage compartments, while a touch of elegance in the Golf 8 restyling is to be appreciated: the carpeted door pockets to avoid annoying noise while driving. There are six versions available (not all versions are available for all engines on the list): Life, Edition Plus, Style, R-Line, R-Line Plus and 50 Years. Already standard, however, the equipment is rather rich, both in terms of technology and driver assistance systems.

During the test we drove the Mild Hybrid 1.5-litre petrol version with 115 hp and Dgs automatic transmission. We were curious to try out this version as Volkswagen has updated the 1.5 engine and made it smoother. And, from the test, we noticed that the slight jerks that were there in the past generation have been eliminated. This engine is not the snappiest, but still a good choice for those who choose it for use without great performance demands. The mild hybrid is also available with 150 hp. In addition to the mild hybrid, the engine range includes the 1.5-litre petrol in 115 and 150 hp, and the 2.0-litre diesel in 115 or 150 hp. Lastly, for those who prefer to opt for the plug-in hybrid, a 204 hp version is available that, according to declared data, will be able to achieve about 100 kilometres of autonomy in electric mode. The list price starts at around 30 thousand euros and reaches over 43 thousand euros for the plug-in hybrid version.