Ordering is now open for the new Volkswagen Golf 8 with prices starting from £23,875.
The initial launch line-up comprises just two trim variants, Life and Style. R-Line will follow later, as will sporty GTI, GTD, GTE and R versions, and an estate variant.
New Volkswagen Golf 8 revealed: progressive revolution
Engines are capped to four at launch: two petrols, two diesels. Actually, make it one diesel and one petrol, in two power outputs:
- 1.5 TSI 130
- 1.5 TSI 150
- 2.0 TDI 115
- 2.0 TDI 150
Petrols are initially only offered with a six-speed manual, like the 2.0 TDI 115. The 2.0 TDI 150 only comes with a seven-speed DSG automatic.
Further engine choices on the horizon include a 1.0-litre TSI plus 1.0 eTSI and 1.5 eTSI 48V mild hybrids.
New VW Golf 8: equipment and options
Standard Life trim is expected to be most popular in the UK. As standard, it has 16-inch alloys, automatic LED headlights, all-round parking sensors, auto wipers and 10-colour ambient interior lighting.
Keyless start is included: this can be upgraded to keyless entry for £400.
Inside, all new Golfs have a fully digital cockpit, comprising a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10-inch central touchscreen. Discover Pro Navigation is standard.
Volkswagen is the first mainstream brand to include Car2X technology. This allows Golf 8 to communicate with one another – so one Golf can ‘tell’ cars behind about hazards, stationary traffic and other incidents.
Also included is wireless app connect, for wire-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (a wireless smartphone charger is included). A three-year subscription to Volkswagen’s We Connect Plus service is standard.
Given this bounty of equipment, what do you get on the Style? Bigger 17-inch alloys, LED ‘plus’ headlights, sports comfort seats and wood inserts on the dashboard.
Three-zone climate control is added, and there’s a further optional upgrade for the headlights, to the VW IQ.Light matrix system, costing £875.
Other options include Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping, for £950, and a head-up display for £625.
New Volkswagen Golf 8: 2020 prices
Life
1.5 TSI 130: £23,875
1.5 TSI 150: £24,475
2.0 TDI 115: £24,875
Style
1.5 TSI 130: £25,470
1.5 TSI 150: £26,090
2.0 TDI 115: £26,470
2.0 TDI 150 DSG: £29,170