The next-generation Volkswagen Golf 8 has been confirmed for 2019, according to an announcement made at its Supplier Summit for the upcoming model.
Auto Express reports first examples of the next-generation Golf will roll down its Wolfsburg production line in 75 weeks, equating to June 2019.
With that in mind, it’s logical to expect the new Golf to be revealed sometime before then, either at the Paris motor show in October this year, or at the 2019 Geneva motor show in March next year.
“The next Golf will take Volkswagen into the era of fully connected vehicles with extended autonomous driving functions,” said Karlheinz Hell, Volkswagen’s small car boss.
“It will have more software on board than ever before. It will always be online and its digital cockpit and assistance systems will be the benchmark in terms of connectivity and safety.”
The Golf 8 is expected to offer a 48V mild-hybrid option, while also receiving a total redesign of the cabin in preparation for “the next generation of connectivity and digitisation”.
“It’s a revolution. It’s really a total digital environment; the only analogue aspect is basically the steering wheel,” said Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen’s design boss.
With that in mind, we can expect the current Golf’s flagship infotainment screen and Active Info Display digital driver’s instruments (above) to be more widely available across the range – rather than being a cost-option for higher-grade variants.
Underpinning the new small car will be an updated version of the current car’s MQB architecture, meaning the core engine range should remain similar, though the e-Golf will likely be killed off in the next iteration due to the imminent release of the all-electric I.D. family.
Meanwhile, the Golf GTI and Golf R will likely get power bumps – 250bhp (186kW) and 350bhp (260kW) respectively are the estimates – and the plug-in hybrid GTE (below) should also be offered.
Australia
Speaking with CarAdvice, Paul Pottinger, general manager for corporate communications for Volkswagen’s local division, said it’s a little early for Australian details, though the new model is still around two years away.
“We wouldn’t expect to see it here until 2020,” he said.
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