Volkswagen has launched the eighth generation of the iconic Golf model, with prices starting from €23,950.
The Golf has been the most successful European car for more than four decades, and Volkswagen boasts this new model signals a new chapter in the car’s illustrious history, adding that it is digitalised, connected, and intuitive to operate.
More than 35 million units of the Golf have been sold to date, and the car has been a best-seller in Ireland for generations. Volkswagen says it is available with a wide choice of low-emissions engines - the new Golf comes in a choice of fives trim levels, Golf, Comfort, Life, Style and R-Line.
The new Golf retains the familiar silhouette of its predecessor, with its distinctive C-pillar. And consistent with VW's evolutionary approach as opposed to revolution, the front section comes with an emphatically narrowed radiator grille, and what its designers call a “slice” right though the vehicle, appearing as a sharp line at the height of the door handles. LED technology replaces any conventional lighting, and this new lighting design becomes a dominant style element of the eighth Golf generation. Every part of the body has been reshaped, and the result is a more aerodynamic Golf with the drag coefficient (Cd value ) cut from 0.3 to 0.275, making it quieter and more efficient.
However, it is inside where the new Golf has seen the most dramatic transformation. The new instruments and online infotainment systems merge at the same level to form a digital cockpit. Individual areas featuring touch buttons and touch sliders round this new digital world of the Golf. Volkswagen says these controls have been consistently digitised, so its functions are intuitive to use, and this makes the Golf the first model in its price segment to feature a completely digital, high-end cockpit as standard.
An innovative new voice control responds to natural voice commands. Amazon’s 'Alexa assistant' is directly integrated into the Golf. Drivers can 'ask Alexa' to play music, control compatible smart home devices, or retrieve information such as news and weather. 'We Connect Plus' brings streaming, internet radio and other online features on board.
Five specification levels
The petrol engine line-up for the Golf in Ireland will consist of the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine with 90hp and 110hp, the 1.0-litre 110hp eTSI MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle ), the 1.5-litre TSI 130hp, the 1.5-litre eTSI 130hp MHEV, the 1.5-litre TSI 150hp, and the 1.5-litre eTSI 150hp MHEV.
Volkswagen claims the MHEV version employs a 48 V lithium-ion battery to help cut fuel consumption by around 10 per cent compared to the equivalent predecessor. In these models, the battery is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG ). The 48 V system makes it possible to coast while the combustion engine has been completely switched off to save even more fuel.
Two versions of a plug-in hybrid Vehicle will be available with the new Golf, a 204hp Style and the 245hp GTE model, aided and abetted by a 13-kWh lithium-ion battery.
There is a choice of two diesel engines. The 2.0-litre TDI comes with a choice of either 115 or 150hp. These engines feature twin dosing – dual AdBlue injection, which Volkswagen says significantly cuts nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx ). It adds that fuel consumption in the new TDI is up to 17 per cent lower than in the equivalent predecessor.
There is a total of five specification levels for the new Golf, which are Golf, Comfort, Life, Style and R-Line. The Golf specification starts from €23,950 and all models get LED headlights, lane assist, wireless App-Connect, Keyless Go, Air Care Climatronic and We Connect.
The Comfort specification starts from €26,695 and gains adaptive cruise control, park distance control, a leather multi-function steering wheel and 16” alloy wheels.
Then there are options to go for the Life, Style or R-Line models, ranging from €27,750 to €31,050.
Volkswagen Ireland is currently offering the new model model from €249 per month with zero per cent APR PCP Finance.
Finally, Volkswagen is offering a three-year service plan for the new Golf from €10, covering routine servicing costs, for both parts and labour, fixed over a period of time. It includes all the standard items recommended by Volkswagen, such as mandatory service parts including oil filters, pollen filters, high-quality lubricants and brake fluid changes.
