Volkswagen has launched the eight-generation of the iconic Golf model, with prices starting from €23,950. The Golf is the most successful European car for more than four decades, and this new model signals a new chapter in the car’s illustrious history – 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. 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 and much-loved silhouette of its predecessor, with its very distinctive C-pillar. Now the front section comes with an emphatically narrowed radiator grille and what the car’s 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 Gold 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. These controls have been consistently digitised, so their 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.
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.
The MHEV version of the Golf employs a 48 V lithium-ion battery to help cut fuel consumption by around 10% compared to the equivalent predecessor. In these models, the battery is paired with a 7-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 (PHEV) 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.
When it comes to diesel engines, there is a choice of two. The 2.0-litre TDI comes with a choice of either 115- or 150hp. These new TDI engines feature twin dosing – dual AdBlue injection, to significantly cut nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx). Fuel consumption in the new TDI is up to 17% 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.
The Life model starts from €27,750 and includes a 10” Navigation system, Wireless Charging, Anti-Theft Alarm, Comfort Seats with Lumbar Support, Dynamic headlight range control, Natural Voice Control, a rain sensor and a welcome light.
The Style model starts from €30,750, and its specification includes 3-zone Climatronic, Travel Assist, Upgraded LED lights, ArtVelours front Sports Seats, Exterior Chrome trim, Rear View Camera, Keyless Access and 30 Colour Ambient Lighting.
The R-Line model starts from €31,050 and is based on the Life model with the addition of R-Line Exterior and Interior, Tinted Windows, Health leather sports multifunction steering wheel, R-Line Sports Seats, Driving Profile Select, 17” R-Line Alloy Wheels, Sports Suspension and Progressive Steering.
This new model is available from just €249 per month with 0% APR PCP Finance. The all-new Golf joins Irish favourites such as the Tiguan, Passat (including the GTE Plug-In Hybrid), T-Roc, T-Cross, Polo plus more in Volkswagen’s fresh-line up for ‘202’. For more information about this model and Volkswagen’s Assurance Plan and ‘202’ offers, logon to volkswagen.ie/202
