It's 45 years of Volkswagen Golf. More than 35 million units sold worldwide. A model so important to the German brand that its names are practically inseparable.
In 2020, the 8th generation of Golf arrives on the market and «half the world» traveled to Portugal to drive it for the first time. This, after being revealed to the world in Wolfsburg, Germany, the home of Volkswagen — remember here.
No wonder: the Volkswagen Golf is the best-selling model in Europe. But not all are "roses" for this new Volkswagen Golf 2020. Although the German brand continues to sell a new Golf every 40 seconds , this 8th generation faces more challenges than ever. To the challenges of electrification and increasingly fierce competition, we must add the arrival of a rival: the new Volkswagen ID.3. The enemy lives inside the house...
The Volkswagen Golf 8th generation responds to these attacks in its own way. No big dramas in terms of design, improving its quality and offering more technology.
Want to see how? Watch the video:
A relatively brief first contact, but it gave me an insight into the ambitions of the new Volkswagen Golf: to continue to lead the segment. But while you're here, let's recap a little of what you can find in the new Volkswagen Golf Mk8 in terms of powertrains.
Engines for all tastes
The range of engines for the new Volkswagen Golf comprises all types of solutions with the exception of a 100% electric version. The e-Golf ceases to exist in this 8th generation to make way for the long-awaited Volkswagen ID.3.
In the field of gasoline engines we have conventional 1.0 TSI of 110 hp and 1.5 TSI of 130 and 150 hp . Three engines that can receive mild-hybrid solutions — that is, a parallel 48V electrical system made up of a small electric motor that assists the combustion engine in acceleration and powers all of the Golf's electronic components. With this electrical "help" recovery is slightly faster and Volkswagen predicts savings of between 6% and 8% in terms of consumption.
We drove the two versions — 1.5 TSI and 1.5 eTSI, both with 150 hp — and if in terms of consumption we didn't see any difference — an assessment that needs more time to be definitive — in acceleration there is a little help from the electric motor.
Later, let's meet the new Golf GTI with 245 hp and Golf R with 333 hp , both powered by the famous 2.0 TSI engine (EA888).
In the field of Diesels, the 1.6 TDI engine placed the papers for the makeover, and passed the witness to a new variant of the engine. 2.0 TDI with 115 hp of power. This engine will be available in three power levels: 115, 150 and 200 hp of power (in GTD version).
Despite the diesel loss of relevance, in the Golf range these engines still represent 45% of sales.
The big news with regard to Diesel engines lies in the presence of two selective catalytic converters (SCR) — twice as much as is normal — designed to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) by injecting urea into the exhaust system. With this system present at two points in the exhaust system, the ECU can decide at which point the urea injection is most efficient.
I drove the 2.0 TDI version of 150 hp for 30 km and I could only draw two conclusions: this engine is smoother and quieter. As for consumption, we will have to wait for a longer contact.
Finally, we have the plug-in hybrid engines — or if you prefer, plug-in hybrids. We find the «old» block again 1.4 TSI associated with an electric machine, for a total of 204 hp and about 50 km of autonomy in 100% electric mode, which will be called e-Hybrid Golf . Later, in the version Golf GTE , we will have the opportunity to opt for a 1.5 TSI engine also associated with an electric machine, but now with 245 hp of power.
Price of the new Volkswagen Golf
There is still no definitive price for Portugal, but there are very serious intentions on the part of the German brand for this 8th generation. Particularly with regard to input versions.
In the 110 hp Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI version, the importer advances the price of 26 000 euros , ie exactly the same price as the 7th generation. As for Diesels, although we now have a bigger engine — the new 2.0 TDI of 115 hp against the old 1.6 TDI — the brand's intention is to offer the access version of this engine for the same price as the generation that now ceases to function.
As mentioned in the video, the new Volkswagen Golf arrives in Portugal in March. Before that date, you can find out more details about the equipment allocation and complete price list for the new Volkswagen Golf 2020 here at Razão Automóvel. Watch out.