Volkswagen pushes back Golf 8 to next year

Thursday, 10 September 2020

The Volkswagen Golf is 45 years old - here are the first seven generations, in silver.

The New Zealand debut of the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf is now slated for tee-off in the first quarter of 2021 – slightly later than initially planned due to Covid-19 disruption to production.

While New Zealand awaits hatchback versions of the new Golf, Europe has just seen how the Mk8 Golf will look in its versatile estate body style.

In a twin reveal overnight the new Golf Estate and higher-riding Golf Alltrack with 4Motion all-wheel-drive made their debut. The Alltrack is, in essence, a jacked-up Golf Estate for those wanting the wagon shape with more off-road chops.

Like the look of the new Golf but want a bit more junk in the trunk, literally? The Golf Estate is for you.

The Golf range first gained an Estate model in 1993 and more than 3 million have been sold globally. The Alltrack was introduced during the Mk7 model cycle and offers an all-wheel-drive crossover/wagon solution similar to Subaru XV and Outback models and the Skoda Scout vehicles.

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With the vehicle loaded up to the ceiling with integrated luggage compartment net and the rear seats folded, the volume increases to 1642 litres (an increase of 22 litres).

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If you want a wagon with a bit more off-road capabilities, check out the Golf Alltrack.

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The Estate shares its frontal styling with the new Golf hatch while the roof section becomes flatter towards the rear to create a coupe-like angle to the rear window. It is 4633mm long with a wheelbase of 2686mm, both dimensions a 66mm increase compared to its predecessor.

The increased exterior length and wheelbase dimensions yield an additional 48mm of rear legroom and the luggage compartment (when loaded up to the top edge of the rear seat backrest) offers 611 litres of stowage space (6 litres more compared with the previous Golf Estate).

With the vehicle loaded up to the ceiling with integrated luggage compartment net and the rear seats folded, the volume increases to 1642 litres (an increase of 22 litres).

An electrically operated rear boot lid can be optioned which allows tailgate opening by means of a foot gesture in front of the Golf Estate’s rear bumper.

Engine choices for Europe markets include the latest SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction) equipped TDI diesels and new eTSI petrol engines featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

A 48V belt-driven starter-generator and 48V lithium-ion battery merge with the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox to form the mild-hybrid system. The benefits of the new eTSI include lower fuel consumption, as the Golf Estate switches off the turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine whenever possible to coast along without generating any local emissions.

All Golf Estates have standard safety features including the Lane Assist lane departure warning system, Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, the new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function and XDS electronic differential lock.

As for the new Golf Alltrack, it offers 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard, increased ground clearance and an “all-terrain’’ exterior look including specific bumpers.