After numerous leaks, spy shots, and rumors, Volkswagen has revealed the eighth generation of its iconic Golf hatchback today in Wolfsburg, Germany. The car sports a redesigned fascia and a ton of new tech, though it's still not confirmed for the U.S. market.
A Volkswagen spokesperson reaffirmed that while the new Golf's availability in the US has not been decided, the high-performance GTI and Golf R variants will be sold stateside. Hot hatch enthusiasts, you don't have to worry.
The new Golf uses much of the same proportions from the previous model, incorporating a more aggressive headlight shape and a thinner, lower grille. The rear fascia also gets a light redesign, with more angular taillights and a set of fake exhaust exits on either corner of the bumper (a dumb trend, we know).
Inside is where the big improvements have been made, with a more simplified, streamlined dashboard rocking a central infotainment touchscreen that controls everything from the radio to the climate control. The gauge cluster has also been made digital.
The Mk 8 Golf will get four gasoline engines and two diesel power plants at launch, all of which use turbocharging and direct injection. Thankfully, a six-speed manual remains standard. Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG dual-clutch is optional, and the shifter looks a lot like the one found on the new 2020 Porsche 911.
In addition to the pure combustion engine drivetrains, there are three mild-hybrid options that pair a selection of gas engines to a 48-volt lithium-ion battery system. They feature regenerative braking and come with the DSG as standard.
There's also two plug-in hybrid models, one 201-horsepower model geared towards maximum range, and a high-performance 245-horsepower GTE model angled towards performance. Both pair a 1.4-liter gas engine to an electric-drive motor and a six-speed DSG transmission.
The only info VW gave us on the next GTI and Golf R powertrain is that they'll use 2.0-liter inline turbocharged engines, just like the current models. The diesel-powered GTD will also make a return.
Unsurprisingly, the 2021 Mk 8 Golf is packed with new tech, including a slew of safety systems, sensors, and assisted driving up to 130 mph. There's also something called Car2X, which allows the car's computer to communicate with other cars within half a mile if they also have Car2X, sharing info on things like road hazards, traffic, and construction.
Brian Silvestro is Hearst Autos' former lead deputy editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine where he contributed car reviews, industry interviews, and more. He has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
