this is the new Volkswagen Golf VIII

[Inkriql]

The new Volkswagen Golf VIII already has photos and official data. The eighth generation of the classic hatchback for Segment C (compact) will be presented today in Europe and the images that show it full length allow us to confirm a suspicion: there are no surprises. While VW is betting on the world of electric cars with the new I.D. (read more), the brand preferred to continue going safe for the evolution of its best-selling car in Europe.

The definitive design of the Golf Mk8 resembles the renders that VW had spread in recent days (and showed a muscular, sporty hatchback). Instead, they confirm the conservative trend that spy photos had been showing for months.

Where one can speak of a revolution is in the range of motorizations offered, the widest and most varied in the history of Golf. Based on an update of the well-known MQB-A Platform (the same one that will be used by the Tarek Project that will be manufactured in Argentina, read more), the Golf VIII will have engines that will use gasoline, diesel, gas and electricity. There will be MildHybrid variants (with 48v batteries) and Plug-In Hybrid. 100% electric versions will be reserved for the I.D.

In a first stage, the most powerful version will be the Golf GTE: a plug-in hybrid, with 241 horsepower. Of course, the traditional GTi variant will arrive later: there is talk of a basic power of 260 hp and a future R 4Motion version with more than 350 hp.

Inside, the Golf VIII releases a new generation of fully digital instruments. It has more design and color than the Active Info Display already offered by several VW in Argentina. In addition, VW installed a semi-autonomous technology package. From automatic and driverless parking system to emergency driving and braking software in the event of a possible fading of the person driving. They are technologies that were already offering more expensive vehicles of the VW Group, but that will be offered for the first time with the Golf.

With this eighth generation, Golf will stop being manufactured in Brazil and Mexico, the two main plants that have so far supplied the Argentine market. Production will be concentrated at the historic Wolfsburg (Germany) plant and the launch for our market is scheduled for 2020. Unlike the Brazilian and Mexican Golf, the German will pay 35% of customs duty.

The CEO of VW Latin America, the Argentine executive Pablo Di Si, explained what the strategy for our region will be in this interview.