VW Golf In Transit to Generation Nine

Volkswagen New Zealand today revealed its Gen III Tiguan line-up. But it also released details of the refreshed Golf, known as Gen 8.5. Er, how’s that? Well, this is the final update to the final ICE power Golf. The next generation, the ninth, will be an all-electric offering on a new platform and is due out in 2029.

Meantime, this update happens to launch in the year that the Golf turns 50. 

VW NZ’s GM, Chanelle McDonald said of the newcomer “This new reimagined Golf features a fresh design, improved features and enhanced performance, while staying true to the legacy that makes it a timeless classic.”

Having sold more than 37 million examples, Golf is quite the success story for Volkswagen. That also makes it almost twice as popular as the Beetle (23 millions units).

Line-up like Tiguan’s

In many ways, this new line-up echoes that of Tiguan, with a Life and R-Line that use the same engine (110kw/250Nm 1.4 TSI). Only in Golf there’s an eight-speed automatic transmission rather than a seven-speed twin-clutch tranny. Both of these models weigh in at 1310kg, and have combined WLTP fuel use figures of 7.0L/100km (159g/km). 

Where the Tiguan line-up signs off with the R-Line AWD, the Golf range topper is the 1423kg GTI. Its 2.0T four pot generates 195kW of power and 370Nm of torque, all grounded via the front axle. The claimed combined fuel use figure is 8.0L/100km (182g/km). All three require 95ULP.

Prices for the trio are $44,990 for Life, $50,990 for R-Line, and $67,990 for GTI. Believe it or not, despite specification increases, these prices are $2000-$3000 less than the outgoing models (in the case of the GTI and R-Line, respectively). 

Subtle styling update

You can pick the Gen 8.5 models by their slimmer LED headlights and redesigned grille, again mimicking that of the Tiguan somewhat. The R-Line and GTI come with body kits comprising sporty bumpers and sills, and new wheel designs. They also feature progressive steering and sports suspension, while the GTI alone gets adaptive dampers.

All three models come with a five-star ANCAP rating, though that’s carryover from 2022 and the Golf Gen 8 model. As with Tiguan, this now has AEB recognition of pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars, driver fatigue detection, BSM (Life), and BSM with RCTA and exit alert in Golf R-Line and GTI. 

New easy-use buttons

In the cabin, the Life model gets dual zone air, the others three-zones of air conditioning. All come with a leather-covered wheel and paddle shifters, the R-Line and GTI with sports steering wheels. Touch-sensitive buttons on the wheel are replaced by physical buttons, while the AC and volume sliders under the touchscreen are now backlit, like on Tiguan. 

In the centre console, Life comes with a 10.4-inch colour touchscreen while the others have a 12.9-inch unit. Choose between wired and wireless smartphone connections and there’s Bluetooth audio streaming too, for all models. 

Touring packs for all

R-Line can be enhanced with a $5k Touring package that includes head-up display, Vienna leather upholstery, powered heated and ventilated front seats and an HK premium audio system. A somewhat similar $5k Touring package for GTI includes a tilt/slide panoramic sunroof. 

Five new colours are on offer, including Anemone and Antarctic Blue, Grenadilla Black, Oryx White and Dolomite Silver. There are other red, while and silver options too.

For more on the new Golf we will publish a full test in the November issue of NZ Autocar (likely of the R-Line, but fingers crossed it’s the GTI).