Volkswagen’s Golf Mk8 arrives
The highly anticipated Volkswagen Golf Mk 8 has arrived in New Zealand, boasting the biggest technological leap forward in the mid-size mainstay’s 45-year history.
Mar 30, 2021
The new Golf range features an expanded level of standard technology in every grade, including highlights such as a fully digital cockpit, shift-by-wire gearshift, and safety tech such as a Lane Assist lane keeping system and Front Assist area monitoring system with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring.
For performance purists, the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI, along with the next generation 235kW/420Nm Golf R, are expected to arrive later in 2021.
In May 1974, the very first Golf Mk 1 was launched as the successor to the popular Beetle. A revolutionary step for Volkswagen with a completely new vehicle layout and style, over the following 40-plus years the Golf has set the benchmark for the compact hatchback segment with every iteration since.
Instantly recognisable, the global brand icon has amassed 35 million drivers worldwide over the past seven generations. Now, the all-new Volkswagen Golf Mk8 and Golf GTI have arrived and are ready to be experienced by keen New Zealand drivers.
“At the very heart of our brand, the Golf has become a beloved icon across generations,” says General Manager of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles, Greg Leet. “It continues its class-leading status by bringing progress and new technology to the hatch segment.”
Representing the greatest leap forward since the model launched over 45 years ago, the Mk8 Golf range has been digitally remastered for its eighth generation.
Starting with the new 10.25” Active Info Display Pro and MIB-3 infotainment system, the latest Golf debuts new functional displays and controls that have all become digital. The new instruments and online infotainment systems merge to form a fully digital cockpit. Digitalisation throughout the vehicle allows largely self-explanatory and intuitive operation by the driver thanks to touch surfaces, natural voice control, and the Alexa web app.
Advanced functionality is also evident in the centre console, which is now clearer and more efficient than ever before with the all-new shift-by-wire gear knob for the 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Outside the vehicle, while still unmistakeably a Golf, the latest generation hatchback looks sleeker with a leaner front grille and imposing lower-profile bumper. LED head and rear taillights are now standard across the range, giving the Golf a striking presence on the road.
The standard equipment in the Golf has been massively expanded. Every Golf now includes high-tech features such as a Lane Assist lane keeping system, Front Assist area monitoring system with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, a new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, along with the collective traffic intelligence of Car2X, to predictively warn of hazards.
The new Golf offers plenty of room for five people, along with a 380-litre luggage compartment capacity in this seat configuration. When the asymmetrically foldable rear seat is folded down, the loading capacity increases to a maximum of 1,237 litres, making the Mk 8 Golf as practical as it is clever.
With three grades of Golf available, prices start at $37,990 (plus ORCs) for the Golf Life specification model, with the popular R-Line priced at $47,990 (plus ORCs).
The always popular 180kW/370Nm Golf GTI – featuring 18” alloys and dynamic assistance from an e-Limited Slip Front Differential and Dynamic Chassis Control settings – is $61,490 (plus ORCs). The GTI will be arriving in New Zealand in May 2021.
For performance purists, the updated Golf R is also planned for New Zealand and is expected to arrive towards the end of 2021. Pricing and specification details for this performance-themed halo model will be available closer to its arrival.
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