Less than a week after we first spied the all-new Volkswagen Golf Variant driving around in Germany, and our man with the camera caught up with a second prototype. Once again, the only part of the car that is camouflaged are the deceptive tail light stickers. Not that it matters, but for those of you who like to play spot the differences, while at first it looks like the same vehicle, it’s another version as evidenced by the shiny chrome trimmings on the front bumper and different alloy wheels. [Updated 5/22/2020]
The second body style of the Golf Mk8, after the five-door hatchback, has an identical front end and a rear that reminds of the previous generation. Nonetheless, take a closer look at the taillights and you will see that they are covered with tape meant to mask their shape and pattern, which otherwise seem very similar to the hatch.
The number plate has moved from the bumper to the redesigned tailgate on this early test car, which sports a hidden exhaust pipe and fake trim in the diffuser that will probably be outlined by a chrome strip.
See Also: This Is What A Modern VW Golf Mk8 Country Variant Could Look Like
The interior will be identical to the new-generation hatchback and will include the same dashboard layout, with a big infotainment screen sitting in the middle, above the wide central air vents and next to the digital dials. The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, ambient lighting, tiny gear selector on models equipped with the automatic transmission, buttons, knobs and everything else will carry over. The only difference will be the increased headroom for rear passengers and a much, much larger boot capacity that will make it a more family friendly and practical choice in the segment.
Don’t expect any surprises from the engine lineup either, as the usual 1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-liter petrol units joined by the 2.0-liter diesel will all be borrowed from the hatch. Electrification will be included and while there is no official confirmation yet, it’s believed that the range will be topped by a hot Golf R Variant. If true, the sporty model will pack a 2.0-liter four-banger, with around 330 HP, and will benefit from a 4Motion all-wheel drive system and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Given the minimum amount of camouflage on this prototype, we are probably only a few months away from the unveiling of the new Golf Variant. In all likelihood, it will be limited to Europe, so don’t look for it in U.S. showrooms, where the previous-gen Alltrack and SportWagen were discontinued after the 2019MY.
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