We already know that VW is working on a facelifted Golf VIII, but we had yet to see any prototypes testing on public roads. This changes today as our spy photographers caught the updated hatchback hiding some pretty interesting interior tech updates under the current model’s bodywork.
The vehicle is free of camouflage since it is not using any of the updated body panels. We all know that VW Group in general has a discreet approach to mid-lifecycle updates, but at least the visual changes are noticeable, which is not the case with this white Golf.
Also Read: The VW Golf Might Not Get A New Generation After All
Despite the familiar looks of the test car, we expect the facelifted Golf to gain at least a redesigned front bumper with tweaked intakes, and possibly a slightly revised grille and LED graphics for the headlights/taillights. New alloy wheels alongside possible additions to the color palette and small changes to the trim will keep the Golf fresh against the competition in the compact hatchback segment.
More important changes are expected in the tech department. Thankfully our spy photographers got a peak inside, giving us a proper look at the new and significantly larger free-standing display on the center console. The main criticism for the eight-gen Golf is about the infotainment and the perceived quality, so VW might fix those issues in the facelifted model.
The current Golf has a 10-inch display but the unit in the photos looks like it is closer to the 15-inch touchscreen found in the Touareg. Sadly, the controversial touch-sensitive bar appears to be retained, with no visible physical controls for the air conditioning. The center tunnel appears to be identical, including the Porsche 911-like switch for the DSG gearbox and the wireless charging port. The same applies to the three-spoke steering wheel and the climate vents, although the digital instrument cluster could receive fresh graphics.
See Also: Europe’s 2024 VW Passat Gets Golf-Style Tablet Touchscreen And Column-Mounted Shift Lever
The current Golf in the flagship R trim (above) compared to the facelifted model (below) with the larger infotainment.
The facelifted model will be based on the latest evolution of VW Group’s widely used MQB Evo architecture. As for the engine range, we expect the addition of the recently updated 1.5-liter TSI Evo2 in mild-hybrid form and in different power outputs, alongside evolved versions of the 1.0-liter TSI, the 2.0-liter TSI, and possibly the 2.0-liter TDI before the diesel’s forthcoming demise. The performance-focused GTI, GTD, GTE, and R variants are also expected to carry on.
The facelifted VW Golf is expected to be unveiled in 2023, four years after the launch of the eight-generation model. The updates will likely keep the model relevant at least until 2028, or even 2030 when VW will become an EV-only brand. VW has yet to decide on the fate of the historic nameplate, which means that the facelifted Golf could be the last in the long-lasting lineage of the hatchback.
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