These are some of the first images of the next-generation Volkswagen Golf. Our German spy photographers spotted the prototype of the successor to our 2017/18 #CarsAwards premium hatchback champion while it was undergoing testing. See details below…

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The next iteration (8th generation) of the popular Volkswagen Golf is under development and a prototype wearing very little camouflage was recently spied testing in Europe.

Key styling features

The bodywork appears to be very similar to that of the Golf 7.5, but you may notice that the shape of the front-end is more squared-off, while the rear-end looks longer than the current car's. We expect the Golf 8 will feature, inter alia, slimmer LED headlights and a lower, redesigned bonnet.

The design of the next Golf will be evolutionary, but the car will feature more weight-saving materials in its construction.

These photographs suggest that radical exterior styling changes are not on the cards for the new Golf 8…it is believed that Volkswagen will rather look to introduce refinements to the design, which has, after all, proven to be quite popular thus far. The Golf 8 will be based on a modified version of Volkswagen’s MQB platform and incorporate more lightweight materials that will reduce the premium hatchback's kerb weight significantly (sources say by between 50 and 70 kg).

The Golf's interior will be redesignedand digital displays are expected to be used extensively across the range.

The interior, however, is expected to be extensively overhauled and will likely incorporate digital displays to replace most of the switchgear. The interior spy image shows anActive Info Display that forms part of the instrument cluster and you can expect to see a large infotainment screen (integral to the fascia) on the production version.

Potential engines

Although engine details have yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that a 1.0-litre (in various states of tune) and 1.5-litre turbopetrol engines will be offered. On the diesel front, 1.5-and 2.0-litre turbodiesels are likely. A 48Vmild hybrid system is expected, along with cylinder deactivation and coasting function to further enhance efficiency.

We previously reported that the 2.0-litre turbopetrol Golf GTI will, in all likelihood, comprise 3 derivatives including a standard GTI, GTI Performance Pack and GTI Clubsport. The standard GTI could offer as much as 195 kW, while the Clubsport could see a peak output figureof no less than 240 kW. As for the Golf R derivative, a 300 kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol is likely, but a 3.0-litre VR6 engine with up to 370 kW is not out of the question.

The new Volkswagen Golf 8 is expected to go into production in 2019 and can be expected locally in 2020. We will keep you updated as more details emerge.

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