The new Volkswagen Golf 8 has finally been officially revealed after a lengthy teaser campaign, the odd spy shot and a raft of apparent leaks.

As expected, the eighth-generation Golf again rides on the VW Group’s MQB platform but this time is offered in five-door form only. It measures 4 284 mm long (an increase of 26 mm compared with the outgoing model), 1 789 mm wide (down 10 mm) and 1 456 mm tall (down 36 mm), with a wheelbase of 2 636 mm (some 16 mm longer than before).  

Of course, a VW SA representative has already revealed to CARmag.co.za that the local line-up of the new hatchback will again include a Golf 1,4 TSI variant (with 110 kW), the popular Golf GTI derivative and the range-topping Golf R model. Each will be offered with the firm's DSG dual-clutch transmission as standard.

Interestingly, VW says the GTI-badged model will be the first Golf 8 derivative to arrive in South Africa "late in 2020", with the 1,4 TSI and R-badged models following at a later stage. From what we can tell, the two plug-in hybrids (including the Golf GTE mentioned below) and the oil-burning 2,0 TDI Evo units are not on the cards for SA.

In Europe, the Golf will be offered with a 48 V system (comprising a belt starter-generator and a lithium-ion battery) in conjunction with what VW terms the “latest generation of efficient TSI engines”. The new mild-hybrid powertrains (badged “eTSI” and likely based on VW's 1,5 TSI unit) will be available in Europe in 81 kW, 96 kW and 110 kW forms.

The Golf 8 will also be offered as a plug-in hybrid in two variants: the first generating 150 kW and the second (the GTE) delivering 180 kW. Both will launch with a new 13 kWh lithium-ion battery that facilitates a claimed all-electric range of 60 km.

The standard TSI engines, meanwhile, will come in 66 kW and 81 kW forms, while the turbodiesels with be offered in 85 kW and 110 kW guises (with a natural gas TGI-badged derivative with 96 kW available in some markets).

Inside, virtually all displays and controls will be digital, with VW saying the new instruments and infotainment systems “meld together into a display landscape featuring touch buttons and touch sliders”. The company furthermore says the digitalised display environment – comprising a 10,25-inch instrument cluster and an 8,25-inch infotainment touchscreen – can be “comprehensively customised” to adapt to each driver’s individual taste.

In addition, a head-up display will be optionally available. A new touch slider for the optional (tilting and sliding) panoramic sunroof has also been added, along with an optional 400-watt Harman Kardon sound system. You'll likely also notice the compact shift-by-wire gearlever employed by DSG variants.

While local specifications have yet to be determined, in Europe the familiar Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trim levels will interestingly be replaced by Golf, Life and Style versions. An R-Line model will, of course, also be offered.

Original article from Car