When the Volkswagen Golf 8 was finally revealed back in October 2019, the Wolfsburg-based automaker naturally showed off the new model in high-spec trim (and later the GTI). But now that VW has expanded its online configurator in Germany, we have our first look at the base-spec version of the latest Golf.

First spotted by the studious folks over at Motor1.com’s German arm, the configurator shows the most basic version of the eighth-generation hatch, powered by 66 kW turbocharged 1,0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to the front axle via a five-speed manual gearbox.

From the outside, the bare-bones Golf 8 – offered in Germany in “Urano Grey” paintwork – is fairly easy to spot. You’ll immediately notice the 15-inch steel wheels, covered by plastic covers and wrapped in high-profile 195/65 R15 rubber.

Interestingly, though, even this entry-level derivative features LED headlamps (rather than halogen items) and LED taillamps. Germany’s most basic Golf 8 furthermore ditches the chrome-effect or gloss-black exterior trim employed by posher variants.

While the steering wheel does without leather, the cabin isn’t as "bare bones" as you might expect. Indeed, VW's digital cockpit is included as standard, along with the “Composition Media” sound system, automatic climate control, keyless start, various driver assistance features and a fabric-covered driver’s seat featuring height adjustment.

The price for this base model in Germany? Well, the range starts at €19 995; that’s a little over R410 000 at the current (admittedly very unfavourable) exchange rate. For the record, South Africa’s entry-level Golf 8 will employ the familiar 1,4 TSI engine and a DSG transmission as standard when it arrives locally either towards the end of 2020 or early in 2021.

Original article from Car