Volkswagen Unveils New Golf Models: GTI, GTE, and eHybrid
Volkswagen has announced the launch of the new Golf, revealing prices and specifications for the highly anticipated GTI, GTE, and eHybrid variants. The eighth-generation Golf has undergone a comprehensive overhaul in celebration of its 50th year on sale. The hatchback version is priced from £27,035, while the estate version starts at £28,400. The eHybrid PHEV variants are priced from £36,760, and the Golf GTI comes in at £38,900. The Golf GTE hot PHEV is priced at £39,750.
Revamped Powertrain Line-Up and Technology Upgrades
In addition to its new pricing and specifications, the 2024 Golf features a revamped powertrain line-up. It includes new long-range plug-in hybrids, revised petrol and diesel options, and increased power for the GTI hot hatch. The GTI is set to lead the line-up until the launch of the revised four-wheel-drive Golf R later this year.
The new Golf also boasts a wide range of technology upgrades to enhance its appeal to modern buyers. It introduces Volkswagen’s fourth-generation infotainment system, called MIB4, which offers quicker processing times, revamped menus, and slicker graphics. The system runs through a 10.4-inch or optional 12.9-inch touchscreen display and includes a new ChatGPT-powered voice assistant. The upgraded Golf also features Volkswagen’s 360-degree View, Park Assist Plus, and Park Assist Pro systems as optional extras.
Exterior and Interior Enhancements
The 2024 Golf showcases several exterior enhancements that distinguish it from its predecessor. These include an illuminated Volkswagen badge at the front and new-look LED headlights with optional IQ Light HD matrix technology. The car also features new sills underneath the doors, a more prominent spoiler above the tailgate on the GTI, a restyled rear bumper, and new-look LED tail lights. Additionally, Volkswagen has expanded the range of paint colors and introduced a black roof option for the GTI, GTE, and R-Line variants.
Inside the cabin, the upgraded Golf offers higher-quality materials throughout to enhance perceived quality. It features a new multifunction steering wheel with button controls, replacing the widely criticized capacitive controls used in the pre-facelift Golf. The instrument display has also been revised, and the infotainment system now includes a dial on the steering wheel for easier selection of model-specific graphics.
Impressive Performance and Efficiency
The GTI’s performance figures have not yet been revealed, but insiders at Wolfsburg suggest that its 0-62mph time will be faster than the 6.2 seconds of its predecessor. The diesel models feature a further developed version of Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, offering 114bhp and 148bhp. The plug-in hybrid models have been reworked with a second-generation petrol-electric drivetrain that delivers 201bhp in the 1.5 TSI eHybrid and 268bhp in the 2024 GTE.
Volkswagen claims an electric range of approximately 62 miles for the PHEV models and a combined range of 620 miles at cruising speeds with both the battery and fuel tank fully charged. The Golf models with a standard six-speed manual gearbox include the 114bhp 2.0 TDI and non-hybrid 1.5 TSI models. All other models come with an automatic dual-shift gearbox with either six or seven ratios.
Conclusion
The launch of the new Golf marks an important milestone for Volkswagen as it seeks to regain its position as Europe’s number one by sales volume. With its comprehensive overhaul, the 2024 Golf offers improved performance, enhanced technology, and a more stylish design. The range of models, including the GTI, GTE, and eHybrid variants, caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. As Volkswagen continues to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, the new Golf is poised to impress both loyal fans and new customers alike.
