Volkswagen Golf Mk8

The exterior of the Mk8 has evolutionary design changes, with a new two-dimensional Volkswagen logo and more angular styling. At the rear there are new L-shaped taillights similar to those of the T-Roc. A more prominent downward arch at the nose contributes to a reduced drag coefficient; the Mk8's is Cd=0.275 compared to the Mk7's Cd=0.29, giving a drag area of 0.61 m².[4][5] The dimensions are roughly the same as the Mk7, 29 mm longer and 10 mm narrower with no significant increase in wheelbase. The three-door hatchback has been discontinued, leaving the five-door hatchback as the only model available at launch, with a wagon likely coming later. In the United States, the only models confirmed are the GTI and the R, the latter of which has yet to be revealed.

All internal combustion engines are turbocharged three- or four-cylinder units;[7] engine options include petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel and natural gas powertrains. The previous e-Golf model is no longer available, as it was replaced by the ID.3.

TSI TSI models consist of a 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) or 110 PS (81 kW; 109 hp), and a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) or 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp). All engines with an output up to 130 PS feature the efficient TSI Miller combustion process and a variable-geometry turbocharger, and the 1.5 litre engines have temporary Active Cylinder Management. A compressed natural gas (CNG) version of the 1.5 litre engine is also available as a TGI model.

eTSI eTSI models use the same engines as the TSI models with the addition of a mild-hybrid system and a powerful brake energy recuperation function, paired exclusively with the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The energy stored in the 48 V lithium-ion battery supplies the 12 V vehicle electrical system and drives the 48 V belt starter generator. The engines produce 110 PS (81 kW; 109 hp), 130 PS (96 kW; 130 hp) or 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp).

eHybrid eHybrid models use a 1.4 litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine supplanted by a 13 kWh lithium ion battery, with a 6-speed DSG. The all-electric range is rated at about 60 kilometres (37 miles) in EV mode. The engine produces 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) or 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp).

TDI TDI models utilize a new twin dosing SCR system featuring dual AdBlue selective catalytic reduction, which lowers nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by up to 80% compared to the Mk7.[8] A 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel unit is used, producing 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) or 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp).[9][10]

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  Rear view
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  Interior
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  Engine bay

The Golf GTE is a high-performance plug-in hybrid model. Producing 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp), it has an all-electric range of about 60 kilometres (37 miles) in EV mode, with a 13 kWh lithium ion battery supplementing the 1.4 litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine. The GTE, GTD and GTI have aggressive styling to distinguish them from less powerful Golf models. The grille has a blue accent, with an LED light strip positioned below. The front sports a large honeycomb grille with a black lower bumper trim, while the rear has a diffuser-style rear bumper. The roof spoiler is also exclusive, with wider side sill panels, larger wheels and red brake calipers. Inside, the sports seats, integrated headrests, starter button, sport steering wheel, shift knob, stainless-steel pedals and special interior fabrics are also unique. Additionally, a background exterior light is integrated within the grille.[12][13]

The Golf GTD is a high-performance turbodiesel model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine (TDI) producing 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft). The engine uses two selective catalytic reduction filters with dual AdBlue injection. The manual transmission is not offered, with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic being the only option. The suspension is shared with the GTI, having McPherson struts up front and a multi-link system at the rear. 18-inch and 19-inch wheels will be available. Plaid upholstery is standard like on the GTI, but gray highlights are used rather than red; the steering wheel also has touch-sensitive multi-function controls. An electronic shift lever is used in place of the patterned shift knob found on the GTI.[14][13]

The Golf GTI is a high-performance petrol (gasoline) model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp) and 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft). The bodywork is nearly identical to the GTE, although the GTI receives exclusive wheels, the badging and grille accent are red, and the dual exhaust tips are on either side rather than both on the left. The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager allows for more adjustability of the adaptive suspension dampers, while an Individual setting joins the other driving modes. The suspension has also been retuned with a 15mm (0.6 in) lower ride height. Inside, plaid upholstery is standard, with additional red accents on the seats and steering wheel. 17-inch wheels will be standard in Europe, with optional 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.[15]