Updated Volkswagen Golf for 2024

This year, the Volkswagen Golf – one of the top 3 bestselling cars in the world – celebrates its 50^th anniversary. Over 37 million units have been sold worldwide, surpassing the German carmaker’s other bestseller, the Beetle (21.5 million units over 65 years).

Enhanced lighting systems
The latest version of the 8th generation (launched in 2020) gets design updates for the 2024 model year with a sharper front end, 3D light graphics on the tail light clusters. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights incorporate a new high-performance main beam with a range of up to 500 metres, while the IQ.LIGHT 3D LED tail light clusters have also received a new design.

The new Golf and new Golf Variant will have a visually-defining defining Volkswagen logo which, for the first time, will be an illuminated badge. The ‘V’ and ‘W’ as well as the circle around the letters are framed by fine light contours on the outside and inside.

New hardware and software inside
There’s new hardware such as the newly developed intuitive infotainment system has a free-standing touchscreen (screen diagonal up to 32.8 cm) with ergonomically optimised and illuminated touch sliders for temperature and volume control at its base.

The MIB4 infotainment system integrates the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into the IDA voice assistant. Showcased at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas at the beginning of this month, the feature can seamlessly access the ever-growing database of artificial intelligence. Occupants can interact with the car using natural language and have researched content read aloud to them while travelling.

Also new are the enhanced multi-function steering wheel and new voice assistant which Volkswagen has named ‘IDA’. Using natural language, IDA can be instructed to not only  control functions such as the air conditioning, telephone or navigation system, but also to access online information of various subjects.

A new feature is the Area View system – a 360-degree all-round view created by merging four cameras. The corresponding image is transferred to the infotainment system touchscreen, helping the driver to see kerbs and parking space markings more clearly.

Plug-in hybrid joins range
The powertrain range will include a new plug-in hybrid (eHybrid/GTE) with a range of about 100 kms running on just electricity. Total range when using the 1.5-litre petrol engine as well is claimed to be up to 1,000 kms. The 48V PHEV will have DC quick-charging capability and accept up to 50 kW charging supply.

There will be 3 other powertrain options – mild hybrid (eTSI), turbocharged petrol (TSI) and turbocharged diesel. The Golf GTI will get added power as well.

The Golf GTI Clubsport, Golf R and Golf Variant R will follow in the second half of the year (R models with 4MOTION all-wheel drive). Further all-wheel drive versions with TSI engines  will also make their debut next year.

European deliveries will start during the second quarter of this year with introductions in other markets taking place progressively later in the year.

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