Marking its 50th anniversary since first going on sale, the facelifted 2024 VW Golf (Mk 8.5) has made its debut with an array of styling updates, a new infotainment system, updated driving assistance features and a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
The brand defining 2024 VW Golf now crucially receives 10 powertrain variants – relevant to Malaysia is likely one of four turbocharged petrol (TSI) variants. VW has yet to reveal specifics on each powertrain as more derivatives will be introduced progressively throughout 2024 and 2025.
Other powertrain options for Europe include 2 mild-hybrids (eTSI), 2 plug-in hybrid (eHybrid and GTE), 2 turbocharged diesel (TDI) variants. The new plug-in hybrid variants are claimed to offer increased power and an electric range of about 100 km, offering up 1,000 km driving range and are additionally equipped with a DC fast-charging capability.
The Golf GTI is claimed to be even sportier compared to its predecessor, and at the top of the range; there is the Golf GTI Clubsport and Golf R 4Motion models - all of which are set to follow in the second half of this year.
For the first time, selected 2024 Golf variants will receive an illuminated 'VW' logo
Aesthetically, the 2024 Golf features newly designed LED headlights, new 3D LED taillight clusters – offered as standard - and a new front bumper. Optional IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with an illuminated Volkswagen badge will also be offered on selected variants.
Alongside there are 4 new colour options available: Crystal Ice Blue Metallic, Anemone Blue Metallic, Oyster Silver Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic and new black painted roof option, as well as new wheels designs measuring up to 19 inches.
On the inside, the biggest highlight is an entirely new infotainment system with Chat GPT (AI) integration based on the fourth-generation Modular Infotainment System (MIB4).
The new floating tablet-style touchscreen comes in 2 sizes – 10.4 inches and 12.9 inches – crucially with new illuminated touch sliders for temperature and volume control at its base (a downside of the older system), in addition to faster processing speeds. The new User Interface (UI) also promises easier operation and allows users to fully customise the home screen with quick shortcuts for ease of control whilst on the move.
Left: pre facelift's haptic touch buttons, right: physical steering wheel buttons in the facelifted 2024 Golf
Additionally, physical steering wheel buttons have returned, replacing the pre-facelft's haptic fiddly touch controls.
For driver assistance, there is the optional Park Assist Pro which allows drivers to remotely park their Golf using a smartphone. Another new feature is the Area View system which offers a 360-degree panoramic view by merging input from four cameras around the car.
The 2024 Golf is slated to go on sale in Europe in Q2 of this year. At launch, the Golf and Golf Variant (referring to the wagon but perhaps with a new name) will be offered in four equipment lines – an entry-level, followed by the Life, Style and R-Lines.
Initial models will be turbocharged four-cylinder petrol (TSI) during the initial launch phase, followed by other derivatives, including the GTI and GTE which will have their own separate positioning and powertrain options. Further all-wheel-drive versions with TSI engines are also expected to debut next year.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
