Opening up a new chapter in the history of its most popular hatchback worldwide, Volkswagen has lifted the covers off the eighth-gen version of Golf. Retaining the practicality and solid engineering of the previous generation model, the all-new compact hatchback looks much fancier and is a way more sophisticated car.
With the latest lifecycle makeover, the VW Golf's variant lineup has been changed completely. The Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trims have been renamed to Golf, Life and Style respectively. Instead of different R-Line packages, there's an R-Line trim now.
The eighth-gen range includes a GTE performance plug-in hybrid model as well. Here's what's standard in the all-new VW Golf and what's not:
Golf
The Golf variant is not sparsely equipped by any means. It feels adequately packed with a kit which is usually found in highest variants of its rivals.
On the outside, the Golf comes with full LED headlamps with daytime running LEDs at the front and LED tail lamps at the rear. Step inside the cabin and you'll be pleased to find the interiors of this car to be pleasant, thanks to the presence of a multi-functional steering wheel, a 10.5-inch full TFT instrument console, keyless ignition, electrically adjustable and foldable rearview mirrors, 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and automatic climate control.
Other standard features include lane assist lane-keeping system, WeConnect and WeConnect Plus smartphone-based online services, turn-off assist, front assist with area monitoring system, predictive pedestrian protection system and Car2X, which enables the car to connect with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure.
All these features mentioned above were available in some of its rivals as well as other premium cars. However, Volkswagen gets an edge here by giving all of these features in the base variant itself.
Life
This mid-spec variant of the 2020 VW Golf adds in few more feel-good features to justify its positioning above the basic Golf variant.
The inclusion of 16-inch alloy wheels makes a world of difference to notify that this is a more premium variant, which is further accentuated by the presence of exterior background lighting, which also features logo projection on the ground.
The interior too features a string of more premium features over the basic Golf variant, which includes wireless smartphone charging, wireless smartphone connectivity with the infotainment system via AppConnect, ambient mood lighting in ten different customisable colours and an armrest between front seats.
The lengthy list of standard safety features too sees the inclusion of features like ParkPilot parking aid and a motorway and city lights function which can be activated automatically.
Style
Topping off the usual variant lineup is this new Style variant, which comes with a full-spec feel one expects from a range-topping variant.
On this variant, the alloy wheels witness a size and design change with new 17-inch units. Also, to impart a more premium feel, the tailpipes and window waistline come with chrome garnishes. Also, while the LED headlamps do get cornering function, the LED tail lamps do get the inclusion of dynamic LED turn indicators.
Other additional key features include electrically adjustable sports seats at the front, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, outside rearview mirrors with memory function, ambient lighting with 32 different customisable colours and three-zone automatic climate control.
R-Line
The R-Line variant showcases the sportiest side of the all-new Volkswagen Golf. It possesses all the premium features and kit level of the top-spec Style variant, but in addition, it comes with few sporty elements to make it stand apart from the crowd. The visually different design elements in the R-Line variant include new 17-inch Sebring alloy wheels, different R-Line specific front and rear bumpers, high gloss black sill trims and rear diffuser.
The interior too mirrors these sporty changes and features premium sports seats with microfibre R-Line seat covers with integrated head restraints, sports running gear, progressive steering, drive mode selector, black headliner, aluminium gear knob, contrast stitching work on seats, dashboard and door panels and brushed stainless steel pedals.
GTE
The 2020 VW Golf plug-in hybrid will be available with a 204 PS powertrain and even a 245 PS powertrain. The latter is employed in the GTE performance model.
With the intent of being a performance-oriented car, the GTE also features some visually striking design elements, which include additional background lights at the front, revised and sportier front and rear bumpers, different 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, GTE roof spoiler and wider side sill panels.
Sports seats with integrated head restraints, starter button for eHybrid drive, GTE specific fabric inserts on steering wheel, gear lever and pedals and ambient mood lighting with 30 different colours are among the interior highlights.
For the first time in a VW Golf, it will be possible to retrofit features now. Customers will be able to add features like adaptive cruise control, Light Assist high beam control, navigation, wireless AppConnect and Wi-Fi hotspot after the purchase, irrespective of the configuration.
