With each new iteration of a car model, evolution is at work and improvements are delivered. This is the case with the latest Mk8 VW Golf. A new mild-hybrid powertrain is on offer, along with petrol and diesel engines completing the 9-trim range.

The technology and safety have been updated. Inside the cabin, there’s still enough room for four adults and the driver’s controls have been simplified, making them feel sleek and smart. Excellent driver-assist tech, such as front and rear parking sensors, is available with each trim too.

Even so, although the Mk8 was released in 2020 as the latest and greatest VW Golf update, its evolution from normal wasn’t nearly as startling as many of the other changes that year brought.

Tech specs for the VW Golf Mk8

As mentioned, the VW Golf comes with a comprehensive range of trim levels. ‘Life’ is the entry-level trim. Volkswagen has entry-level Golf stock available today if you’re in the market for a new car.

It’s a helpful mention in these times of rising car costs and slow supply lines. The alternative, of course, is to track down a well-looked-after used Golf that has the best spec for your needs.

If you want something with a few more bells and whistles, than the ‘Life’ has to offer, there’s plenty more to choose from. Trim levels are extended with the Style, R-Line, GTE (a plug-in hybrid), GTI high-performance model, GTD, R or GTI Clubsport to tempt you.

There are four different petrol engines to choose from, ranging from a smaller 1.0L through to the larger TSI I4 2.0L. There’s an equally extensive choice of hybrid engines. These ranging from the mild hybrid 1.0L turbo l3 to the Evo turbo I4 1.5L.

Just one diesel engine is on offer with the VW Golf Mk8 range, it’s a 2.0l TSI. This is naturally available in the muscular GTD. It can also be specified for other vehicles in the Golf range, that is, if you’re willing to trust Volkswagen with their diesel engines again.

The Mk8 Golf has the same platform as the Mk7 Golf, so she’s roughly the same measurements as her sister. The powertrain is more refined, however, and tweaked for improvements.

Mk8 Performance

With such a lot of choice on offer, it can be difficult to settle on the best engine for performance. Ultimately, it’ll depend on what you’ll be using your VW Golf for – everyday running around or regular long-distance commuting?

If the former, the more affordable 1.5L TSI 130 petrol is a good bet. Urban drivers will find the 1.0L TSI petrol can easily manage city traffic. It’ll be easier on your pocket too. However, if fuel costs are a worry, it’s worth checking out the mild-hybrid options.

All but the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) uses the electric engine to increase the power of the petrol engines, making them far more economical. The PHEV can also run for around 44 miles on a full charge, which may well cover your daily commute.

If you’re spending more time on motorways, you’d be better off with the more powerful 1.5L TSI 150. It has more get up and go and can accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in just 8.5 seconds. That acceleration is handy if you need to overtake slower vehicles to make it to your desk on time.

As always, Volkswagen have a few hot hatches on offer too. If these are more up your street, the GTD and the fastest VW Golf, the GTI will set you back a pretty penny. That said, they are fun and handle well. Put your foot down at the lights and you’ll go from 0-62mph in under 6 seconds.

Interior & exterior styling

The VW Golf Mk8 doesn’t look too far different from her older sister, the Mk7. The styling at the front is where the most noticeable differences are. Ultra-slim headlights sit below the bonnet line, giving her a somewhat disapproving glare.

The entry-level trim, Life, comes with rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights and 16” alloys. Level-up to the Style and you’ll get 17” alloys, sports seats up front and three-zone climate control along with sportier looks.

Inside, the VW Golf is finished with plenty of soft-touch plastics that make it feel well appointed. There is more than enough room for all passengers, including those in the back. In fact, back passengers get a little more leg room in the Mk8 than earlier models.

VW Golf accessories

The tech that comes with the Mk8 includes a 10” touch screen that controls all of your infotainment.

The decision to include climate and audio volume controls as a touch-sensitive slider on the screen is somewhat controversial. In theory, it should make the controls more streamlined and simple to use. In practice, it’s located in a spot that you’d typically rest your hand when using other menu items. This makes it likely you’ll end up blasting the sound or the air con, or both, inadvertently when trying to complete other actions.

Fortunately, the Life and Style trim levels have physical buttons on the steering wheel that let you interact with the infotainment system without engaging with the touch screen. Sat nav graphics are sharp and the tech packages come with plenty of helpful features like wireless phone charging.

As you’d expect from a VW Golf, there are plenty of adjustments to find your ultimate driving position and the driver assist packages are on-trend. Powerful LEDs come as standard, front and rear parking sensors are included as standard from the entry-level trim spec and up. Overall it feels pretty comfortable inside.

Practicality

The VW Golf does practicality well and the latest Mk8 has certainly kept up this tradition. However, some of the arrangements in the cabin aren’t quite as user-friendly as we’d like. What’s more, adding features to the trim levels makes the latest Golf get pretty pricey, pretty quickly.

As for boot room, it’s pretty much the same as the previous Mk7. You’ll get roughly 380 litres of room with seats up and a reasonable 1,237 litres with them folded flat. It’s more than enough for a standard buggy or the family’s weekly grocery shop.

There are plenty of other great hatches available in today’s market and the Golf isn’t quite as far ahead as you’d expect to justify the hefty price tag. Options like the Ford Focus or even the Mazda 3 could end up being far better value, depending on your likes and needs.

OWO Verdict

The latest member of the VW Golf family is a nice car, but it doesn’t wow us. Some of the styling and tech choices have us scratching our heads and wondering who they were designed for. That said, the extensive range means if you’re a Volkswagen fan, you’re likely to find a new Mk8 that gets your motor running.