Eight-generation Volkswagen Golf breaks cover

- New Golf gets five hybrid versions

- Comes with many digital and connected features

After a long wait, endless test mule spotting and many teasers later, the new-gen Volkswagen Golf is here. The eighth-gen Golf was revealed in Wolfsburg, Germany where the Golf was born and has been built for the last 45 years. The German carmaker’s popular supermini is now bigger, more advanced in terms of connectivity and there are now five hybrid variants to choose from.

Available only with the five-door option this time, the Mk8 Golf has no less than 11 powertrain options. The styling is evolutionary, but underneath there’s the updated MQB platform. The dimensions are increased but the wheelbase remains almost identical. Appearance-wise, there’s a sleeker pair of headlamps which get integrated LED DRLs and projectors. The bumper design varies with the trim levels as well as the wheels. Meanwhile, the silhouette is instantly recognisable and remains akin to the older model. At the back, the taillights resemble the one seen on Volkswagen SUVs like the Tiguan and the T-Roc.

The biggest update on the inside includes an all-digital cockpit. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.25-inch infotainment system display (upgradable to 10.25-inch). And both these screens are integrated and tilted towards the driver. Another interesting feature is the Porsche 992 911 style gear stick and an electronic handbrake in the centre console. Also part of the new-age feature list are the new connected car technologies. Then there’s the ‘Travel Assist’ driver assistance system which can handle the steering, brake, and acceleration on highways at speeds up to 210kmph.

The Golf’s engine line-up now includes three new 48V mild hybrids and a GTE-badged plug-in hybrid apart from the conventional powered petrol and diesel engines. The entry-level model is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI in two tunes – 89bhp and 109bhp. The 1.5-litre TFSI has two guises as well – 129bhp and 148bhp. Meanwhile, the diesel is a 2.0-litre TDI churning 114bhp and available with both manual and automatic options.

On the other hand, the eTSI-badged mild-hybrid engines have a 48V mild-hybrid system and DCT with three outputs – 109bhp, 129bhp and 148bhp outputs. This system has reduced fuel consumption by around 10 per cent, claims VW. The most powerful GTE has a 241bhp plug-in hybrid with a 1.4-litre TSI engine and an electric motor fed by 13kWh battery pack. Apart from these, VW is also offering a PHEV and a TGI gas-powered variant on the new Golf. The more potent GTI model will follow at a later date.

The new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf will hit the market in December. Pricing and availability will be announced closer to the market debut. As with the previous generation model, the new Golf isn’t expected to arrive in India either.