[Taboleo] The 'Hatchback Throne' Returns After 6 Years: Volkswagen 8th Generation Golf

Headlight-Lighting Grill Sophistication
'IQ.Light' with 44 LEDs Draws Attention
Streamlined Digital Cockpit
Available from 33 Million KRW with Promotion Benefits

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] 47,283 units. This is the cumulative sales volume of the Volkswagen Golf, a C-segment hatchback model, since Volkswagen started its business in Korea, a country often called the ‘graveyard of hatchbacks.’ As such, the Golf can be considered the best-selling model that has actively spread the prestige of Volkswagen, the world’s number one automaker, in the domestic market. The Volkswagen Golf has now evolved into its 8th generation model and has been launched in the Korean market. It has been about six years since the 7th generation model. Many consumers were likely waiting for the new Golf model, which had gained popularity by even surpassing competing domestic cars like the i30. I drove approximately 70 km from BEXCO in Haeundae-gu, Busan, to a cafe in Miryang, Gyeongnam, in the Volkswagen 8th generation Golf 2.0 TDI model.

- How was the exterior design?

▲ The first impression of the Golf was a combination of comfort from familiarity and a sophisticated feel. The heritage of the Golf, built over more than 30 years through several complete redesigns, is reflected throughout the car. Meanwhile, the front headlights and the connecting lighting grille follow Volkswagen’s new design language, adding a clean impression. The interactive lighting system applied here, called ‘IQ.Light-LED Matrix Headlights,’ consists of a total of 44 LEDs that provide optimized lighting for driving conditions, enabling safe driving. The dimensions are 4,285 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, 1,455 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,636 mm, similar to the previous generation, but it also gives a sleeker impression.

- How would you evaluate the interior design?

▲ The interior was impressive for highlighting digital sensibility within a well-consolidated ‘fundamental’ design. The calm black seats create a neat feeling as an entry-level model, while the digital cockpit at the front reveals a clean and uncluttered look. This is thanks to the ‘Innovision Cockpit,’ which consists of a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, a 10-inch MIB3 Discover Pro infotainment system, a touch-type lighting control panel, and a windshield Head-Up Display (HUD). Most functions are digitized, achieving a button-free clean design. The gear shift is also electronic.

- How was the driving experience?

▲ The Volkswagen 8th generation Golf is equipped with the EA288 EVO 2.0 TDI engine, delivering a maximum output of 150 horsepower and a peak torque of 36.7 kg·m. It takes 8.4 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 223 km/h. Although these specs are not very high, the acceleration felt quite satisfying. I anxiously accelerated to keep up with the test drive group, but thanks to the fast yet smooth acceleration, I was able to catch up easily. The company explained that this is due to the 7-speed DSG transmission.

The ride comfort was also not bad. Given the model’s characteristics, I was worried about road shocks on bumpy mountain roads, but those concerns were unfounded. Noise insulation was satisfactory as well. Despite being an entry-level model, the wind noise heard in tunnels was not burdensome, and perhaps because of the latest engine, the typical vibration and noise of a diesel vehicle were not strongly felt.

- What about safety and convenience features?

▲ One of the features of the 8th generation Golf is the standard application of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as IQ.Drive. The Travel Assist function actively supports steering, acceleration, and deceleration within a driving speed range from start up to 210 km/h, creating a safe driving environment. This integrates adaptive cruise control, lane assist, side assist, and operates using front cameras, front and rear radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. When I activated the function using the button on the steering wheel, it proved its worth in the section between congested urban roads and highways. Additionally, safety and convenience systems such as front collision warning with Front Assist and emergency braking system, proactive occupant protection system, pedestrian protection system, Park Pilot, and rearview camera are standard across all trims.

- How about the economy?

▲ True to Volkswagen’s motto of ‘popularizing imported cars,’ the price is reasonable. The 8th generation Golf is priced at 36,254,000 KRW for the Premium trim and 37,825,000 KRW for the Prestige trim. With January promotional benefits applied, the Premium trim can be purchased starting from the low 33 million KRW range. Furthermore, the 5-year/150,000 km free warranty extension program and the ‘Accident Repair Total Care Service,’ which provides up to five free deductibles for insurance repairs at official service centers, increase the economic value.

The high fuel efficiency also adds to the economy. The combined fuel efficiency in Korea is 17.8 km/L (15.7 km/L in the city, 21.3 km/L on the highway). During driving, fuel efficiency sometimes exceeded 20 km/L depending on conditions. Depending on driving habits, fuel efficiency comparable to hybrid vehicles seems possible. Busan·Miryang = Reporter Yu Je-hoon kalamal@

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.