Volkswagen has released details of its 8th generation Golf hatch due in May – the popular five-door German small hatch gets a suite of changes compared to the current Mk 7.5 model – the Mk 8 bringing a big lift in tech features, evolutionary styling, and a full suite of what VW call IQ Drive active safety technologies. However, the changes bring hefty price increases of between $3,560 and $4,160 – the most affordable new generation Golf in six speed manual rises to $29,350 or $31,950 in automatic. Standard equipment however gets a big lift – including a 10,25 inch digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment touch screen, LED headlights, an electric park brake and a more advanced independent rear suspension.   One welcome change – the current models seven-speed dual clutch automatic replaced by a new 8-speed torque convertor automatic. The new active safety technologies go a long way to offsetting the new Golf’s increased sticker price.

I’m David Berthon

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