Our car paparazzi have seen the updated Golf undergo testing on the open road, and Volkswagen has now confirmed that a facelift is coming. CEO Thomas Schäfer told the Spanish magazine AutoBild that a mid-cycle update to the compact hatchback will be introduced at some point in 2024. In the longer term, the German brand intends to retain the “Golf” name for the ninth generation. However, top brass believe it should be an EV.
“We’re working on the portfolio to see what the successor to the current Volkswagen Golf will be. And from my point of view, it’s not going to be a combustion engine. It’s definitely an electric vehicle.”
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In a previous review interview with Die Welt, Thomas Schäfer suggested the Mk9 could go by the name “ID. Golf” and slot between the ID.3 and ID.2 due by 2025. VW officials clarified the zero-emissions Golf would have nothing in common with the ID.2. Previewed by ID. The concept’s lively, smaller electric car will use the Group’s upcoming MEB Lite platform developed for front-wheel drive cars.
The ninth generation Golf is a long way off considering the facelifted Mk8 will be on sale for at least three years. Realistically, the next-generation car is very unlikely to arrive before 2028. Meanwhile, the Mk7’s nip and tuck will feature a larger infotainment system. It could be that the same 12-inch touchscreen debuts with the ID.3 facelift soon.
A “quality offensive” is planned for future VWs, such as a return to conventional buttons on the steering wheel after the company was criticized for its cumbersome touch-sensitive controls. A new design language is also being worked on in an effort to recover ground Toyota has lost in the global sales race.
In 2022, the Japanese brand is number 1 with almost 10.5 million vehicles whereas the entire VW Group has sold only 8.3 million cars. Core brands saw their shipments decline by 6.8 percent to 4.56 million vehicles.
