Volkswagen claim the 8 to be its most connected car yet, not just the most advanced Golf, with its cutting-edge Car2X technology allowing communication with other similarly-equipped vehicles and connected ‘street furniture’, thus pre-empting hazards such as stationary traffic and approaching emergency vehicles. Other safety measures include Adaptive Cruise Control, a Driver Alert System, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Lane Assist and Front Assist, plus pedestrian protection measures.
The Golf Life is expected to be the more popular trim, and features Volkswagen’s Innovision Cockpit, a 10.25-inch Active Info Display, plus a 10-inch touch-screen infotainment system, which includes USB and Bluetooth connectivity with Wireless App-Connect and a three-year subscription to We Connect Plus. The latter offers media streaming, parking information and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. Also included is a wireless charging function and an informal voice control.
In terms of equipment, the lower spec includes 16-inch ‘Norfolk’ alloy wheels and automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors and keyless start, among others. As standard, the Style specification adds 17-inch ‘Belmont’ alloy wheels, LED ‘Plus’ headlights, “3Zone” climate control, sports comfort seats and ‘Luxury Brown Wood’ decorative inserts.
Volkswagen’s IQ.Light LED-matrix headlight system is an £875 option, adding specific lighting modes for the city, motorway and poor weather. A £625 head-up display is also available.
Across all models, Volkswagen’s XDS electronic differential lock is now standard, while Dynamic Chassis Control is a £950 option, bringing adaptive dampers to tailor the car’s handling to ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Individual’ modes.