Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 2024 review – a return to form for the hatchback benchmark?
Lacklustre interior ergonomics gave the Mk8 Golf a lukewarm reception, but Volkswagen has focused its efforts on rectifying its downfalls with a mid-life facelift
The Golf’s long-standing position as the go-to hatch took a hit with the launch of the Mk8, with an increase in price and the adoption of frustrating interior controls making it less appealing than its predecessors. Now, almost half a decade since its launch and 50 years since the Golf made its debut, Volkswagen has made efforts to improve matters with the mid-life Mk8.5 update, bringing new powertrains, a refreshed design and updated interior controls to the table.
As before, hot GTI and R variants are on the menu, but the ordinary hatchback and estate range now has plenty of draw thanks to the addition of a new plug-in hybrid, sitting alongside mild-hybrid eTSI options and a pure-combustion petrol and diesel. There’s still no all-electric Golf variant with the ID.3 having filled that spot for now, but a Golf EV certainly isn’t out of the question for the future.
> Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 2024 review – back to its best?
Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5: in detail
- Engine, gearbox and technical highlights > Everything from a pure-combustion, three-pedal model to a plug-in hybrid and the 326bhp Golf R mean there’s a configuration for just about any use case
- Performance and 0-60 time > Opt for all but the entry-level powertrain and you’ll be satisfied with performance, with new mild-hybrid eTSI powertrains a good middle ground for daily driving duties
- Ride and handling > While a little on the soft side in its standard forms, the Golf performs well on UK roads, with reasonable dynamics and NVH
- MPG and running costs > Mild and plug-in hybrid options make the Volkswagen Golf an economical car, but GTI and R range-toppers can be thirsty
- Interior and tech > Improved materials, HMI and tech make the Mk8.5 Golf’s cabin a more pleasant place to be, but there’s still room for improvement
- Design > The Golf remains a modern, sleek hatchback in Mk8.5 form, but it does still lack the premium edge of its Mk7 predecessor
Price, specs and rivals
The Volkswagen Golf now starts from £27,420 for the entry-level Life trim, rising through the standard range to £30,710 for the R-Line. Opt for the more potent plug-in hybrid GTE and price jumps to £40,300, marginally more than the £39,400 GTI. At the very top of the range is the GTI Clubsport and R at £42,155 and £43,895 respectively, with the R Black Edition adding more standard kit (and black trim) for £45,145.
Stack these numbers up against its rivals and the Golf fares well. The Mazda 3 and Vauxhall Astra (£24,010 and £24,795) are the only rivals that start at a lower price. The Ford Focus begins at a marginally higher £28,500, with the Toyota Corolla at £30,505 and hybrid-only Honda Civic (non-Type R) costing from £35,005. Move up to some of the more premium brands and you’ll pay more still, from £31,065 for the BMW 1-series and £32,105 for the Mercedes-Benz A-class – interestingly, the Golf’s premium relative, the Audi A3 costs less than both at £29,515.
