Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 – 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
The standard Volkswagen Golf range now begins with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol in a 114bhp state of tune, paired with a manual transmission as standard in both Life and Match trim. If you’re looking for more poke from a pure-combustion powertrain, you can opt for the same 1.5-litre in a higher 148bhp tune, available with a manual in Match, Style and R-Line trims. While a 2-litre petrol is no longer an option in the ordinary Golf range, the 2-litre TDI diesel is still available in 113bhp manual and 148bhp automatic forms in Match and R-Line trims respectively.
To boost fuel economy, Volkswagen is also offering a wide range of mild-hybrid eTSI options, beginning with the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol in Match trim paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic. Unusually, a move up the range to Style trim will see a less potent 113bhp eTSI become available, alongside the aforementioned 148bhp model and a new 201bhp plug-in hybrid capable of up to 88 miles (WLTP combined) of pure-electric range. Move up to R-Line and this option is taken away, with only the 148bhp pure-combustion petrol, diesel and eTSI options available.
The new plug-in hybrid GTE tops the standard range with both the highest price (by a considerable margin) and output. At its core is the same 1.5-litre petrol you’ll find in the entry-level car, but 48V electric assistance boosts output to 268bhp for the quickest acceleration of the lot – it’s also said to achieve 81 miles (WLTP combined) of pure electric running on a charge, making it a very appealing offering for city drivers.
At the top of the range, you’ll find the GTI, GTI Clubsport and R, all pairing the 2-litre turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder with a dual-clutch transmission. The GTI and GTI Clubsport send 261bhp and 296bhp to the front wheels, with the all-wheel drive R topping the range with a 328bhp output, matching the previous R 20 Years.
