DRIVEN + VIDEO: Is The Eighth-generation VW Golf Able To Take Back Its Hatchback Crown?

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the world's most important vehicles. Although it's a no brainer that small cars have taken a bit of a hit over the past 24 months, they're still critical in urban environments as well as for drivers looking for an economical choice.

I know. I own one for daily driving duties in and out of Manhattan.

Now in its eighth generation, the all-new VW Golf is rife with technology. Frankly, it makes my 2012 MK6 Golf look like a Lotus Elise. That's because my car is simple and straightforward.

The MK8, however, looks more akin to a Mercedes-Benz A-Class/CLA-Class with the use of two massive screens — one for the instrument panel and another for infotainment.

At the end of the day, we only care about one thing though: Is it any good?

Watch Rory Reid break it down for you, below.



Here's our review of the new 2020 VW Golf, the 8th generation model. Here we'll talk you through the interior, exterior, boot space, as well as the amazing new technology (including car2x and new touchscreens) and let you know whether it's worth buying.

Truthy - 1/18/2020 7:27:44 PM

+2 Boost

Did it lose it?

Agent00R - 1/19/2020 3:47:33 PM

+1 Boost

In the U.S.?

Absolutely.

See Matt's post below. He does a great job summarizing what I would have said...

skytop - 1/18/2020 8:01:06 PM

-1 Boost

The new generation Golf has major improvements. The new digital dash is impressive. The high quality interior exceeds its price point.

TomM - 1/18/2020 8:04:13 PM

+3 Boost

I am at a loss to see the significance in being the value leader of HATCHBACKS, a body style that barely sells in the USA. ANd I still have great trepidation of actually purchasing one - when their reliability reduces them to a Lease acquisition - to be replaced when the warranty expires as well.

But they are FUN!!!!!!

MDarringer - 1/19/2020 8:12:51 AM

0 Boost

The Golf's day in the sun in the USA was VERY brief. When VW did the Rabbit, the Golf was dramatically different than the garbage small cars (Pinto, Vega, B210) and it revolutionized the segment by pointing to front-wheel drive.

From the Golf II on it's been a dreary mess of nothing. The Civic and Corolla are where it's at and the Golf is where it's not.

VW has NOT targeted the market at all. They see the Corolla and Civic leading the way and respond with the horrible Golf and the substandard Jetta, neither of which are a competent response.

And once again, VW will promise an attractive base price, but you would not want a base model--but even if you did--you would not find it on the lot. You'll find Golfs that are $5-7K more expensive.

Truthy - 1/19/2020 2:19:23 PM

+3 Boost

They still sell 3/4 million annually so they must be doing something right. It is just not for the US market. Unfortunately, the Jetta uses cheap interior, no IRS and generally inferior value.

Agent00R - 1/19/2020 3:48:33 PM

+1 Boost

Bang on.

MDarringer - 1/19/2020 9:16:25 PM

0 Boost

The deluded Europeans shop with their racism and avoid cars made by Asians because cars from Der Farterland (sic) they will say are superior. A Civic isn't pretty, but it is more interesting to look at than a dowdy Golf. The Civic has better build quality, and easily bests the German box for handling and performance. But the racist Europeans will...

Truthy - 1/20/2020 11:46:02 AM

0 Boost

I agree. The Civic is better in nearly every category, throw in dependability and it is a no-brainer. The Corolla seems a generation behind the Civic.

LexSucks - 1/19/2020 9:19:49 PM

0 Boost

Box on wheels.

Dutchman - 1/20/2020 11:50:11 AM

+2 Boost

There are some accurate points made by all the haters but I drove very expensive Autobahn trim GTI with a manual transmission and absolutely loved it. No need to point out to me how expensive it is. But it did have great sport leather seats with red stitching, a great power band, top of the line electronics, a better infotainment system than everything else VWAG sells (over 8 inch touch screen), Fender audio, great heated seats, self parking, adaptive cruise, collision avoidance, great mpg, low cost of insurance. The car felt solid. The doors had weight to them. When you closed the doors of a shit box Jap car they sound like a tin can. Ill take the German car. By the way Matt hates everything VW makes so I never expect a unbiased review when it comes from him! Surprisingly he loves everything Ford makes.

Ccoxx - 1/20/2020 7:50:16 PM

+1 Boost

Congrats to VW on the 8th generation Golf. Looking forward to the GTI & R versions!