VW Sketches New Golf

Volkswagen AG has released sketches of the redesigned Golf small car ahead of the eighth-generation model’s public unveiling in Germany on Oct. 24.

Maintaining the current Golf’s base design, the latest version of the popular hatchback gets rounder edges, a revised grille, new headlights and a thin light strip running across the front of the car. Wide C-pillars highlight the rear.

The 2020 Golf also is the first vehicle adorned with VW’s updated logo, which was revealed at last month’s Frankfurt auto show. The minimalist design is plainer and flatter than the outgoing 3D logo that was adopted in 2000.

The interior gets a more substantial makeover with a flat dashboard, streamlined air vents and centrally mounted touchscreen.

VW boasts that the new Golf will set benchmarks in terms of digitalization and connectivity.

Tech goodies are expected to include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, lane-keeping assist and vehicle-to-everything telematics capability. More efficient diesel, gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains also are said to be on tap.