The new Volkswagen Golf 8 will be launched in Australia with a regular automatic transmission that will counter the brand’s divisive “DSG” dual clutch auto.
Coming in the second quarter of 2021, the engine will be powered by a 1.4-liter, 110-kilowatt turbo petrol engine fitted with an eight-speed automatic.
Die-Heart manual fans can choose a model – the entry-level golf price, 3 29,350 and road costs in three-pedal form, or, 9 31,950 and an auto on the roads.
This makes it significantly more expensive than the starting Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla
Automact 26,590 and, 3 24,370 and on-roads in automatic form.
Intermediate Golf Life adds standard equipment, to 34,250 and road costs, while the Golf R-Line, which tops the range, brings larger alloy wheels, a sporty look and additional technology, to the 4 37,450 and on-road.
Full specifications for the model will be confirmed close to its release.
We know that this model will have robust standard safety features including autonomous emergency braking, reverse auto braking, adaptive travel control, traffic congestion assistance, rear cross traffic warning and more with pedestrian and cycling detection.
A new interior replaces many physics buttons with capacitive-touch surfaces.
VW has rejected the local introduction of “on demand” subscription services since the introduction of the model. Overseas models are ready to release payment links for premium digital services, tested by rival brands such as BMW and Tesla.
The lack of sub-fuel standards in Australia and government-mandated emission targets prompted Volkswagen to choose not to supply its latest engines here. Instead, our Golf has the same engine as before, even though it is fitted with a regular auto.
The news will be welcomed by some customers as the brand’s DSG Dual Clutch has a mixed history here. While it offers excellent performance and economy, DSG is occasionally criticized for reluctance or bad behavior around the city. Early examples were the source of widespread recollection at home and abroad.
Michael Parts, managing director of Volkswagen Group Australia, said the DSG harassment was “old history” and that the transition to regular auto would not affect sales.
“I don’t think this is an issue anymore,” he said.
“We had issues with it, some will remember that we may have experienced it, but I think there is a big gap now, and it is very clear that exchanges have definitely moved on since then.
“We’re at a very different point in Volkswagen … we’re advanced enough to stop a lot of those worries.”
DSG transmissions will be in the Golf GTI and Golf R performance cars.
Dual clutch autos are not in favor of some brands. BMW has largely dropped them from its range in favor of eight-speed automatics, offering a golf-like transmission in smaller cars such as the 1-Series. Heavy-duty auto replaces the dual-clutch transmissions in the new BMW M3 and M4, a decision Audi has already made with its RS4 and RS5 performance cars.
VW expects the Golf to overtake its Tiguan SUV as Australia’s favorite new VW by 2021.
Coming up with Golf in the second quarter of next year, the Tiguan Wireless Apple Carplay also brings technology such as Android Auto, Matrix LED headlights and the option of the Harmon Garden Stereo.
The entry-level Tiguan models have the same engine as the Golf, while the premium variants come with 2.0-liter petrol or diesel engines with all-wheel drive and DSG transmissions.
