The next-generation VW hatch will feature evolutionary styling, online connectivity and over-the-air software updates.

Volkswagen has announced the eight-generation Golf will be "celebrating its world premiere in autumn 2019".

It's unclear if the automaker's linchpin will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show, which kicks off in the middle of September.

With the all-electric ID.3 due to make its production debut at the show and usher the company into the electric age, it's possible Volkswagen will launch the Golf at a standalone event away closer to winter in order to give the electric hatch a bit of breathing space.

To coincide with this latest announcement the company released an image of a camouflaged Golf prototype as Volkswagen doesn't want to reveal the "finer details of the new design" even though our spy photography agency spotted a virtually undisguised car in June.

Klaus Bischoff, head of Volkswagen's design department, says the new Golf has "elegant proportions” and promises it will be a "genuine eye-catcher".