Volkswagen’s countdown clock for the unveiling of the all-new, eighth generation Golf just went to zero, as a full-blown gallery has been unleashed on the internet.



The pictures were posted by Motor Elpais, and they show the car in its entirety. The end result is pretty handsome and this shouldn’t be too surprising as spy photographers have caught undisguised prototypes in the past.

The front end is instantly recognizable, but designers have made a handful of changes. The headlights are all-new and feature a slimmer design as well as stylish daytime running lights. In between, is a revised grille that appears smaller than before and features a prominent Volkswagen logo.

Further below, we can see a wide central air intake with body-color and chrome accents. The model has also been equipped with a new hood which is more shapely than its predecessor.

The evolutionary design continues aft of the A-pillar as the 2020 Golf adopts sleeker bodywork and a more pronounced shoulder line. The model also has a dynamic character line which now cuts through the door handles. The greenhouse also appears sportier than before and the prominent C-pillar carries over.

Out back, the Golf 8 has a new liftgate that features revised lighting units and a more rakish rear window. Elsewhere, we can see an evolutionary bumper and a faux dual exhaust system.

The Golf GTE features a slightly different design as the plug-in hybrid has a sportier front fascia with a honeycomb mesh insert. There’s also a charging port on the front fender as well as aerodynamic side skirts.

A number of the styling cues are shared with the Golf R Line which also has black trim around the front air intake. However, it eschews the honeycomb mesh insert for black triangular accents. The model also has a sportier rear end and what appears to be a proper exhaust system.

While the exterior styling is pretty evolutionary, bigger changes occur inside the cabin. Drivers side behind a new steering wheel and find themselves looking at a digital instrument cluster and a more modern, free-standing infotainment system.

The dashboard is also new and it features a stepped design with an illuminated accent on the passenger side. We can also see slender air vents, metallic accents and new switchgear.

Full details will be released tomorrow, but the car reportedly measures 168.5 inches (428 cm) long and 57.5 inches (146 cm) tall. The wheelbase is also said to span 111.8 inches (284 cm). The latter figure would be a significant increase as the Golf 7 has a wheelbase of 103.8 inches (264 cm).

An assortment of different engines will be available and choices are slated to include a 1.0-liter three-cylinder as well as 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinders. We can also expect a 1.5-liter CNG unit as well as an assortment of 2.0-liter diesels.

On the eco-friendly side of the equation, the e-Golf has reportedly been dropped to make room for the ID.3. Despite this, there will be another GTE plug-in hybrid which uses a petrol engine and an electric motor.

Later on the company will introduce an assortment of other models. A GTI variant is due next year with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 232 hp (173 kW / 235 PS). It will reportedly be followed by a Golf GTI Cup with 286 hp (213 kW / 290 PS) and a Golf R with 325 hp (245 kW / 330 PS).

Thanks to Chris for the tip!