Harper Lin
The Volkswagen Golf has undergone several facelifts since its introduction, with the most recent one being the 2024 Golf Mk8 facelift, which went on sale on April 11, 2024, coinciding with the car's 50th anniversary. The Mk8 Golf features updated styling, including reshaped headlights and new LED lights, as well as improved in-car technologies such as a new infotainment system, an updated touchscreen, and a new 'IDA' voice assistant. In terms of performance, the Mk8 Golf offers a range of engine options, including mild-hybrid and electrified options, with improved efficiency and connectivity. Previous facelifts include the Golf Mk7 in November 2016, which introduced a new 1.5-litre engine and styling tweaks, and the Mk3 Golf Cabrio in late 1999, which received an Mk4-style facelift. Additionally, the Golf Mk1 was facelifted and produced in South Africa as the Citi Golf from 1984 to 2009.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf Mk1 facelift | Produced in South Africa from 1984 to 2009 |
| Golf Mk3 Cabriolet facelift | Introduced in 1995 and received an Mk4-style facelift in late 1999 |
| Golf Mk4.5 facelift | Produced in Brazil until 2013 |
| Golf Mk7 facelift | Revealed in November 2016 |
| Golf Mk8 facelift | On sale as of April 2024 |
| Golf Mk8.5 | On sale as of April 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
The Golf Mk7 facelift was revealed in November 2016
In November 2016, Volkswagen presented a facelift of the Golf Mk7. This model is referred to as the "New Golf" by Volkswagen, while it is often informally referred to as the Golf 7.5. A new engine was introduced along with the facelift: a 1.5-litre TSI engine that produces 95.6 kW (128.2 hp; 130.0 PS) or 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS). The existing 1.4-litre TSI was also available alongside the new 1.5-litre engine. The updated Golf GTI's output was increased from 162 kW (217 hp; 220 PS) to 169 kW (227 hp; 230 PS) in the standard car and from 169 kW (227 hp; 230 PS) to 180.2 kW (241.7 hp; 245.0 PS) with the Performance Pack. The Golf R also had its output increased from 221 kW (296 hp; 300 PS) to 228 kW (306 hp; 310 PS).
The Golf Mk7 was marketed in three-door and five-door hatchback, van, and estate forms. It shares the MQB platform with the third-generation Audi A3, SEAT León, and Škoda Octavia. Compared to the previous generation, the Golf Mk7 has a more spacious cabin with greater shoulder room for front and rear passengers, more rear legroom, and a larger boot space. It is 20 mm (0.8 in) wider than the Mk6, with a 59 mm (2.3 in) longer wheelbase. Engine options at launch included 1.2 and 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines and 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines. The facelifted Golf Mk7 was released in North America for the 2018 model year. The previous 1.8L EA888 engine was replaced by the 147 hp 1.4L EA211 engine as the only available powerplant.
The Golf line is available in all relevant drive systems: the Golf TSI, including GTI, is petrol-powered; Golf TDI, including GTD, is diesel-powered; the Golf TGI is powered by compressed natural gas (CNG); the e-Golf is powered by electricity; and the Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid. The Golf Mk7 was replaced in December 2019 by the Golf Mk8, which is built on the MQB Evo platform. Production of the e-Golf and the Golf Variant ended in mid-2020. The latest Mk8 Golf came out in 2020, and the Mk8 gets some new headlights and a slimmer front end. Both cars are based on the same platform, so the dimensions are similar, while the rear end and profile are also very similar.
The new Golf has made a huge stride ahead of the old car. Where the Mk7 had numerous buttons, a central screen, and a traditional layout, the new model has a large digital instrument display ahead of the driver, a large central touchscreen, and very few buttons elsewhere. It’s all very modern and simplistic. Quality remains as good as ever, with plenty of soft-touch materials in the areas you touch daily, and even felt lining for the door pockets. Some versions of the new Golf even come with customisable mood lighting.
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Mk3 Golf Cabrio facelift in 1999
The Volkswagen Golf Mk3 is a medium-sized compact family car and the third generation of the Volkswagen Golf. It was launched in mainland Europe in August 1991, in the United Kingdom in February 1992, and in North America in the spring of 1994.
The Mk3 Golf Cabrio received a facelift in late 1999. This consisted of bumpers, a grille, and headlights similar to those of the Mark IV models. The 1999 Mk3 Golf Cabrio was sold alongside the Mk4 in showrooms.
The Mk3 Golf was available in \"Ecomatic\" form, powered by a diesel engine and a clutch-less manual transmission. The vehicle would freewheel by opening the clutch as soon as the accelerator was released, and the engine would switch off after a further 1.5 seconds of inactivity.
The Mk3 Golf was also produced as a three- or five-door hatchback, and for the first time, an estate version was produced, bringing it in line with competitors such as the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra.
The Mk3 Golf Cabrio continued until the 2002 model year when Volkswagen replaced it with a convertible version of the Volkswagen New Beetle.
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Mk4.5 facelift produced in Brazil until 2013
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974. It has been marketed worldwide across eight generations and under various nameplates.
The Mk4.5 Golf, also known as the Golf GTI Mk4.5, was a facelifted version of the Golf Mk4. It was produced in Brazil until 2013 and was also sold in other Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. In Argentina, it was available with a 1.6L or 2.0L petrol four-cylinder engine, a 1.8L turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, or a 1.9L turbodiesel engine. In Chile, it was sold until 2010 with a 1.6L to 2.0L petrol range. The Brazilian-built models with diesel engines were only for export markets.
The Mk4.5 Golf was introduced in Brazil in 2008 to extend the life of the Golf IV. It featured a redesigned front end modelled on the then-current Polo and a rear end inspired by the Golf V. The 2008 model received a significant refresh, including revised headlamps, taillamps, front and rear fascias, sound systems, and wheels. The Mk4.5 Golf was offered with a 2.0L, 8-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 115 hp.
The Golf Mk4.5 was not sold in the United States but was marketed in Canada alongside the Mk5 model (badged as the Rabbit or Golf City). In Canada, it was originally called the City Golf but was renamed the Golf City in 2009 alongside the Jetta City. The Canadian model was offered with the same 2.0L engine as the Brazilian version, and it was VW Canada's entry-level offering.
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Golf Mk8 facelift in 2024
The Volkswagen Golf Mk8, the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf, was launched in October 2019. The compact car features evolutionary design changes, such as a new two-dimensional Volkswagen logo, more angular styling, and new L-shaped taillights. The Mk8 also introduced several technological advancements, including standard LED headlights, an advanced head-up display, Alexa integration, and a fully digital driver's display.
In 2024, Volkswagen released a facelifted version of the Mk8, known as the Mk8.5. The update included a new infotainment system, MIB4, which features a giant floating touchscreen in two sizes: 10.4 or 12.9 inches. The new system offers an improved menu structure and a faster processor, addressing the previous laggy infotainment issues. The touch sliders for cabin temperature control are now illuminated for better visibility at night.
The Mk8.5 also introduced a new steering wheel with physical buttons, replacing the previous capacitive touch-sensitive controls. The exterior of the Mk8.5 features new light signatures at the front and rear, along with sharper front and rear-end designs thanks to new bumpers. The GTI variant has received particularly positive feedback for its updated design.
Under the hood, the Golf Mk8.5 offers a range of powertrain options, including the e-Hybrid and GTE PHEVs, providing an all-electric range of 62 miles and DC fast charging. The standard TSI and TDI engines are also available with turbocharged petrol and diesel options. The 2024 facelift introduces a larger 1.5-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a bigger 19.7 kWh battery.
The Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 continues the legacy of the Golf name, offering a well-refined driving experience, improved technology, and a range of powertrain options to suit various needs.
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Golf GTI facelift in 2017
In 2017, Volkswagen introduced a facelift for the Golf MK7, upgrading the GTI version, which was known as the original hot hatch. The GTI Mk 7.5 was more than just a regular Golf with a punchier engine. It was a car that could be driven on a race track over the weekend and then used as a normal daily driver vehicle during the week. It even came with an automatic gearbox for heavy traffic situations.
The GTI Mk 7.5 was distinguishable from its stablemates in all areas. Volkswagen worked hard to create a better-looking vehicle with the Golf GTI 7.5. The front fascia featured a redesigned grille adorned by a mesh grille, underlined by a red stripe. This extended inside the redesigned headlamps, which had winglet-like shapes that underlined the new LED lights. The apron sported a reversed trapezoidal-shaped grille and was flanked by new LED fog lamps mounted on side scoops. From its profile, the GTI looked mostly like any other Golf, but a keen eye could notice the lower ground clearance and the unique 18” light-alloy wheels. As an option, customers could get a set of 20” alloys.
The interior was a particular improvement, with new displays, improved touchscreen navigation, and another step up in perceived material quality. The cabin featured high-bolstered bucket seats upholstered with fabric that mimicked the look of the original Golf GTI from the ‘70s. The Golf GTI remained true to its core values as a vehicle built for teenagers.
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 7.5 was available in three-door and five-door hatchback configurations. The car was sufficiently enhanced and improved to feel like a new car, even if the significant tweaks were inside. The driving experience was still very good, especially with the Performance pack fitted. The GTI remained a great car, with a broad and appealing range of talents.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mk7 Golf was facelifted in November 2016. It was replaced in December 2019 by the Mk8 Golf.
The Mk3 Golf Cabrio was facelifted in late 1999 and was continued until 2002.
The Mk4.5 Golf was facelifted in July 2006 in China, and in Brazil until 2013.
