Volkswagen has revealed two variant options of the Golf 8. These two are the Variant and Alltrack (we foresee a lot of confusion when discussing the Variant variant). VW plans to roll out the models starting in Europe and then moving to other countries. Unfortunately, South Africa does not seem to be on that list. With the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers, wagons have been taken to the sidelines.
What’s new with the two Gold 8 variant options.
The revealed images show the R line derivatives of the variant models. From what we know, both Golf 8 variants are longer and have an increased wheelbase while surprisingly having less width from the Golf 7. For the most part, the front end resembles the standard Golf 8, so we can expect non-R Line models to follow that same trend.
We do like the bodywork we see on the Golf 8 Variant, especially the Alltrack that gets integrated honeycomb fog lamps in the front bumper. Both also have new upsized alloy wheels, each with their own unique design.
We will really be missing out on the space.
The interior is just as dominated by technology as the standard Golf 8. It gets even more so when specified with the Active Info Display. Honestly, we like it, especially with the smooth mood lights. We must mention that if you find a lack of physical buttons distracting and difficult to use while driving, this current generation of Golf is probably not your cup of tea. It can’t be because the Gold 8 Variant and Alltrack won’t land on our local shores.
Here’s where we miss out the most. Because of the longer body, there is plenty of interior space. Rear-seat passengers get more legroom and the boot has a space of 611 litres. With the backseat down, the storage space expands to 1642 litres. The seats also fold down with no ridge to get your luggage over.
It will get the same equipment as the regular Golf 8.
There is not too much to mention when it comes to the engine and performance equipment. This is because they will be equipped with the same turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that the Golf Mk8 has in Europe. The Gold 8 Alltrack variants will also come with 4Motion all-wheel drive as well as a more elevated drive to provide more ground clearance.
With plenty of local Volkswagen SUVs and a teased newcomer to the lineup, we will still get our fair share of VW.