I reckon they’ve saving that for next hear when, according to some motoring mag’s. there’s going to a 2.0L 201bhp 4×4 Golf. None of the flashy macho-ness of the GTIs, just a pairing of VW’s best powertrain with its best chassis.
Doubtful. For starters, VW doesn’t offer a 150kw 2.0l – the only drivetrain that has 150kw is the 1.4TSI eHybrid. The 2.0TSI comes in flavours of 140kw (190hp), 180kw (245hp, GTI) and 235kw (320hp, R).
I’d not hold my breath for a Golf that basically has no niche (and needs its own engine, rather than using existing software/parts), and i certainly wouldn’t call it “the last hurra”. If you want a hot hatch, you get the GTI. If you want a hot AWD hatch, you get the R. And if you don’t need a hot hatch at all, you just buy the (likely considerably) cheaper and more economical normal FWD Golf. There’s just no application for a lukewarm AWD Golf, i don’t think they’d waste their “last and greatest” on something this pointless.
My guess? The Mk8.5 simply won’t be the last Golf. Then again i also don’t think that my car is “flashy” or projects “macho-ness”, so what do i know. If it really is the last one, my genuine guess would be that they’ll build something as an homage to the Mk1. Similar to Porsche 911/ST etc. Light, 245hp, with retro-accents in the interior and outside. They’ll not send off the Golf with a mundane, unfocussed model that barely anyone would want.
Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.