Test drive Volkswagen Golf 8: inside - innovations, under the hood - "aspirated" and automatic transmission (no, not DSG) - part 1

 Volkswagen Golf 8: is the last one the best?

 I called the last reportage article about the presentation of the Volkswagen Golf 8 "the legend of today." In this phrase, every word was filled with meaning. The Volkswagen Golf hatchback has long become a legend in the market: one of the most popular cars in the world (35 million units sold), one of the most mature (produced since 1974), a real “trendsetter” of the global automotive industry. Yes, I am aware that the FWD compact hatchback format appeared a couple of years before the first Golf. Yes, I am aware that the British tried to rename the popular segment in the "Focus-class", but here it can be called "Octavia-class". But still: on a global scale, taking into account the number of generations and the volume of production, taking into account the debut of innovations in its segment, the Volkswagen Golf hatchback has always been a class leader.

 At the same time: the thought does not leave that the new Volkswagen Golf 8 may be the last. After all, the role of the carrier of the most important innovations of recent years - electric mobility and autonomous driving - now belongs to Volkswagen ID. The manufacturing company did not prepare "another electric version" of its best-selling Golf, but decided to start a new story - with a new sheet and with a new model. Perhaps "tomorrow", i.e. in 7-10 years, when the life cycle of the current new Volkswagen Golf 8 passes, the mass European market will already be radically reoriented to electric vehicles. First of all, in the minds of buyers.

 But this does not mean that technology was spared for the Volkswagen Golf 8. On the contrary, the novelty has received so many innovations that this fuse would be enough for other cars for two generations of models. At the same time, all technologies are “packed” in a familiar compact “hatchback” body with an almost vertical rear end: in cramped Europe, every centimeter counts.

 The Volkswagen Golf 8 is above all Golf: a classic 5-door hatchback with a distinctive wide C-pillar. The car has become more streamlined: the Cd coefficient for the new product is 0.275 versus 0.3 for its predecessor: important for fuel efficiency and noise reduction. Dimensions have not changed dramatically (well, almost): length - 4284 mm, width - 1789 mm, height - 1456 mm, wheelbase - 2636 mm, trunk volume - 380 liters. The design has not changed globally either: the MQB platform, independent front suspension, independent rear suspension (150 hp and higher, all-wheel drive versions) or semi-independent rear suspension (up to 150 hp, front-wheel drive versions), monocoque body with a high proportion of high-strength steels, main motors TSI and TDI, automatic DSG. Although there are some nuances for Ukraine, which I will talk about later ... And now I will tell you about the details of the exterior and interior decoration.