The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf is about to break cover at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, and as it usually happens, we get to see it earlier than we should thanks to a batch of leaked photos. The images confirm what we already saw in spy shots: that the 2020 Golf Mk8 is an evolution of the outgoing generation in terms of styling. It remains about the same, yet it looks modern and fresh, and it's ready to lead the market for a few more years.
Update 10/24/2019: The new 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk. 8 has made its debut. Check out our immediate coverage to learn more about it!
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf Looks familiar yet modern
The Golf remains a familiar sight in Mk8 clothes, especially up front, where the relationship between the grille, the headlamps, and the bumper intakes is very similar to the outgoing model. However, Volkswagen went with a thinner grille and slimmer headlamps, much like it did with most recently redesigned vehicles. The grille is twice as thin as the old element, and it's pretty much a trim piece rather than a cooling device.
The headlamps are also much thinner than before, and the dual-light design is now emphasized by a heavily sculpted lower section. The outer lights are larger, while the inner lights are smaller, so the headlamps become thinner toward the grille. The LED layout is also brand-new. The outer lights feature a C-shaped pattern, while the upper section of the entire headlamps is defined by a thin stripe that looks like a perfect extension of the grille. The bumper grille is now a full-size unit from one corner to the other, but only the center section is actually hollow and provides cooling.
The profile of the Golf Mk8 looks very similar to the Mk7, and it takes a closer inspection to spot the differences. >
Not surprisingly, the rear end also retains a familiar look. The taillights are slimmer than before, with the inner section now much thinner than the outer unit. The tailgate seems a bit wider, which means a more practical loading area. The bumper features a less sculpted license place recess, the thin red lights were moved at the top, and the apron incorporates fake exhaust pipes on each side.
The cabin is a more notable departure from the old design. It includes a two-tier dashboard with a big screen in the center and just a bunch of controls on the lower area. The digital instrument cluster displays vital information in the center and two gauges on the sides. There's a new steering wheel with controls on two of the three spokes, redesigned door panels with larger storage areas, and sportier seats. These will probably come wrapped in cloth in the less expensive models, but leather will be offered in the pricier trims.
The Golf Mk8 debuts later today, with the unveiling scheduled to start at 12:30 PM EST (4:30 PM GMT / 6:30 PM CEST). Stay tuned for the live reveal, official photos, and information.
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf features an impressively clean interior
2020 Volkswagen Golf Live Debut Stream