Volkswagen to introduce new Golf, Arteon

Volkswagen's eighth-generation model of its iconic Golf / Courtesy of Volkswagen Korea

By Kim Jae-heun

German carmaker Volkswagen will release the eighth generation of its iconic, global-bestselling car, the Golf, along with a partially changed Arteon model, next month here, according to an industry source.

Expectations for the new Golf here are high, as the car has a massive fan base in Korea and the new, fully changed model is making its comeback after five years. Volkswagen's Arteon sedan model has also adopted a sportier design with a smarter user interface.

The Golf is the most popular Volkswagen model, having sold over 3.5 million cars around the world since its introduction in 1974. It has helped the German carmaker become one of the best car manufacturers in the world.

The Golf has gone through seven evolutions already, despite continuing to possess the design heritage of its first-generation model. It has been called the “textbook hatchback car” that pursues both practicality and beauty in its design.

Every time a new Golf model has been introduced, it has set a new standard with the highest-class technology in its vehicle category. Other carmakers have been benchmarking the Golf to make their hatchback vehicles.

The eighth-generation Golf to be introduced next month is not only the most innovative model in the small car segment, but also one of the most advanced vehicles in the world more broadly.

It will be equipped with the IQ integrated driving assistance system, which supports intuitive driving operations as well as fast speeds up to 210 kilometers per hour. Furthermore, the Golf will have cutting-edge specifications such as a digital cockpit, an online infotainment system displayed on an 8.25-inch touchscreen and a multifunction steering wheel as the default, reflecting the car's digitalization and smart indoor space.

At the 2021 Volkswagen Media Day, the German carmaker announced the launch of the Golf GTI, a high-performance model run with gasoline for the eighth generation, drawing the attention of local customers.

Volkswagen's partially changed Arteon model / Courtesy of Volkswagen Korea

Volkswagen will keep the avant-garde look, adding a sporty and dynamic design, for its new Arteon model, to be released in January as well. In particular, its distinct chrome bar and the light strip crossing the front face, as well as the air inlet at the bottom combined with the radiator grill, complete the strong, sporty look of the car overall.

On top of the car's exterior design, Volkswagen's latest technology ―an integrated driving assistance system that supports speeds up to 210 kilometers per hour, along with an up-to-date infotainment system ― will provide a smarter driving experience.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen Korea plans to offer a wide range of models across the segments next year to satisfy the needs of local customers ― from hatchbacks and sedans to SUVs. In addition, the German carmaker will accelerate its full-fledged electric vehicle strategy with the introduction of the ID.4, a pure electric SUV.