Eighth-generation VW Golf Goes Full Zebra Before its Big Debut

The world premiere of the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf will take place this fall and the automaker today released a picture that should whet the appetite of fans of the popular compact car.

The black and white camouflage may look more like a fat zebra on four wheels than an actual car, but we can still appreciate the design of the new Golf. Unsurprisingly, the evolution is subtle, so the focus will be on the finer details, like the lower front grille and more angular headlights, as well as the slightly rounded rear end.

Calling it a “genuine eye-catcher” and an era-shaping automobile, Volkswagen says the Golf will impress with a highly digitalized and connected interior. Expect a wide touchscreen and very few physical buttons, assisted driving and online-based functions and services.

Some form of electrification under the hood is coming, too, though details remain scarce. The final phase of testing is under way.

So, when will we see the real thing for the first time? We’re anticipating a standalone event in October, since Volkswagen will reserve next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show for the all-electric ID.3 and the base Golf’s uncertain future in the U.S. makes the Los Angeles Auto Show an unlikely venue.

Back in May, Volkswagen Canada’s head of communications and public relations, Thomas Tetzlaff, told us the Golf would continue to be part of the Canadian portfolio. It was the brand’s best-selling product like year, just ahead of the Tiguan.

The Golf SportWagen and Alltrack models will not return, however, making room for a small crossover called Tarek.

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

NewsVW Golf Now Fighting for its Life in North America
Is there another car on the way out? During the weekend, Motor1 dropped a little bombshell by reporting that the base Volkswagen Golf will not return to the U.S. Actually, the website was told by a high-ranking VW employee in California that the eighth generation of the popular German hatchback, …
NewsThe Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys: Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R
Spring has arrived and it’s time to install the performance tires on our sport compact car for blasting down country roads under the warm sun. What? You don’t have such a car yet, but are looking to purchase one? You’re in luck, because The Car Guide ’s team of journalists …
NewsThe Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys: Volkswagen Golf
In order to help consumers make the right purchase decision when shopping for a new vehicle, the team of journalists at The Car Guide publishes its yearly Best Buy awards in a slew of categories, including the compact-car segment. The latter remains a popular one, despite the market shift from …
NewsNew Volkswagen Golf World Premiere Date is Announced
While the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 unveiled in Frankfurt marks the debut of a new era at the German automaker, the iconic Golf remains a critically important product. Even in North America, where SUVs have become the undisputed market leaders, this compact hatchback is still popular, especially in Canada. Yes, …