Photo: Volkswagen edited by autoevolution
So the tarp has been removed and the new generation Volkswagen Golf is here. And if you were expecting a design revolution, then you are in for a very big disappointment.
There’s an unattributed saying going something like this: is something works, don’t change it. And for Volkswagen, the Golf works. So well, in fact, that the nameplate is one of the best selling and recognizable three models in the carmaker’s lineup, alongside the Beetle and the Passat.
So why would Volkswagen change a design that has proven to be so successful? They wouldn’t, and they didn’t.
When glanced at, the new Golf barely deserves to be called a facelift, let alone a full-grown generation. The modifications in terms of design are tiny, and restricted to the car’s most visible elements. When putting photos of the 7th gen Golf next to those of the Mk8, one comes to realize just how similar the two are.
At the front, the changes are restricted to bumper, headlights and grille. Oh, and yes, there’s the new Volkswagen logo, flat and skinny, adorning it. All these little tweaks have managed to do is make the new Golf look like it’s frowning, rather than look curiously at the world as did the previous generation.
With the exception of the visible changes made to the front and rear light clusters, and some additional sculpted lines on the car’s body, the side of the new Golf is nearly identical to that of the old one. The same can be said in the rear, where the minor changes could be narrowly missed is one isn’t paying enough attention.
The slightly different body hides though a wealth of changes in powertrains, connectivity & all. You can read all about these novelties here.
Back to the new Golf’s looks, if you think for a second the similarities with its predecessor will prevent people from buying it, you’re wrong. The model has a huge fanbase – mind you, over 35 million units were sold since the first one rolled off the assembly lines in 1974 – that was dying to see this new one hit the streets.
So why would Volkswagen change a design that has proven to be so successful? They wouldn’t, and they didn’t.
When glanced at, the new Golf barely deserves to be called a facelift, let alone a full-grown generation. The modifications in terms of design are tiny, and restricted to the car’s most visible elements. When putting photos of the 7th gen Golf next to those of the Mk8, one comes to realize just how similar the two are.
At the front, the changes are restricted to bumper, headlights and grille. Oh, and yes, there’s the new Volkswagen logo, flat and skinny, adorning it. All these little tweaks have managed to do is make the new Golf look like it’s frowning, rather than look curiously at the world as did the previous generation.
With the exception of the visible changes made to the front and rear light clusters, and some additional sculpted lines on the car’s body, the side of the new Golf is nearly identical to that of the old one. The same can be said in the rear, where the minor changes could be narrowly missed is one isn’t paying enough attention.
The slightly different body hides though a wealth of changes in powertrains, connectivity & all. You can read all about these novelties here.
Back to the new Golf’s looks, if you think for a second the similarities with its predecessor will prevent people from buying it, you’re wrong. The model has a huge fanbase – mind you, over 35 million units were sold since the first one rolled off the assembly lines in 1974 – that was dying to see this new one hit the streets.
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