It’s hard to believe the eighth generation Volkswagen Golf is already three years old. That’s right, and that means a mid-cycle refresh for the long-lasting hatchback is just around the corner. Technically, the images here represent our first glimpse of what’s to come but there’s nothing to see on the outside. That’s because it’s a test mule that puts new interior technology through its paces.
Our spy photographer managed to get a close look, and the changes were obvious. Taking center stage on the dashboard is a much larger touchscreen, extending out and up quite a distance. This is not a total deviation from the current model, as the new touchscreen occupies the same mounting location. But while the current screen has an integrated presence with the dashboard and driver’s display, this one is big and responsible. it also appears a new set of buttons will be used on a slanted base at the bottom of the screen. At this point, it’s unclear whether they are touch-sensitive or analog.
Interestingly, a common criticism of the Golf today is its touchscreen. In particular, there are no analog controls for operating the radio and climate system, and adjusting them via touch can be tricky. We discovered this firsthand in our first GTI drive review, noting that doing something as simple as adjusting the radio volume can be tricky on rough roads. The layout also leaves no place to rest your hands while trying to use the screen. With this test mule having a bigger screen with a slanted base, VW was able to overcome that problem.
What else can we expect from the updated Golf? It is still a mystery, because this test car has not changed on the outside. Volkswagen is very ingenious with stickers that hide changes in plain sight, but upon closer inspection of these photos, the new touchscreen is the only thing that stands out.
When another prototype launches, we won’t be surprised to see minor changes to the headlights and grille, adopting a style similar to the ID.4. The exact disclosure is likely months away, possibly stretching to the end of 2023.
