Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 – design
The Golf remains a modern, sleek hatchback in Mk8.5 form, but it does still lack the premium edge of its Mk7 predecessor
Exterior design changes for the Mk8.5 are subtle to say the least. Changes are limited to the front and rear bumpers for the most part, with the LED headlights shifted down and swapped for slimmer, uprated units. The rear lights get the same treatment, updated with sharper optics and the option of OLED-esque light panels, a bit like those first seen on the BMW M4 GTS – models closer to the top of the range will also receive darkened rear light units for added aggression.
What won’t be for some is its unusual rear bumper design, now featuring glossy black plastic inserts in place of exhaust cutouts on every non-GTI or R model. This won't be immediately obvious at first glance, but once you spot it, it’s hard to ignore.
The Mk8.5 Golf is also now available with an illuminated front badge as an option, for those who are looking for such a thing, with the new front and rear lights also able to display new welcome and goodbye animations. There are 11 colours available across the lineup with three new, priced from £435 to £1220.
Opt for the entry-level Life, Match or Style trim levels and you'll receive a basic but modern front bumper design, but the R-Line upwards brings much a more aggressive aesthetic to the table. From a distance you'd be forgiven for thinking the R-Line was a full-fat R given its lower, wider front grille – it's actually the exact same part as on the GTI (and GTE). While the entry-level car may look basic in its standard configuration, Volkswagen does allow for the selection of more premium 18-inch wheel designs on the Match trim level upwards.
