Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 – engine, gearbox and technical highlights

Everything from a pure-combustion, three-pedal model to a plug-in hybrid and the 326bhp Golf R mean there’s a configuration for just about any use case

Evo rating
RRP
from £27,420
  • Improved HMI and ergonomics, broad powertrain options
  • HMI still has room for improvement

The standard Volkswagen Golf range now begins with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol in a 114bhp state of tune, paired with a manual transmission as standard in both Life and Match trim. If you’re looking for more poke from a pure-combustion powertrain, you can opt for the same 1.5-litre in a higher 148bhp tune, available with a manual in Match, Style and R-Line trims. While a 2-litre petrol is no longer an option in the ordinary Golf range, the 2-litre TDI diesel is still available in 113bhp manual and 148bhp automatic forms in Match and R-Line trims respectively.

Advertisement - Article continues below

To boost fuel economy, Volkswagen is also offering a wide range of mild-hybrid eTSI options, beginning with the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol in Match trim paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic. Unusually, a move up the range to Style trim will see a less potent 113bhp eTSI become available, alongside the aforementioned 148bhp model and a new 201bhp plug-in hybrid capable of up to 88 miles (WLTP combined) of pure-electric range. Move up to R-Line and this option is taken away, with only the 148bhp pure-combustion petrol, diesel and eTSI options available. 

The new plug-in hybrid GTE tops the standard range with both the highest price (by a considerable margin) and output. At its core is the same 1.5-litre petrol you’ll find in the entry-level car, but 48V electric assistance boosts output to 268bhp for the quickest acceleration of the lot – it’s also said to achieve 81 miles (WLTP combined) of pure electric running on a charge, making it a very appealing offering for city drivers. 

At the top of the range, you’ll find the GTI, GTI Clubsport and R, all pairing the 2-litre turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder with a dual-clutch transmission. The GTI and GTI Clubsport send 261bhp and 296bhp to the front wheels, with the all-wheel drive R topping the range with a 328bhp output, matching the previous R 20 Years.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years
Nissan GT-R finishes production
News

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years

The Nissan GT-R has finally ended production, at over 48,000 units after 18 years on sale. It’ll be missed.
28 Aug 2025
The new Audi RS3 GT will be a track-focused farewell to the five-cylinder engine
Audi RS3 GT – front
News

The new Audi RS3 GT will be a track-focused farewell to the five-cylinder engine

Audi’s five-cylinder engine isn’t long for this world, and a new hardcore RS3 is in the works to send it off in style
26 Aug 2025
Slantnose Porsche 911 set for a return based on old 991 GT2 RS platform
Porsche 911 Slantnose prototype front
News

Slantnose Porsche 911 set for a return based on old 991 GT2 RS platform

A mysterious prototype of an old 991 Porsche 911 has been spotted testing. A new slantnose ‘Flachbau’ kit, or a mule for a new car?
27 Aug 2025