- Volkswagen confirms that growth of the ninth-generation (Mk9) Golf is effectively underway.
- The brand new Golf will draw design inspiration from the Mk4 Golf.
- Volkswagen will supply the Golf with BEV, PHEV, and customary combustion powertrains, although the platforms will differ relying on the powertrain.
Just a few weeks in the past, we bought a primary have a look at a design sketch of the upcoming Volkswagen Golf Mk9—the ninth era of the enduring German compact. It’s anticipated to be electrical, however it will not arrive till not less than 2028.
For now, little or no is thought about this new mannequin past the truth that it’s already in growth. So, profiting from a gathering with Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen, our colleagues at Motor1 Spain requested him a couple of questions concerning the new automotive, which, within the govt’s phrases, “is heading in the right direction.”
‘The crew is engaged on the automotive. Final yr, in November, I used to be in a position to see the primary full-size mannequin, and all I might say was, ‘Wow. It’s so stunning.’ It was simply one of many concepts—not the ultimate mannequin, however a type of prototypes you proceed to make choices round. However at first look it appeared superb to me.’
And from the sound of it, primarily based on the Volkswagen CEO’s feedback, he wasn’t the one one contained in the German firm who was stunned.
‘On the finish of the yr, we had a senior administration board assembly—an end-of-year wrap-up—the place we reviewed outcomes and seemed forward. There we confirmed the automotive on stage and everybody was impressed.’
Picture by: Volkswagen
In a separate dialog with Kai Grünitz, the model’s head of technical growth, our colleagues discovered much more concerning the future Golf Mk9. For instance, its last design is already almost completed.
‘It’s harking back to the Golf Mk4, which was a giant step ahead. But it surely’s a modern-looking car, a timeless-looking car. I feel you’re going to find it irresistible. From a design standpoint, our new electrical Golf is already 96–97 p.c performed. We began with a proportions mannequin with Andy [Mindt]. And it was already so good that Thomas Schäfer and I joined in and mentioned, ‘Hey, don’t contact something.’
The model’s growth chief additionally confirmed that, after launch, there will probably be two Golfs on sale on the similar time: the all-electric mannequin and the present Golf, in electrified type.
‘There will probably be two totally different platforms: one for the electrical mannequin and one other for the combustion one. The MQB Evo will stay with plug-in hybrid fashions like those we all know right now, after which there will probably be a totally new, totally electrical Golf on the brand new SSB platform.’
Picture by: Volkswagen
Taking cues from the Golf Mk4 in pursuit of that ‘timeless’ strategy looks as if excellent news for a mannequin aiming to recapture the model’s line of straightforward, recognizable designs. Primarily based on the CEO’s statements, it appears like the ultimate design will meet expectations.
‘I’m very assured concerning the launch of the Golf 9. It’s being developed in a completely appropriate means. And it’s unimaginable what you are able to do with a automotive the place, , you suppose, how will you make it even higher? However the crew has created a design that has left all of us speechless: surely, the very best we’ve ever seen. So I’m very pleased, and I’m positive we’ll ship one thing that can make lots of people pleased.’
In that respect, Andreas Mindt performs a basic position. Till just lately, Mindt was Volkswagen’s head of design. He is now been named head of design for the Volkswagen Group—and he is somebody Schäfer speaks extremely of:
‘Andy is essential, due to his perspective and his constructive considering. He’s a singular man, not a standard designer. He all the time listens to each opinion, and he has options. His mindset and the perspective with which Andy works has modified your complete group.’
Picture by: Volkswagen
In truth, again in 2024, Mindt himself had already hinted at what the brand new Golf could be like, saying that “a Golf will all the time be a Golf—now, or 20 years from now.” He additionally supplied a couple of clues:
‘We wish to create a really pure, quite simple design—actually decide to a clear design. Put all of the essence into it, the very best particulars from the Golf’s historical past. A Golf will all the time be a Golf; I promise you a recognizable Golf. And if we eliminated all of the badges and left nothing on the automotive, you’ll acknowledge it as a Golf.’
One other necessary, associated element is why the ID.3 Neo wasn’t named ID. Golf—at a time when the German model seems to be returning to recognizable, “correct” mannequin names as a substitute of numeric designations. And on this level, Schäfer is evident:
‘We’ve an incredible plan for a way we evolve towards correct names for every mannequin. That mentioned, the ID.3 is a particular case the place we checked out it and lots of people mentioned, effectively, let’s simply name it Golf. We debated it, however it’s not a Golf. We’ve improved the automotive—it’s nonetheless an ID.3—however it wanted a brand new title. And after fascinated about giving it some synthetic trendy title, we in the end determined we might name it what the present automotive was known as: Neo.’
This story originally appeared on Motor1 Spain
Motor1’s Take: Volkswagen is totally conscious it can not afford to mess up a brand new Golf. Basing the Mk9 design on the Mk4 is a good place to start out. It additionally appears like patrons may have loads of selection relating to powertrains. Even higher? We hear the next GTI and R will remain combustion-only, which ought to hold VW followers fairly pleased.
