Everything we know about the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf

VOLKSWAGEN has revealed a sketch of its all-new eight-generation Golf at a meeting in Germany late last week.

It’s our best look yet at the Mk8 Golf, which is slated to start production in mid-2019.

The design sketch was shown at the Volkswagen Brand Annual Session in Wolfsburg as part of Volkswagen’s product road map for next year.

Despite an increased focus on electric with its I.D sub-brand, Volkswagen sees the Golf as being just as important, according to the company’s chief operating officer Ralf Brandstätter.

Karlheinz Hell, Volkswagen's small car boss indicated the Mk8 Golf would have advanced driver assist systems, with a large focus on technology.

"The next Golf will take Volkswagen into the era of fully connected vehicles with extended autonomous driving functions," he said.

"It will have more software on board than ever before. It will always be online and its digital cockpit and assistance systems will be the benchmark in terms of connectivity and safety."

It is believed the Mk8 Golf will be built on a version of the existing MQB platform, and will have a 48-volt electric architecture, with plug-in and mild hybrid capabilities.

According to Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess, much of the Mk8 range will be electrified.

“Mild hybrid systems will play a major role in the next generation of Golf; that will be the first application,” Diess explained.

Stylistically the Mk8 is likely to be more evolution than revolution compared to the current Mk7.5, with subtle tweaks like slimmer LED headlights and taillights, wider fenders, and a lower bonnet.

Engines and transmissions remain unconfirmed, but many are expected to carry over from the current range, with GTI and R models receiving an appropriate power bump.