Will we get to see the ninth generation of the Volkswagen Golf?

Few cars have been as successful as the Volkswagen Golf. For almost 50 years, the German hatchback has been a true people’s car. It transcends class, fits in everywhere and offers something for everyone. But as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. In comments to the German publication Welt, Thomas Schäfer of Volkswagen said that while the company is working on an updated Golf 8, the future of the model is currently unknown. “We will know more in twelve months.”

While we can’t imagine a world without the Volkswagen Golf, Schäfer pointed out that the future of the hatchback depends on the numbers. “We’ll have to see whether it’s worth developing a new vehicle that doesn’t last the full seven or eight years. [It is] extremely expensive.” He is referring to the fact that the automotive sector changes too quickly. With the petrol engine on life support, it wouldn’t make much sense for Volkswagen to develop a new Golf with the impending combustion engine ban in Europe looming.

Will we have to say goodbye to the legendary Volkswagen Golf?

It’s not just the combustion engine ban that threatens the existence of the Golf. Schäfer said he expects prices of European vehicles to rise considerably in the coming years, thanks to the planned Euro 7 emissions legislation. This would make combustion vehicles between 3,000 and 5,000 euros more expensive.

Of course, electromobility is being promoted as the solution, and in addition to the ID.3, which is the size of a Golf, the German giant is currently developing a range of small electric vehicles. “We plan to offer the ID.2 for less than 25,000 euros. In three years’ time, that will be a very attractive price for an electric vehicle,” Schäfer added. Currently, the cheapest Golf 8 derivative retails for around 30,000 euros in several European countries.

Schäfer also explained that market share is no longer important. He explained that in an attempt to become the world’s largest carmaker, the company created niche vehicles to fill various market gaps. We need basic models that really work well, such as the Beetle or the Golf.

We suppose it would be better for Volkswagen to rename the ID.3 as a Golf before losing the iconic model name. Vehicles such as the Golf GTI have an incredible cult following around the world, especially in the United States and Europe. If the Golf 8 turns out to be the last generation, the performance variants will undoubtedly be collectible in the years to come.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €