Affordability to be key for all-electric ninth-gen Golf
Autocar UK|August 16, 2023
Segment-defining hatchback set for radical reinvention as family-friendly EV
FELIX PAGE
Affordability to be key for all-electric ninth-gen Golf

The ninth-generation Volkswagen Golf is shaping up to be the most radically reinvented iteration of the ever-popular family hatchback yet, ushering in all-electric power and a raft of technology as part of an all-encompassing transformation plan for the VW brand.

Despite the ID 3 being commonly regarded as an electric alternative to the Golf, Volkswagen boss Thomas Schäfer sees the former as "more a Golf Plus". The two cars share a very similar footprint, but the EV's lack of an engine and transmission tunnel make it tangibly more spacious inside, and even in its base form it's much quicker than the standard Golf.

For these reasons the two models can "co-exist" in future, according to Schäfer, meaning the ID 3 wouldn't necessarily be retired after the arrival of a new, all-electric Golf.

The two cars would be obviously differentiated by bespoke styling and capabilities in a bid to carve out a distinct positioning for each, and Schäfer's commitment to preserving Volkswagen's best-known models names means the Golf badge can live on.

"The Golf name specifically has huge value," he told Autocar. "But at the same time, the ID brand has gained huge momentum. The recognition it receives at [customer] clinics: people absolutely understand what we're talking about. So to change the name to something completely different doesn't make sense."

The ID Golf, as Schäfer has suggested it could be called, would sit between the upcoming ID 2, which will in effect replace the Polo from 2025, and the ID 3.

It isn't expected to arrive before 2027, given that the current Golf is due an extensive mid-life overhaul in the coming months to sustain its popularity for another three to four years.

Denne historien er fra August 16, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 16, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA AUTOCAR UKSe alt
THE DRAMATIC ITALIAN THAT MARKED THE END OF AN ERA
Autocar UK

THE DRAMATIC ITALIAN THAT MARKED THE END OF AN ERA

When the Huracán bowed out, the curtain fell forever on Lambo's V10

time-read
2 mins  |
November 27, 2024
HOW EV MAKERS CAN WIN THE RACE TO 5.0MPKWH
Autocar UK

HOW EV MAKERS CAN WIN THE RACE TO 5.0MPKWH

Manufacturers are honing every detail to close in on big efficiency goal

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
MASERATI MC20
Autocar UK

MASERATI MC20

We bid a sad farewell to a handsome supercar that was easy to live with

time-read
4 mins  |
November 27, 2024
The quickening
Autocar UK

The quickening

Instant acceleration is part of the appeal of an EV, but is it all getting a bit much for unwary and inexperienced drivers? JOHN EVANS investigates

time-read
3 mins  |
November 27, 2024
Inside track
Autocar UK

Inside track

Watching an F1 race with live access to engineers and telemetry is the stuff of dreams for racing fans. ALEX WOLSTENHOLME makes a day of it

time-read
3 mins  |
November 27, 2024
WHOLE IN ONE
Autocar UK

WHOLE IN ONE

The Volkswagen Golf has been all things to all motorists for half a century. At the wheel of a classic Mk1, VICKY PARROTT charts the eight-generation history of one of the world's most successful cars

time-read
7 mins  |
November 27, 2024
DACIA DUSTER
Autocar UK

DACIA DUSTER

Mk3 model gains digital tech, ADAS, slicker looks... Is this mission creep?

time-read
10 mins  |
November 27, 2024
MAZDA CX-80 PHEV
Autocar UK

MAZDA CX-80 PHEV

Another look at Mazda's hefty SUV, this time in plug-in hybrid form

time-read
2 mins  |
November 27, 2024
VAUXHALL GRANDLAND ELECTRIC
Autocar UK

VAUXHALL GRANDLAND ELECTRIC

Newcomer looks to ease the average family SUV driver into EV motoring

time-read
2 mins  |
November 27, 2024
BMW X3 20 XDRIVE
Autocar UK

BMW X3 20 XDRIVE

Fourth generation of brand's best-seller arrives with base petrol engine

time-read
3 mins  |
November 27, 2024