The Golf Estate (Variant) was revealed in September 2020, alongside a rugged "Alltrack" version with slightly raised suspension, body cladding, and all-wheel-drive.
The interior received a major overhaul, replacing the traditional analog instrument panel with an entirely digital 10.25" driver's display and either an 8.25" or 10" center touchscreen for multimedia.
[citation needed] The reliance on touchscreen controls in place of conventional physical buttons, knobs, or dials was criticised as being frustrating and unintuitive to use.
noted that "too much attention must be diverted from the road to operate simple functions such as the climate control" and called the layout "a step backwards.
[citation needed] The Golf GTE is a hot hatchback version with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that produces 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp).
It has an all-electric range of about 60 kilometres (37 miles) in EV mode, with a 13 kWh lithium ion battery supplementing the 1.4-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine.
[17][18] The Golf GTD is a turbodiesel hot-hatchback version that is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine (TDI) producing 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft).
[18][19] The Golf GTI is a hot hatchback version that is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp) and 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft).
Vehicle Dynamics Manager allows for more adjustability of the adaptive suspension dampers, while an Individual setting joins the other driving modes.
It is offered with either the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic globally or the six-speed manual (US and Canadian markets only) in both the hatch and estate body styles.
The exterior features quad exhaust tips and 19-inch wheels, while the interior is similar to the GTI, and has Nappa leather bucket seats as well as several R badges and an R-specific driver's display.
Changes include redesigned headlights with the new option of an IQ.LIGHT LED matrix setup, a new illuminated logo, new front bumper, new taillights with three selectable patterns, new exterior colours, new alloy wheel designs, a new MIB4 software for the infotainment system, touch-slider controls for HVAC controls are illuminated, the most expensive Golf variants revert to conventional buttons on the multi-functional steering wheel, a few new driver assistance system features and updated standard features across trim levels.
Unlike previous Golfs which featured a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), this engine will be paired with a traditional 8-speed torque converter automatic.
TDI models utilise a new twin dosing system featuring dual AdBlue selective catalytic reduction, which lowers nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by up to 80% compared to the Mk7.