Volkswagen’s Golf is sold exclusively in South Africa as the GTI or even more ludicrous R-badged derivative but the German firm has recently been spied testing its standard facelifted model. These renders peel away the camo to reveal what it may look like.
Despite only being on offer in South Africa in the current aesthetic configuration since the end of 2021, the famed Wolfsburg hot hatch is already testing its new facelift. Teaser images seem to show a standard Golf, which is one of Europe’s best-selling cars from 2007. On the continent, the current eighth generation didn’t manage to muster the same success, falling to fifth place, trailing behind the Peugeot 208, Dacia Sandero, VW T-Roc, and the Fiat/Abarth 500.
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To boost sales, VW has announced plans for a facelift of the Golf in 2024, coinciding with an update for the mechanically similar Skoda Octavia which is also sold in Europe. This refresh could potentially be the last revision for the conventionally powered Golf, as the upcoming ninth-generation will be exclusively offered as an electric vehicle. An unofficial rendering gives a preview of the mid-cycle update, inspired by a partially camouflaged prototype recently spotted.
Based on the limited information provided by VW, the 2024 Golf will feature redesigned headlights and a modified bumper with vertical slats. It’s worth noting that the test vehicle was an eHybrid variant, while the digital rendering portrays a non-plug-in hybrid model, omitting the charging port on the driver’s side. The five-door hatch depicted in the R-Line specification showcases subtle changes to the taillights.
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Following the typical approach of German automakers, the exterior changes are expected to be conservative. VW tends to prioritize subtle modifications during a product’s lifecycle, unlike Hyundai and Kia, which often implement more substantial revisions. While the rendered image primarily focuses on the exterior, we do know that updates to the cabin are also planned.
Based on previous prototypes, the Golf facelift will feature a larger touchscreen display. Speculation suggests it could be the same 15-inch unit found in the ID.7, as the observed screen inside a test vehicle was larger than the 12-inch display in the ID.3 facelift. In response to consumer criticism, VW has committed to a “quality offensive” by eliminating touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.
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Considering the implementation of Euro 7 regulations in July 2025, it is likely that the Golf facelift will feature cleaner, less-polluting engines too. These stricter emissions standards will also necessitate changes to brakes and tires, as part of a broader set of laws aimed at reducing the environmental impact of vehicles. VW has expressed concerns about the potential price increase for internal combustion engine cars under Euro 7, to the extent that the Polo model might be discontinued.
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