The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf will land in Australia early next year with a small surprise. The 1.4 litre TSI engine from the outgoing Mk7.5 Golf will continue, but instead of a DSG dual-clutch gearbox as partner, the market will get an eight-speed torque converter automatic instead.
But the reason is not what you might think. Volkswagen Australia told CarExpert that the TSI and 8AT combo – which is already available Down Under in the Skoda Karoq SUV – is being offered with the latest Golf due to emissions regulations in the country. Not because it’s the most strict, but the other way around.
So, Australia is on Euro 5 regulations, whereas Europe will move to the stricter Euro 6d standard on January 1 next year. The continent is also on the more stringent WLTP cycle emissions test now. And because of this, the Golf’s home market will be top priority for the production of the newer engines and dual-clutch transmission.
Australia does not strictly need the new TSI-DSG powertrain combo, so it will receive the carryover 1.4L turbocharged petrol motor, which at present is manufactured in conjunction with the 8AT. However, performance models such as the upcoming next-gen Golf GTI will still get DSG.
In Europe, the Mk8 Golf is available with a 1.5L TSI engine with either 130 PS and 150 PS, a 1.5L eTSI mild hybrid with 150 PS, and a 2.0L TDI with either 115 PS or 150 PS. Gearbox options are a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG, with 4Motion all-wheel drive being an option.
Further down the line, the hatchback will get a 1.0L three-cylinder TSI (90 PS an 110 PS), a 1.0L eTSI mild hybrid with 110 PS, the 1.5L eTSI mild hybrid with 130 PS, as well plug-in hybrid versions, VW said at launch.
In February, VW revealed the Golf GTI (245 PS, 370 Nm), diesel Golf GTD (200 PS, 400 Nm) and Golf GTE plug-in hybrid with 245 PS and 400 Nm, adding performance variants to the Mk8 Golf range. The Golf R is not yet ready.
Now, if this is the case for Australia, perhaps Malaysia – which has even less strict emissions regulations – will also get the Mk8 Golf with a similar 1.4L TSI 8AT combo? Maybe production of the new powertrain would have caught up by the time we’re due the car – we’ll see. Full details of the eighth-generation Golf and the latest Golf GTI in the links.
GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf Mk8
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(Like) 8-speed torque converter automatic.
(Dislike) DSG dual-clutch gearbox
8AT sounds promising. Until we have it on our hand.
So VW tacitly is finally admitting failure of their DSG box in hot Asian countries? Lucky Proton didn’t get involved with them or they too will share the bad press from such a U Turn.
Oh pls every big car maker are changing to dsg ? what are u talking about LoL, Ford invented Dsg but who do it the best? VAG? now look at ur honde protin all following the footstep of Vag cutie pie
Conventional 8AT can make more money by going through regular services. Rather than offer lemon and swallow back later.
Won’t be surprised if we get the old engine. The all new Audi Q3 is still using it and so will the Golf. Our only hope lies with the GTI.
Next question is will we see the Mk8 this year since it’s going to be a CBU model?
Doesn’t matter, Malaysia will only get Mk8 2 years down the line as stock clearance country
yeah man… we get everything very late… we sell so many million cars like in China right? we should get the cars tommorow if not yesterday. and we dont have tax, we are next to europe, we just click one hand the car is here to sell. Awesome.
Price?
Malaysia got emissions regulations???
In it’s home market, most Golf’s are sold with manual gearbox anyway. Even woman prefer manual in Europe.
Nice try, you need to update yourself.
Malaysia will get a CATless version of the Golf..
I wish we could get the DSG-less version
Malaysia will get “K” spec car, with jack-up price. Most likely.
Doesnt matter…. The Golf TSI will be CBU and not a volume seller…. they will just dump us the old engine and the previous 7-speed dry DSG…
Since some of the countries are not taking in the 7-speed DSG, Malaysia will be the perfect ground to clear VW old DSG stocks…