For instance, you have many options to choose from, including:
1.0 TSI Petrol Engine
This turbocharged petrol engine is more ideal for city driving, as it offers you a good balance between power and fuel efficiency.
For instance, it can deliver up to 110 horsepower for you, making it peppy yet very economical at the same time, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 54 MPG.
This engine is also one of the key reasons the running costs of the Golf 8 are so competitive, especially when compared to comparable cars as well.
1.5 TSI Petrol Engine
Instead, if you want a more robust 4-cylinder engine, then the 1.5 TSI is available with or without mild-hybrid technology.
This produces 150 horsepower, which in turn delivers you a more dynamic driving experience while maintaining its excellent fuel economy - with a combined fuel consumption of around 50 MPG, for instance.
Its mild-hybrid system, for instance, further improves your efficiency by recovering energy during braking and converting this back into energy, which it stores in its onboard battery pack.
2.0 TDI Diesel Engine
For those who prefer diesel engines, the 2.0 TDI engine is a strong choice here for you.
This is because it is known for its long-distance efficiency, as this engine offers you 115 horsepower or 150 horsepower, depending on the exact variant you choose, with outstanding fuel economy figures of around 70 MPG.
Consequently, these engines are ideal for drivers who frequently cover longer distances, thanks to their low CO2 emissions and impressive fuel economy overall.
eTSI (Mild-Hybrid) Engine
Its mild-hybrid eTSI engines then combine the 1.0 or 1.5 TSI petrol engines with a 48V electric system, providing you with smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency as a direct result.
The eTSI variants are also particularly beneficial on city streets where stop-and-go traffic is a lot more common.
This technology also contributes to the Golf 8’s competitive running costs as well.
GTE (Plug-in Hybrid) Engine
Then, finally, we will cover the GTE engine, which is the most environmentally friendly option you can decide to buy, as it offers you up to 245 horsepower.
This engine, in turn, gives you an electric car version thanks to its combination of a petrol engine with an electric motor, allowing for electric-only driving for up to 37 miles.
The GTE version is then ideal for city commuters, as it offers you zero-emissions driving in electric mode only and impressive performance when both power sources are combined as well.
| Golf 8 Model |
Engine |
RDE2 Compliant |
Fuel |
Transmission |
Output PS |
CO2 Emission g/km |
| Life |
1.0 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
Six-speed manual |
110 |
123 |
| Life |
1.0 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd automatic gearbox DSG |
110 |
117 |
| Life |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
130 |
122 |
| Life |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
130 |
124 |
| Life |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
150 |
126 |
| Life |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
150 |
126 |
| Life |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
6-spd manual |
115 |
117 |
| Life |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
7-spd auto DSG |
115 |
117 |
| Active |
1.0 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
110 |
123 |
| Active |
1.0 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
110 |
118 |
| Active |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
130 |
122 |
| Active |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
130 |
124 |
| Active |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
150 |
126 |
| Active |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
150 |
126 |
| Active |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
6-spd manual |
115 |
117 |
| Active |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
7-spd auto DSG |
115 |
117 |
| Style |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
130 |
124 |
| Style |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
130 |
124 |
| Style |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
150 |
129 |
| Style |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
150 |
128 |
| Style |
1.4 ltr TSI eHybrid |
Yes |
Petrol/Electric PHEV |
6-spd auto DSG |
204 |
21 |
| Style |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
6-spd manual |
115 |
120 |
| Style |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
7-spd auto DSG |
115 |
119 |
| Style |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
6-spd manual |
150 |
121 |
| Style |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
7-spd auto DSG |
150 |
121 |
| R-Line |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
130 |
124 |
| R-Line |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
130 |
124 |
| R-Line |
1.5 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
150 |
129 |
| R-Line |
1.5 ltr eTSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
150 |
128 |
| R-Line |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
6-spd manual |
115 |
120 |
| R-Line |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
7-spd auto DSG |
115 |
119 |
| R-Line |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
6-spd manual |
150 |
121 |
| R-Line |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
7-spd auto DSG |
150 |
121 |
| GTD |
2.0 ltr TDI |
Yes |
Diesel |
7-spd auto DSG |
200 |
136 |
| GTI |
2.0 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
6-spd manual |
245 |
168 |
| GTI |
2.0 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
245 |
167 |
| GTI Clubsport |
2.0 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
300 |
166 |
| GTI Clubsport 45 |
2.0 ltr TSI |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
300 |
168 |
| R |
2.0 ltr TSI 4MOTION |
Yes |
Petrol |
7-spd auto DSG |
320 |
176 |
Road noise and engine drone
While the Golf remains a comfortable and enjoyable car to drive, changes to the chassis have impacted the ride quality, especially on rougher roads, and there is noticeable road noise at higher speeds.