Report: VW Golf Mk8.5 Set For Debut with Special 50th Anniversary Edition

VPCM will reportedly debut the facelifted Golf Mk8.5 in our market this year, set to arrive with a special 50th anniversary model.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has a pretty big plan for 2024, as the firm is set to further expand its product lineup in Malaysia. Speaking during the Touareg R-Line CKD launch event yesterday, VPCM managing director Denyu Bostandzhiev presented the firm’s future plans for our market, including the introduction of the Golf Mk8.5.

VPCM MD Denyu Bostandzhiev presenting the firm's 2024 plan, which includes a massive 50th birthday bash for the Golf model.

Denyu said the firm is planning on something big to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf this year, with the production of VW’s most popular model starting back in 1974. While the VPCM boss did not explicitly mention this, all evidence points towards the introduction of the new Golf Mk8.5 into our market, possibly along with a special 50th anniversary edition model.

Facelifted 2024 Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5

This beloved hatch just received its mid-life update globally earlier this year, where the Golf Mk8.5 comes with slimmer headlights with VW’s proprietary IQ. Light matrix LED is offered as an option, redesigned LED taillight with C-shaped segments, as well as some minor bodywork updates.

Meanwhile, the GTI Mk8.5 gets an angrier front face featuring a “fanged” front bumper design with five hexagonal fog lamps while riding on new two-tone alloy wheels with spoke designs inspired by the GTI Mk5’s original wheels.

VW has brought back physical buttons and controls for the steering wheel of the Golf Mk8.5

More changes take place on board, as the Golf Mk8.5’s cabin now comes with several improvements, much of which were driven by poor feedback from customers and media alike. This includes the new 12.9-inch infotainment screen with ChatGPT integration that promises snappier performance than the previous unit, illuminated climate control sliders, and physical buttons on the steering wheel, ditching the haptic touch ones for good.

On the performance side, the Golf GTI Mk8.5 employs the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol mill as its predecessor. Now bestowed with a slight power boost, said four-pot mill boasts an improved total output of 262 HP. Unfortunately, this hot-hatch only comes with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, with the six-speed manual no longer offered as an option.

VPCM currently offers the pre-facelift Golf GTI Mk8 CKD - the sole Golf model on sale in Malaysia.

In our market, VPCM currently offers the pre-facelifted, locally assembled (CKD) Golf Mk8 in the sole GTI hot-hatch form. With said model making its local debut more than two years ago, we’d reckon it is timely for VPCM to replace it with the newly-facelifted one, which we’re hoping to come any time this year.

Aside from the Golf Mk8.5, we might also get the special Golf Edition 50 this year.

As for the special 50th anniversary model, it is possible that VPCM might bring the special Golf Edition 50 in commemoration of the half-centenary anniversary of its beloved nameplate.

Currently offered in several international markets, the Golf Edition 50 is built upon the standard Golf TSI model instead of the GTI hot-hatch. As its name suggests, this commemorative hatch comes with a special “50” emblem on its B-pillars and steering wheel, as well as special Edition 50 door sill scuff plates.

So folks, what’s your take on this revelation? Would you like to see the updated Golf Mk8.5 set ashore in our market soon? Or are you more excited about the manic Golf R CKD model, which is due for release any time soon? As always, don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below…