Golf 8.5 - you saw it here first!

[jon87]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C12UJFepsPR/?igsh=MWV4cnoxajlmN2MwaA==
 
what's happening with the rear turn signal? 

I think they look funky! Would look better at night.

Looks like it's confirmed there won't be a manual gearbox for the facelift, so guaranteed to have a much higher starting price for a basic GTI.
https://www.motor1.com/news/703820/volkswagen-golf-manual-gearbox-dead/

[Dogman12]

Looks a bit "too much" ? 

[clarky92]

Looks a bit "too much" ? 

Have they seriously butchered the lower grill to get the radar down there again as they want the badge to light up at night?

[WelshGolf]

meh. Looks alright, just don't know why it needs the massive openings at the bottom... Oh I know why, so you can get your hand in there to pull the leaves out! Mine currectly has a trees worth inside that I can't get to 

[Al1040]

Plenty of revenue headed their way for replacement Radar sensor and AC radiators from stones due to being that low  and the size of the gaps in the lower grill!
I remember back in the Mk6 days where they had an inner grill to stop stones in poorer countries, think we need to bring that back with the state of our roads!

[Hertsman]

Still a year away before start looking at next car in earnest (After 15 years of company leases, this be my last) but now have seen a few MK 8 R and Clubsport in the wild now, definitely like what seeing, my ongoing dilemma would be ending up with a software lemon, so have been waiting on the MK 8.5 and really like the camouflaged to what presume is the Clubsport.

Personally not opposed to the new central screen, more real estate is never a bad thing, and there is some design in curvature and the bezel, and think would get used to it pretty quick, with it seems from Thomas initial review, improved and stable O/S (Of course, to be proven) as the main winner for me. As well as back lit controls.

Think its a shame gone backwards from haptic steering functions aesthetically and can only imagine there must be a technical reason?

Think be pitching at a Clubsport given we have AWD in the family with a 2019 R

Think the only way can personally access a MK 8.5 Clubsport would be via lease, which is major departure for me as always bought personal cars and would be stepping into that arena taking as much advice as is available, but my company cars are pay as go, so quite happy with the concept.

[SRGTD]

Looks a bit "too much" ? 

Definitely a bit too much and adds a touch too much aggressiveness IMHO, along with a touch of ugliness.

Have they seriously butchered the lower grill to get the radar down there again as they want the badge to light up at night?

Butchered indeed! Just looks a bit odd and unfinished IMHO.

meh. Looks alright, just don't know why it needs the massive openings at the bottom... Oh I know why, so you can get your hand in there to pull the leaves out! Mine currectly has a trees worth inside that I can't get to 

Those large gaps will certainly be a magnet for leaves and other road debris. As you’ve said, at least it should be relatively easy to get a hand in to remove unwanted items.

Plenty of revenue headed their way for replacement Radar sensor and AC radiators from stones due to being that low and the size of the gaps in the lower grill!

Agree. Even the gaps in the honeycomb section of the lower grille are large enough to let through some pretty large projectile stones. Those gaps along the bottom are almost boulder sized!

[Dogman12]

Definitely a bit too much and adds a touch too much aggressiveness IMHO, along with a touch of ugliness.

I've never liked too aggressive mods of Golfs. When they look like the previous generation Civic Type-R, where you feel like a 15-year-old guy who just finished playing Need For Speed Underground.

[monkeyhanger]

Plenty of revenue headed their way for replacement Radar sensor and AC radiators from stones due to being that low  and the size of the gaps in the lower grill!
I remember back in the Mk6 days where they had an inner grill to stop stones in poorer countries, think we need to bring that back with the state of our roads!

That sparse and open front grille at the bottom looks like it is missing a piece of trim. My S3 also has the radar sensor at the bottom like the MK7 Golf (although it is shaped like the hexagonal grille cut outs so blends in better), as does our Cupra Born. Completely agree that the radiator and AC compressor will take a pounding from high speed stones.

[willni]

I actually really like the more aggressive styling of the 'proposed' clubsport. You have to bear in mind the clubsport isn't meant to be the little black dress that fits into all occasions like the GTI. I'd definitely consider moving up from my 7.5 if it weren't for the drab interior, but who know's maybe I'll change my mind.

I still don't understand the stuck on iPad look, especially with all the space underneath. Integrate it into the dash and stop being lazy, the 2020 3 series made a great job of it along with have air con controls, radio buttons, wireless charger and 2 cupholders.

If they even followed the previous A3 design architecture (fully retractable screen into the dash) and made the screen 50% shrinkable into the dash with only the essentials on it, it would appeal to a lot more people.