Time and again, we’ve said that we miss having the European model range of Volkswagen in the Philippines. Sure, we have the Transporter and T-Cross here, but the rest of them are China models and not global market cars.
Back then we got a lot of the continental models. It included the Touareg, Passat, Jetta, Golf, Golf wagon (as the GTS), Beetle and Polo. While the Beetle set the foundations of VW, it’s the Golf that defines the brand today.
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Meanwhile, the JDM Toyota Yaris Cross gets a facelift for 2024
In 2023, Monday was the best day to drive around Metro Manila during the workweek
That brings us neatly to the recently introduced facelifted eighth-gun model. It’s just in time too as the Golf celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. Yes Titos and Titas, 1974 was that long ago.
Exterior updates are on the subtle side. This is Volkswagen after all. At the front, there are slimmer headlights with new clusters. These are then complemented by a new set of front and rear bumpers. New wheel design options are part of the 2024 update, along with 3D light graphics on the tail light clusters. A new option added this year is an illuminated Volkswagen badge on the front end.
Volkswagen did a bit of course correction inside. The cabin looks identical to the pre-facelift model. However, the company replaced the haptic touchpad on the steering wheel with good ol’ fashioned (and effective) buttons. Most of the functions are still accessed through the touchscreen, but the buttons on the wheel are a start.
Some might have noticed the larger touchscreen as well. The reason for that is to house the new integrated ChatGPT software installed in most variant. It also comes with a faster processor that VW claims intuitive operation.
Most of the engine lineup is carried over from before. However, new to the range is the improved plug-in hybrid model. The company has made bold claims about it, saying it boasts an electric range of up to 100km. Not only that, the combination of the electric and internal combustion engine gives a theoretical range of 1,000km per fill ups.
Truth be told, we’re not expecting the new Golf or any of the global models coming here soon. Still, it’s not stopping us from at least hoping that it’ll land here.
