2020 Volkswagen Golf almost ready

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf hatchback has entered the final phase of testing, with the German car-maker releasing a camouflaged mule of a close-to-production prototype to prove it.

According to Volkswagen's head of design, Klaus Bischoff, the eighth instalment of the Golf will feature "visual DNA" shared with the original small hatch, but its design's finer details and elegant proportions ensure it will be a "genuine eye-catcher."

Technical highlights are still thin on the ground but, according to Volkswagen, the next Golf will enter a new age of "electrified drives, a digitalised and connected interior world, assisted driving and online-based functions and services".

Originally, the Golf was supposed to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next month, but that was pushed back after reported concerns among senior Volkswagen execs that it might steal the all-new I.D.3 EV's thunder, with the pure-electric hatch given priority and the humble hatch's release pushed back.

Now set to be revealed late this year before its European release in early 2020, with sales commencing in Australia late next year, the new Volkswagen Golf 8 will be wider and fractionally longer than the current car but no taller, as revealed previously by numerous leaks and spy shots.

Under the bonnet the next Golf will feature electrified powertrains with both the car-maker's new 12-volt and more sophisticated 48-mild-hybrid systems set to slash CO2 emissions while boosting acceleration.

The powertrains will be headlined by a mildly updated version of the current Golf 7’s 1.5-litre TSI ACT (Miller Cycle) four-cylinder engine that gets cylinder-on-demand technology, variable valve timing and lift, and both direct and indirect fuel injection.

A tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine will also star, as well as an all-new 1.5-litre diesel. At the top of the diesel line-up will be the EA 288 EVO 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The flagship petrol model, meanwhile, will be a new VW Golf GTI that's tipped to get the latest version of VW’s 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, codenamed EA888 – expect at least 190kW.

An even more powerful R version will follow.

Both a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be offered with all-wheel drive available on the most powerful models.

Although it's set to shed around 50kg thanks to its updated MQB EVO platform, some of the weight will be re-added because of the heavier hybrid components.

Inside, cabin space will be similar to the current car but the next Golf is primed to feature class-leading new tech, including permanent internet access providing unmatched levels of connectivity.

The new Golf will also feature a huge array of semi-autonomous driving aids, including the Volkswagen Group's latest Traffic Jam Assistant.