Volkswagen launches new Golf in Korea to energize hatchback market

Volkswagen launched the face-lifted eighth-generation Golf in Korea on Friday, pledging to invigorate the hatchback market.

"Volkswagen Korea is here to shake up the market. In a landscape dominated by SUVs and sedans, we bring something different," said Till Scheer, CEO of Volkswagen Group Korea, at the launch ceremony in Incheon. "The first goal of the Golf is clear: to offer an attractive portfolio and become the top choice for our Korean customers."

With a history spanning over half a century, the Golf has become Volkswagen’s best-selling model worldwide. Despite Korea being referred to as the "graveyard for hatchbacks," the model sold over 50,000 units in the country by 2024.

According to Volkswagen Korea, the face-lifted Golf features a bolder design with a sporty image and enhanced driver convenience technology compared to previous editions.

For the first time on a Volkswagen model, the new Golf features an illuminated logo that shines with white LED light. The top-tier Prestige trim is equipped with 18-inch wheels, typically seen on larger segments, giving the car a dynamic appearance.

The hatchback also boasts the widest array of advanced driver assistance systems in the compact segment, including features that assist with acceleration, braking and steering to reduce driver fatigue, as well as automatic light adjustment based on driving conditions, the company said.

With Volkswagen’s turbocharged direct injection diesel engine, the new Golf can travel over 860 kilometers on a single tank, achieving 17.3 kilometers per liter — the best fuel efficiency in its class.

The Prestige trim is priced at 43.9 million won ($30,231), while the base Premium model starts at 40 million won.

Volkswagen has experienced a steady decline in sales in Korea over the past three years. According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association, the brand’s sales dropped from 15,791 units in 2022 to 8,273 units in 2024.

To boost sales, Volkswagen Korea plans to launch new flagship models, including the face-lifted Golf GTI, set for release in June.