Nadya Eka Lestari
TechInAfrica — Volkswagen has announced that the VW Golf 8 will be launched in South Africa in 2020, with some impressive technology inside and out.
Speaking on an occasion at the early of October, CEO Herbert Diess, revealed that the Golf 8 will be fully connected 24/7. This means that the vehicle will rely on state-of-the-art technology to make the driver’s journey more interesting and enjoyable.
Owners of the VW Golf 8 will be treated to fuel-saving technology, autonomous driving tech, safety assistance systems, and online services. Speaking about the upcoming launch of the Golf 8, VW’s small car boss, Karlheinz Hell, mentioned that “it will have more software on board than ever before. It will always be online and its digital cockpit and assistance systems will be the benchmark in terms of connectivity and safety.”
Innovative hybrid system
The Golf 8 will also use mild-hybrid technology. “Mild-hybrid systems will play a major role in the next generation of Golf; that will be the first application,” Diess said.
This technology is particularly impressive as it feeds energy gained while braking to the battery for later use, reduces the car’s emissions, and can even save fuel. Despite mild-hybrid technology is a relatively new type of technology in the auto industry, certain models of Audi, Suzuki and Mercedes have it installed already.
Postponed launch
The Golf 8 will be on sale across Europe at the end of 2019. Unfortunately, drivers in South Africa won’t be able to purchase one until well into 2020. Although no official explanation for the delay has been announced, the autonomous technology in the Golf 8 may be part of the reason.
There is currently no law that permits autonomous vehicles on South Africa’s roads, although the minister of transport has identified the need for this to be reviewed. As such, the delay in the Golf 8 launch provides sufficient time for this to continue.
Source: itnewsafrica.com
