First two days with a new Golf facelift style150 etsi

[SimonGC]

Hi, I picked up a new facelift 8.5 Golf style 150 etsi yesterday, (13 weeks from order), trading it in for my old 2020 MK 8 (same spec). The old Mk 8, after software disasters and a new steering wheel, had finally settled down in the last year or so without any issues, but I remained apprehensive at going through all that malarky again.

My first impressions of the new model are as follows:

• MiB4 Infotainment unit and associated software 2460 is a lot better and faster
• 360 degree camera parking system (my only extra) works well and flicker free
• Engine has no cover and no dipstick (oil level status via infotainment screen)
• Engine appears to have no starter and seems to use the 48V electric motor for cold and hot restarts as per the stop start system. Uncanny, it seems to start from cold like a switch
• Overall build quality much the same as the former model, gloss black centre console
• Seems a tad quieter but that is subjective and could be because it is new
• Speed recognition and driver awareness can both be modified or switched off completely but revert back after ignition is turned off/on. However, it is only a one or two click procedure which I think can be done on the move. Not the nightmare I anticipated. If you have assist systems up via the dashboard you can switch them off via the steering wheel.
• Travel Assist is quite different, via the steering wheel mode button (the old travel assist button) you select either speed limiter, ACC, or travel assist. Speed limiter is unchanged, ACC works as before but it seems with no annoying passive lane assist (not in centre of lane message). Switch to Travel assist mode and the ACC and adaptive lane assist are permanently on. If you want to go back to ACC only, just change the mode selection, no need to disengage the whole lot and vice-versa for restarting travel assist. This is all achievable whilst leaving lane assist turned on via the infotainment screen. I think this is much better.
• The illuminated VW front badge is very bright, bling lovers will like it I guess
• No bongs or error messages so far, although it will take some time before trust is restored

Hope I got all this correct, I have only had three drives but I know there are some out there who might be grateful for some real feedback

 

[Carlosfandang0]

Hi, I picked up a new facelift 8.5 Golf style 150 etsi yesterday, (13 weeks from order), trading it in for my old 2020 MK 8 (same spec). The old Mk 8, after software disasters and a new steering wheel, had finally settled down in the last year or so without any issues, but I remained apprehensive at going through all that malarky again.

My first impressions of the new model are as follows:

• MiB4 Infotainment unit and associated software 2460 is a lot better and faster
• 360 degree camera parking system (my only extra) works well and flicker free
• Engine has no cover and no dipstick (oil level status via infotainment screen)
• Engine appears to have no starter and seems to use the 48V electric motor for cold and hot restarts as per the stop start system. Uncanny, it seems to start from cold like a switch
• Overall build quality much the same as the former model, gloss black centre console
• Seems a tad quieter but that is subjective and could be because it is new
• Speed recognition and driver awareness can both be modified or switched off completely but revert back after ignition is turned off/on. However, it is only a one or two click procedure which I think can be done on the move. Not the nightmare I anticipated. If you have assist systems up via the dashboard you can switch them off via the steering wheel.
• Travel Assist is quite different, via the steering wheel mode button (the old travel assist button) you select either speed limiter, ACC, or travel assist. Speed limiter is unchanged, ACC works as before but it seems with no annoying passive lane assist (not in centre of lane message). Switch to Travel assist mode and the ACC and adaptive lane assist are permanently on. If you want to go back to ACC only, just change the mode selection, no need to disengage the whole lot and vice-versa for restarting travel assist. This is all achievable whilst leaving lane assist turned on via the infotainment screen. I think this is much better.
• The illuminated VW front badge is very bright, bling lovers will like it I guess
• No bongs or error messages so far, although it will take some time before trust is restored

Hope I got all this correct, I have only had three drives but I know there are some out there who might be grateful for some real feedback

Good to hear it’s been glitch free thus far. I do hope however, that the EA888 in my GTI when it arrives, has a dipstick, it really bothered me that my old F40 M135i didn’t have one.

 

[Maturedriver]

I have got a new Mk8.5 GTE on order. Delivery expected probably early October. Can you clarify how to turn off Intelligent Speed Assist. Currently I turn off the annoying Lane Assist by tapping the button on the end of left stalk, a window appears on the dash showing a list of things that can be turned off, and then I press the OK button on the steering wheel to turn it off. Is the Intelligent Speed Assist now on the list and can it be also turned off in the same way?

 

[SimonGC]

I have got a new Mk8.5 GTE on order. Delivery expected probably early October. Can you clarify how to turn off Intelligent Speed Assist. Currently I turn off the annoying Lane Assist by tapping the button on the end of left stalk, a window appears on the dash showing a list of things that can be turned off, and then I press the OK button on the steering wheel to turn it off. Is the Intelligent Speed Assist now on the list and can it be also turned off in the same way?

There seems to be no "Intelligent Speed Assistant" as reported, just the original speed warning system, the only difference being that any changes made will default back to "on" at restart, as with lane assist. There is no longer a selector button at the end of the left stalk, however, if you press OK on the R/H steering wheel button it brings up the assist systems on the L/H dash display. You can then scroll and turn them off as required like before, without using the infotainment screen. I wonder if the draconian intelligent version which has been mooted does not appear on UK cars?

It seemed that with just ACC only selected, without going to IQ travel assist on mode selection, the annoying tug on the steering wheel and not driving in the centre of the lane didn't happen . I will check out, from the dash display whether passive lane assist (the annoying one) is running in this mode next time I am driving. If it is, then it certainly seems less intrusive than before. Early days, I will report back

 

[Maturedriver]

Pleased to hear that the Intelligent Speed Assist is easy to turn off and isn’t too intrusive if one forgets to turn it off. I don’t make a habit of breaking the speed limit but for three miles between where I live and a main road it is a 60mph speed limit but on the dash of my existing Golf it shows 30mph. If the new car displays the same I would be the cause of much road rage.

 

[Carlosfandang0]

There seems to be no "Intelligent Speed Assistant" as reported, just the original speed warning system, the only difference being that any changes made will default back to "on" at restart, as with lane assist. There is no longer a selector button at the end of the left stalk, however, if you press OK on the R/H steering wheel button it brings up the assist systems on the L/H dash display. You can then scroll and turn them off as required like before, without using the infotainment screen. I wonder if the draconian intelligent version which has been mooted does not appear on UK cars?

It seemed that with just ACC only selected, without going to IQ travel assist on mode selection, the annoying tug on the steering wheel and not driving in the centre of the lane didn't happen . I will check out, from the dash display whether passive lane assist (the annoying one) is running in this mode next time I am driving. If it is, then it certainly seems less intrusive than before. Early days, I will report back

I had loan of an 8.5 style for a few days a couple of weeks ago, I’m 99% sure it had the assist button on the end of the stalk, as i thought I used it to turn of lane assist! I may have confused that with a separate car though, as i have been in and out of various VW’s this month.

 

[SimonGC]

I had loan of an 8.5 style for a few days a couple of weeks ago, I’m 99% sure it had the assist button on the end of the stalk, as i thought I used it to turn of lane assist! I may have confused that with a separate car though, as i have been in and out of various VW’s this month.

Mine has no button on the stalk, sales chap said they were deleted on new model. However, mine is a Style perhaps other variants are different?

 

[Nickand]

Hey, thanks for the impressions!

I have the same model that you used to have (1.5 eTSI Style) and I would like to ask if you feel that the upgrade is justified. Does it drive any differently? Have you noticed any difference in road noise? Have they fixed the problems with the rattling?

I've also replaced the steering wheel recently and I'm contemplating if I should just sell it and either upgrade to an 8.5 or buy something else entirely.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SimonGC]

Hey, thanks for the impressions!

I have the same model that you used to have (1.5 eTSI Style) and I would like to ask if you feel that the upgrade is justified. Does it drive any differently? Have you noticed any difference in road noise? Have they fixed the problems with the rattling?

I've also replaced the steering wheel recently and I'm contemplating if I should just sell it and either upgrade to an 8.5 or buy something else entirely.

Thanks in advance!

It was a difficult decision buying another Golf Mk8, albeit an 8.5, my main concerns were reliability and software issues. Only one week since taking delivery, so it is too early to comment on these aspects, but OK so far.

The car drives essentially the same as the old one, road noise about the same, perhaps a tiny improvement but probably only because it is new. No rattles but my old one was not plagued by this. The software and infotainment screen are an improvement.

No owners manual, more a small pamphlet of no use whatsoever. The tyres are Nexen (Korean) instead of my previous Continental and Michelin, no engine cover etc. VW are trying to save money wherever they can, although, to me, none of these things are deal breakers.

I looked at other makes but couldn’t find the right mix of specification, engine, features etc. that was right for me. If you are expecting the MK8.5 to be a vast difference or improvement you will be disappointed, if you found the old MK8 generally OK when everything worked as it should (which it didn’t always) the MK8.5 could be OK.

With regards to reliability and software issues, ask me in a years time.

Good luck

 

[Maturedriver]

No owner’s manual? Did the dealer fail to supply one or do you have to download one? If it’s the latter I’m not impressed.

 

[SRGTD]

The fifth post down from the top of the page at the link below might be of interest to new and forthcoming mk8.5 Golf owners.

https://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/42943-golf-mk85r-news-and-chat/page/107/

Hopefully a one-off isolated case and not a carry over of the mk8’s software issues to the mk8.5……. .

 

[Carlosfandang0]

No owner’s manual? Did the dealer fail to supply one or do you have to download one? If it’s the latter I’m not impressed.

I was using an 8.5 style for a few days several weeks ago, it had a full blown owners manual in the glove box.

 

[LMWT]

I was using an 8.5 style for a few days several weeks ago, it had a full blown owners manual in the glove box.

On a few items raised in the past few posts - I took possession of new MK8.5 "Edition 50" eTSI last week.

The button on the lights stalk is gone, it's functions are now accessed via the steering wheel RHS buttons (see below) one I used to switch off is Lane Assist, but it's not as intrusive as it was on my previous MK8 Diesel, now often don't switch it off.

The steering wheel RHS buttons - there are only two views now but Driving Data, Nav Map and Assist Systems can be scrolled through / selected on either view.

As with the MK8 the speedometer / square info panels can be turned off / on by pressing and holding the view button.

Additional feature from MK8 car locks when walk away in addition to unlock on approach (both or either if selected)

Return of the safety triangle + first aid kit.

No spare wheel, my MK8 had.

No user manual supplied - just a very shortened version including 4 pages of symbols.

Anything I come across that may be of interest, I'll post a message.

P.S. the mild hybrid system appears to kick in regularly cycling through Normal Fuel Consumption, 2-Cylinder Mode and Coasting - has anyone any comments on this as it's my first automatic with this.

 

[Carlosfandang0]

On a few items raised in the past few posts - I took possession of new MK8.5 "Edition 50" eTSI last week.

The button on the lights stalk is gone, it's functions are now accessed via the steering wheel RHS buttons (see below) one I used to switch off is Lane Assist, but it's not as intrusive as it was on my previous MK8 Diesel, now often don't switch it off.

The steering wheel RHS buttons - there are only two views now but Driving Data, Nav Map and Assist Systems can be scrolled through / selected on either view.

As with the MK8 the speedometer / square info panels can be turned off / on by pressing and holding the view button.

Additional feature from MK8 car locks when walk away in addition to unlock on approach (both or either if selected)

Return of the safety triangle + first aid kit.

No spare wheel, my MK8 had.

No user manual supplied - just a very shortened version including 4 pages of symbols.

Anything I come across that may be of interest, I'll post a message.

P.S. the mild hybrid system appears to kick in regularly cycling through Normal Fuel Consumption, 2-Cylinder Mode and Coasting - has anyone any comments on this as it's my first automatic with this.View attachment 309581

Nice looking 8.5 there @LMWT, I do rather like those wheels, did you know that the 5 inserts on them can be swapped to a different colour / style, or completely removed? Some good info there as well. I guess the stalk button wasn’t in the 8.5 I drove then, and must have been in a different model I used,
I totally agree that lane assist was nowhere near as obtrusive as the current model,
But there was definitely a user manual, I honestly thought it was as thick as the current Mk8 offering!?

 

[LMWT]

Nice looking 8.5 there @LMWT, I do rather like those wheels, did you know that the 5 inserts on them can be swapped to a different colour / style, or completely removed? Some good info there as well. I guess the stalk button wasn’t in the 8.5 I drove then, and must have been in a different model I used,
I totally agree that lane assist was nowhere near as obtrusive as the current model,
But there was definitely a user manual, I honestly thought it was as thick as the current Mk8 offering!?

Thanks Carlosfandang0

Those wheels!
Firstly had no choice with the Edition 50 here as was with the all dark interior and they're 18" wearing Bridgestone Touranza tyres. From pictures online I initially thought I would be getting grey inserts (negative) they're actually black gloss (positive)
Yes I discovered from a French review on YouTube that they were actually inserts, plastic and removable, but not that they came in black also, that review showed them removed from two wheels. Do you know if the grey/slate and black are the only colours and if another style could be two tone?
Apparently the inserts are there to help with the car's aerodynamics, also saw them on a Touareg in the local showroom.
Not sure yet about the printed manual, I have found the latest Owner's Manual online from VW and it covers the latest models as the snips below show, AFAIK those Ventura style wheels are not available anymore here or in the UK. Online manual is available by entering the VIN.

Final word for now - not a fan of all the piano black gloss paint / plastic finishes especially inside the car, would prefer a matt or even a patterned gloss finish.