--- title: "Refreshed Mk8 Golf With Real Buttons Will Be Revealed in January" description: "The updated Mk8 Volkswagen Golf is coming in a few weeks and should have a new interior with physical buttons." date: "2023-12-28" modified: "2023-12-28" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/refreshed-mk8-golf-with-real-buttons-will-be-revealed-in-january" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen News" tags: - "golf" - "Hatchback" - "Volkswagen" --- # Refreshed Mk8 Golf With Real Buttons Will Be Revealed in January ![]() *Volkswagen* When [Volkswagen]() moved on from the nearly universally loved [Mk7 Golf](), fans weren't entirely happy with the results. The [Mk8 hatch]() brought more controversial looks and a new interior, both of which felt like steps backwards. Thankfully, it seems that Volkswagen has heard your complaints and is making some changes for the updated 2024 Golf, and we should even get a peek at them before the end of next month. Most of the Mk8 Golf's complaints came from inside the cabin. The Mk7 Golf that preceded it had one of the best interiors on the market for the money. Its build and material quality were higher than almost anything else in its price range, and its infotainment system and ergonomics were delightfully simple and easy to use. However, the Mk8 Golf's cabin lacked that thoughtful touch, introducing tons of complexity to its user interface, with touch-sensitive buttons for volume, fan, and steering wheel controls, as well as a lack of illuminated dashboard buttons. ![]() **Volkswagen** The 2024 VW Golf won't be a new model but an "evolutionary development of the eighth Golf generation," according to [Volkswagen](), and it comes just in time for the model's 50th anniversary. With its facelift, the "Mk8.5" Golf, as some have called it, has the opportunity to address most, if not all, of the issues that plagued its predecessor, from exterior design, to interior fit and finish, to assisted driving features and, most importantly, "next-generation infotainment systems and software." This news piggybacks previous statements from VW execs recognizing the need to bring physical buttons back to their interiors. Back in June, [VW CEO Thomas Schäfer said]() touch-button interiors "definitely did a lot of damage" to its customer base. More recently, VW's interior designer [Darius Watola said]() that physical buttons are coming back to all of the brand's interiors, even for EVs. We'll see how much better this updated Mk8 Golf will be in a few weeks when it's finally revealed, and pre-sales are scheduled to begin in the spring. Hopefully when we do finally get some seat time in the new Golf, there isn't a capacitive button in arm's reach. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()