UPDATE: 2026/03/18 11:05 EST Article updated with additional information, quotes, and context.This article has been updated with new information relevant to the future of the VW Golf and VW's multi-powertrain strategy.Aside from the performance-oriented GTI and R models, the Volkswagen Golf has been absent from the US market since the end of the 2021 model year, indirectly replaced by the VW Taos crossover. The Golf still remains the "people's car" in many parts of the world, and recently found itself in the news again after we caught our very first glimpse of the next generation (Mk 9) model's silhouette.Originally anticipated to be replaced with an electric version called the ID. Golf, a recent interview with a Volkswagen UK executive has given us hope that the Golf is likely to live on with a combustion engine. 2028 Will Be A Big Year For The Golf Volkswagen When the new generation of Golf, with the ID. prefix signifying an all-electric drivetrain, arrives in 2028, the Golf will be 54 years old. The Mk 9 will use Volkswagen's modular SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) vehicle architecture, designed to streamline battery cells and software systems across the automaker's brands. SSP is designed for electric powertrains, with the option for a gas range extender.All we have so far of the ID. Golf is a side-view outline image as it was revealed to Volkswagen workers in Wolfsburg last week. That's where the new model will be built, but Volkswagen isn't giving much away other than a longer wheelbase to house the batteries and increase passenger legroom. It looks like an aerodynamic evolution of the Golf, and as inoffensive looking as the new ID. Cross.Volkswagen Combustion And Hybrid Models Confirmed But while the ID. Golf is very much a reality, Volkswagen executives have now confirmed combustion and hybrid models will live on for as long as there is demand.Check out The Drop at our companion site HotCars for a chance to win the Vyper Elite Trio Package, a premium set of garage chairs!The Volkswagen Group has made a significant about turn on its plans to take every model line fully electric, with the likes of Audi and Porsche redeveloping key platforms to accommodate engines as well as batteries. But for the Golf, it seems VW may employ a different tactic, continuing the current Mk 8.5's MQB Evo platform alongside the Mk 9's SSP underpinnings.Since the 2024 facelift, some have dubbed it Mk 8.5, so maybe when the ID. Golf splits off as Mk 9 in 2028, the gas version will get another facelift to closely align it with the new generation."Combustion Golf will continue as long as there are customers who want a combustion Golf. At the moment, looking at the demand, I assume it’s going to be a long period of time."- Martin Sander, Volkswagen’s board member for sales, marketing and aftersalesThat's the quote recently given to Auto Express in the UK. While it doesn't seem like the Golf will come back to the US anytime soon, either as the Golf or ID.Golf, that's good news for everyone else, and it gives us hope that models like the GTI and Golf R could continue with combustion power for years to come, too. There's A Lot In A Name Volkswagen As Volkswagen is determined to make the Golf software-driven hardware, we're going to throw our hat in the ring and suggest that ID. Golf gets a new trim range leaning into current tech industry conventions and the sport it's named after. That could start with the ID. Golf Pro. Which then opens up the door for an ID. Golf Advanced Pro, and an ID. Golf Touring Pro. You're welcome, Volkswagen.Joking aside, Volkswagen is remaining committed to the ID. branding of electric vehicles. “ID. is a really strong brand,” Sander told Auto Express. “There is an ID. community; ID. drivers meet up once a year at Lake Como. This shows that ID. in itself, is becoming a strong brand – we need to think very, very carefully about whether we want to ditch that."Even getting one-percent of ID. owners to regularly visit Lake Como, famous as a destination for the one-percent, seems optimistic. But Sander is realistic about the state of EVs and how Volkswagen is now approaching the segment. "As long as we see customers demanding vehicles with a combustion engine – we are one of the largest car companies in the world, we will offer that. Sooner or later there will be an end date, but right now it is too soon to say," he explains.