The report in a German magazine, says the new Golf will be lower, wider and look very different from the current seventh-generation hatchback with new design features including restyled front and rear lights.
It is reported that Volkswagen will also offer new safety options in the Golf, including automatic parking and automatic braking with pedestrian recognition.
A heads-up display and Mirror-Link, which allows drivers to access and use smartphone apps via the car's touchscreen display will be carried over from the larger model.
Like the current Golf, the new model will be based on VW Group's generic MQB architecture that underpins models including the SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3.
To cut fuel consumption, Volkswagen is working on new greener engines for the Golf and has cut the overall weight of the new hatchback by 50kgs (110 pounds), the report said.
Volkswagen made no comment on the German magazine's report.
