Volkswagen presented a major update of the Golf at the brand’s tower in Wolfsburg today. Key features: enhanced design, new engine technologies, new assistance systems and a new generation of infotainment systems.
As a world first in the compact class, the top-of-the-range “Discover Pro” infotainment system can be operated by gesture control. With its 9.2-inch screen it forms a conceptual and visual entity with the Active Info Display (digital instrument panel), which is also new to the Golf.
The updated Golf is one of the first compact cars to be available with semi-automated driving functions, for instance, the new Traffic Jam Assist function can guide the Volkswagen in stop-and-go traffic.
The potential of the Golf is apparent from the new status quo of the assistance systems: technologies such as Front Assist with new Pedestrian Monitoring, the new Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist, which is also new in this segment, significantly improve safety.
These innovations are accompanied by the enhanced TSI engine family. The new Golf initially sees the debut of the new turbocharged petrol engine “1.5 TSI Evo” – a 110 kW/150 PS four-cylinder engine with variable Active Cylinder Management (ACT).
This will be followed by a BlueMotion version that produces 96 kW/130 PS – also with ACT, as well as a new coasting function, which temporarily completely shuts the engine down while driving. Volkswagen has also boosted the performance of the Golf GTI, which will now deliver 169 kW/230 PS or 180 kW/245 PS (as the GTI Performance). A new 7-speed DSG (dual clutch transmission) will gradually replace all 6-speed DSGs as a high-efficiency gearbox for the Golf.
As mentioned above, Volkswagen presents the update to the two- and four-door Golf, the Golf Variant and the sporty Golf GTI and Golf GTE at Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg. This is where all seven generations of the Golf were developed and where the bulk of the annual volume of up to about a million Golf cars are built. The latest version of the Golf is distinguished by its more precise design. The modifications include new bumpers, new halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, new full LED headlights to replace the xenon headlights, new front wings, new full LED tail lights fitted as standard on every version as well as new alloy wheels.
Advance sales of the 2017 model year Golf will already start at the beginning of December – with prices starting at the same base price, despite higher specifications. Volkswagen will also celebrate the world premiere of the zero-emission version of the Golf – the new e-Golf – with significantly increased range, at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.
