In response to criticism of the outgoing Golf’s poor ergonomics, the touch slider for temperature and volume controls below the infotainment screen has been revised so that it is now backlit and new software ensures faster response times.
The updated Golf also offers Volkswagen’s 360deg View, Park Assist Plus and Park Assist Pro systems as an option for the first time, allowing it to be parked remotely via a smartphone.
The engine range consists exclusively of four-cylinder engines, with all initial models having traditional front-wheel drive.
Included are 114 and 148 PS 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines – with and without mild-hybrid technology – in a quartet of 1.5 eTSI and 1.5 TSI models.
There’s also a reworked 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an extra 13PS (201PS) of power in the upgraded 2.0 TSI – and 20PS more in the 262PS GTI, which is no longer available with a manual gearbox.
Volkswagen hasn’t revealed any performance claims for the GTI, but Wolfsburg insiders say the 0-62mph time is under the 6.2 seconds of its predecessor. The top speed remains limited to 250 km/h.
The diesels get a further developed version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre turbo engine, delivering 114bhp and 148bhp in a pair of 2.0 TDI models.