Volkswagen has thrown the sheets off its facelifted new Golf - which comes with better tech, sharper styling, and improved efficiency.
We first got a look at the updated Golf earlier this month when VW showed it off in sporty GTI form.
But we can now see what the entire range will look like - including the regular plug-in hybrids and sporty GTE - and while the facelift is a subtle one, there are some obvious tweaks.
On the sportier variants, the outer edges of the front grille now swoop up to encircle the lower cluster of daytime running lights.
Old GTI, below:
New GTI, below:
Across the Golf line-up, the entire front end is more chiselled than before while the headlights are also slimmer, all of which adds up to a more purposeful look. There’s an illuminated VW badge for the first time, too.
VW has also told us a little bit more about the powertrains that’ll be up for grabs when the Golf becomes available to order later this year.
As before, mild hybrid (eTSI), plug-in hybrid (eHybrid), performance plug-in hybrid (GTE, below), turbocharged petrol (TSI) and turbocharged diesel (TDI) Golfs will be up for grabs.
VW says the GTI will have more power than before, but hasn’t let on what that might be.
The big news is that the plug-in hybrids will be able to travel further than ever, with a range of up to 62 miles using electricity alone. That’s a big jump from the previous maximum of around 44 miles.
The plug-in Golfs also feature DC quick-charging function with a 50 kW capacity, up from the previous 40 kW DC.
Another bit of good news is that the Golf Estate will also remain in the VW stable, coming as it does with a bigger boot and added practicality.
Step inside the cabin of the new breed of Golfs and you’ll see a fresh ‘infotainment landscape’, as VW puts it, complete with ChatGPT integration.
In case you’re not down with the kids, ChatGPT is artificial intelligence software that’ll take centre stage in the Golf’s hands-free voice assistance system, where you can tell it to adjust the air conditioning, or to provide you with facts gleaned from the web to help you win an argument with whoever is in the passenger seat.
Depending on which variant you choose to lease, there’s a 13-inch free-standing touchscreen, an enhanced multi-function steering wheel, and new parking assist features which can detect whether a space is large enough for you to fit inside before taking over the entire process, handling the steering, acceleration and braking.
The Golf’s model makeover has also been timed to coincide with the iconic car’s 50th birthday, with the first Golf Mk1 having rolled off the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg at the end of March 1974.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “The Golf has been at the heart of the Volkswagen brand for half a century now, offering affordable mobility for all at the highest technical level. This is precisely what we are now building on with the new evolutionary stage – with even higher efficiency, comfort and quality and a new operating concept. The Golf does not get any better than this.”
We’ll bring you further details as and when they arrive.
And in the meantime, you can lease the current VW Golf from just £193 per month with Select Car Leasing.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 24/01/24.
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