2017 VW Golf unveiled at World Premier
Volkswagen unveils its latest version of the popular Golf ahead 2017 spring launch
VW has given the seventh-generation a mid-life facelift at a special event held at Wolfsburg. It’s more of a nip and tuck of the firm’s best seller rather than overhaul.
The new model gets a digital cockpit, automated driving functions, 12.0in infotainment screen with gesture control which can be used to change music tracks.
Key facts – the Golf update in summary
1. Available as 2 and 4-door Golf as well as the Golf GTI, Golf GTE and Golf Variant.
2. The “Discover Pro” infotainment system with gesture control sees the interface of the future make its debut in the compact class.
3. The complete range of infotainment systems has been redesigned and fitted with larger touchscreens.
4. Range of online services expanded; “Guide & Inform” as well as “Security & Service” for models with a navigation system.
5. The spectrum of assistance systems in the Golf democratises progress, featuring Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist for the first time.
6. New generation of TSIs: 1.5 TSI Evo with 110 kW/150 PS and Active Cylinder Management makes its debut in the Golf.
7. Added performance for the Golf GTI: 169 kW/230 PS for the standard version and 180 kW/245 PS for the GTI Performance.
8. Newly developed seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) will gradually replace all six-speed DSGs for the Golf.
9. Front and rear sections with new bumpers. Full LED tail lights; animated indicators for the top-of-the-range version.
10. Brand new LED headlights replace all Xenon headlights for the 2017 model year Golf and Golf Variant.
The Golf refresh follows the pattern of other cars built on the VW Group MQB platform, with a mid-life facelift around this time. In the summer, the Audi A3 was updated, a new Skoda Octavia and Seat Leon has been unveiled.
It comes in the same year that the Golf GTi celebrated its 40th birthday, however, details of the upcoming refresh are scant at the moment, other than to say the updated Golf it likely to hit the road in the first quarter of 2017 and will remain a three and five-door hatchback and five-door estate.
Since its birth, the Golf has found a home with 32.5 million buyers, meaning over its lifespan, a Golf has been bought every 40 seconds somewhere across the globe. Four countries have manufactured the Golf including Brazil, China, Germany and Mexico and the car has been made with five powertrains; diesel, petrol, hybrid, electric and gas.
We’ve taken a look at the history of the Golf with our ‘The Making of a Legend – VW Golf’. Click here to find our more.
