Photo: Volkswagen
After yesterday's online leak, Volkswagen took the wraps off the Golf mid-life facelift today, as was originally planned. The model is being called the 7.5 generation, a bit like Porsche's new 911 is the 991.2.
We find that they did more in the cosmetic department and less on the engineering front, which is highly unusual for Volkswagen. That's not to say we don't like their work. In fact, this is one of the most sophisticated yet attractive cars in the compact segment. It's going to make the Peugeot 308 (and the Octavia) look like a pig!
The model we've all fallen in love with is the Golf R-Line. No, it's not the full-fat hot hatch with over 300 horsepower, but a stunning body kit that will be available with regular engines.
The R-Line package usually also adds sports suspension and bigger wheels, so it should handle differently too. Large air intakes with black trim define the front of the car, while the back gets two trim pieces that look like exhaust pipes... but aren't. Not sure how we feel about that one, but the A-Class is the same.
Just like the Leon facelift, the 2017 Golf (might be called the 2018 Golf in America) features standard LED taillights. But they might be slightly different depending on the model, just like with the Passat.
Speaking of the Passat, 7.5-generation Golfs are now available with full-LED headlights. The system has a lot of similar components to the Passat and Tiguan, which is great for the brand identity.
The changes to the interior are predictable but very good. You can now order the Golf with a digital dashboard that does all the tricks people love on the Audi TT, including putting the map in the middle. We're not going to bore you with all the safety systems. Instead, let's just mention that the infotainment screens are available in 6.5, 8 and a gigantic 9.2 inches. Some can be controlled using simple hand gestures, which must make the BMW 7 Series feel uncomfortable.
There's bound to be a slightly better TDI in the press release somewhere, but all we care about is the 1.5 TSI that replaces the 1.4. It's got both a variable geometry turbo and cylinder deactivation, so Volkswagen must be hoping every customer wants one. The 150 PS version of the mill is said to achieve 4.9 l/100km on the combined cycle (57.6 mpg), but there's a 130 PS model that's slightly more efficient.
"The main focus is on a completely new generation of infotainment and connectivity. No other compact car is smarter, safer or more interconnected," said Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management. "Volkswagen is gaining momentum. In 2017, we will be presenting more than ten new models and major updates. By 2020, we will have renewed our complete line-up."
The model we've all fallen in love with is the Golf R-Line. No, it's not the full-fat hot hatch with over 300 horsepower, but a stunning body kit that will be available with regular engines.
The R-Line package usually also adds sports suspension and bigger wheels, so it should handle differently too. Large air intakes with black trim define the front of the car, while the back gets two trim pieces that look like exhaust pipes... but aren't. Not sure how we feel about that one, but the A-Class is the same.
Just like the Leon facelift, the 2017 Golf (might be called the 2018 Golf in America) features standard LED taillights. But they might be slightly different depending on the model, just like with the Passat.
Speaking of the Passat, 7.5-generation Golfs are now available with full-LED headlights. The system has a lot of similar components to the Passat and Tiguan, which is great for the brand identity.
The changes to the interior are predictable but very good. You can now order the Golf with a digital dashboard that does all the tricks people love on the Audi TT, including putting the map in the middle. We're not going to bore you with all the safety systems. Instead, let's just mention that the infotainment screens are available in 6.5, 8 and a gigantic 9.2 inches. Some can be controlled using simple hand gestures, which must make the BMW 7 Series feel uncomfortable.
There's bound to be a slightly better TDI in the press release somewhere, but all we care about is the 1.5 TSI that replaces the 1.4. It's got both a variable geometry turbo and cylinder deactivation, so Volkswagen must be hoping every customer wants one. The 150 PS version of the mill is said to achieve 4.9 l/100km on the combined cycle (57.6 mpg), but there's a 130 PS model that's slightly more efficient.
"The main focus is on a completely new generation of infotainment and connectivity. No other compact car is smarter, safer or more interconnected," said Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management. "Volkswagen is gaining momentum. In 2017, we will be presenting more than ten new models and major updates. By 2020, we will have renewed our complete line-up."
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