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2017 Volkswagen Golf revealed


Volkswagen has lifted the curtain on the long-awaited mid-life facelift for its most popular model, the Golf.

While the exterior stylists had a pretty easy time of it, its technical division worked double shifts to jam some pretty impressive kit into what is an everyday hatchback range.

Headlining the updates is the optional inclusion of VW's large Active Display digital dashboard, which replaces traditional instruments with a multi-mode screen. It's also used in the new Passat and Tiguan in higher grades.

A new 1.5-litre petrol engine, a new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox and a bump in power for the Golf GTI are also highlights. 

The facelift is expected to launch in Australia halfway through 2017, with GTI and R variants to follow early in the third quarter.

Exterior

Not a lot has changed at first glance, but VW has added new front and rear bumpers, new trim lines along the front and LED taillights across the range.

New exhaust tip treatments and fresh alloys round off a mild exterior makeover.

The R-Line car in the images also sports LED headlights, replacing the previous bi-Xenons. LED light-equipped cars will also feature the 'sweeping' turn indicators previously seen in Audi models.

New exhaust tip treatments and fresh alloys round off a mild exterior makeover that serves to both soften and modernise the fairly masculine stance of the Golf.

Interior

The Active Display – available as an option on mid grades and standard on higher models, we're guessing – is 12.3 inches in diameter, and features five different screens to pick from, including a full sat nav map.

As well, the multimedia system has been updated, with the range-topping system using a 9.2 inch screen of higher resolution to anchor the system. It's also set to score gesture control in the top-end models, making it the first car in the VW group to get it.

No other changes of note have been made to what is already a class-leading interior.

Drivetrains and transmissions

A new 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection engine will debut in Golf 7.5, making 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque. The new engine, known as the TSI Evo, will even sport cylinder deactivation and a 'sailing' mode (where the engine completely shuts off when off the throttle) to save fuel.

VW says it'll consume 4.9 litre per 100km of fuel, and emit 104 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

It's essentially getting the same engine tune as the GTI Performance has currently.

It will replace the current 1.4-litre petrol unit.

A lower grade version of the same engine known as the BlueMotion will also be offered in Europe, but it's unlikely to make it to Australia.

As well, the Golf GTI gets a power bump from 162kW to 169kW; it's essentially getting the same engine tune as the GTI Performance has currently. 

The Performance, in turn, is likely to get the same engine upgrade that was recently applied to the limited edition GTI 40 Years version, which used a detuned version of the Golf R engine to make 195kW.

  • 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI. 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
  • 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI. 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

There's no word on any changes yet to the diesel line up or the top-spec Golf R.

The new Golf will score extra safety kit, but not all of it will make it to Australian shores. 

Finally, a brand new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox will debut in the Golf, phasing out the current six-speed version.

Safety

The new Golf will score extra safety kit, but not all of it will make it to Australian shores. 

Updates to the adaptive cruise and frontal control systems will see the front radar reduced in size and moved to behind the VW logo on the grille.

New systems including active traffic jam management and emergency assist (which will stop the car completely if it sense the driver isn't in control, or if necessary steer the car to the side of the road) will be added, but may not make it to Australia.

Similarly, trailer park mode may not make it, either, thanks to a conflict with Australian Design Rules; it's kept the system, which allows for hands-free trailer parking as well as trailer sway control, off products like the Tiguan, Passat and Audi Q7.

Is the updated Golf enough to keep it fresh in its segment? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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