New Golf sets Volkswagen on course for range overhaul

9:24 am, November 11, 2016

VOLKSWAGEN’S updated Golf marks the start of a huge model offensive that will see the entire range updated by 2020.

Speaking at the unveiling of the facelifted Golf in Wolfsburg, Dr Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said the company would launch 10 new models in 2017, while the line-up will be totally revamped by 2020.

The deluge of new models, which Dr. Diess described as Volkswagen’s ‘greatest product offensive ever, will include a new fastback and a production version of the T-Roc SUV concept shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Dr. Diess said: ‘Volkswagen is gaining momentum, and in 2017 we will be presenting more than 10 new models and major updates. A new fastback will deliver on emotion and the T-Roc will be the next step in our SUV offensive. By 2020 we will have renewed our complete line-up, realising the brand’s greatest product offensive ever.

‘The new Golf marks the beginning.’

This updated version of the seventh-generation Golf will be one of the most technologically advanced variants yet, boasting some autonomous functions, along with a new Digital Cockpit display based on the Audi Virtual Cockpit.

Like the Audi system, the Golf will get a 12-inch screen inside the instrument binnacle, as well as a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. Now more connected than ever, the tablet-inspired Golf’s technology offering will include 3D navigation and Car-Net apps, which link the car to the driver’s smartphone.

Technology will also be used to improve safety, with the Golf’s Traffic Jam Assist programme allowing the vehicle to brake, steer and accelerate automatically at speeds of up to 37mph, providing the driver’s hands remain on the wheel.

Under the bonnet, the Golf will get a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with cylinder deactivation, which switches off two of the four cylinders when the engine is not under load. A new seven-speed automatic transmission has been developed, too, and GTI models will get an extra 10bhp, bringing their outputs up to 227bhp in total.

The all-electric e-Golf has also been updated, with the range extended to 186 miles.

Dr. Frank Welsch, member of the board of management for technical development at Volkswagen, said: ‘The Golf is a class of its own and made innovations affordable for millions of people around the world. Today, with this nice car, we go on with this process; we put premium-class technology in a compact-class car.’

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