Volkswagen Golf gets a refresh in its 50th year
Volkswagen has pulled the covers off its reworked Golf range which is available to order on April 11.
With a nip-tuck type facelift, updated infotainment systems and a more potent GTI, here’s everything you need to know.
Volkswagen Golf fast facts
- Tweaked styling gives a lower look
- Plug-in hybrid range improved
- GTI gets more potent
- Refreshed infotainment offerings
- Available to order April 11
Volkswagen Golf styling
Externally, you’ll need a pair of eagle eyes to find any significant differences compared to the old car. The Golf has always evolved over time rather than drastically changing what has always been a winning formula in the looks department. and the new model is no exception.
The headlights are now slimmer than before, and the front bumper now incorporates a more prominent finned grille intake. This helps the car look lower and achieves a sleeker look.
At the rear, changes are even less dramatic. There’s another redesigned bumper, with the diffuser and trim given a more angular look. But by and large it’s business as usual – a range of new alloys are on offer too, with 16in, 17in, 18in and 19in available, depending on the model in question.
Volkswagen Golf interior and tech
Step into the cabin and it becomes much more obvious than this is a “new” Golf. The infotainment system has been refreshed and is now a larger floating unit. All models come with a 10.4in touchscreen as standard, although you’ll be able to spec a 13in screen if you so wish.
The biggest change in the way it operates – the updated car gets a completely new system which appears to be much more user friendly to use than before. The vivid screen provides clear and detailed menus and is much more responsive too.
Trim-wise, things are much the same – but that’s no bad thing. Dimensions in the cabin are identical too, ensuring the Golf remains one of the most practical family hatchbacks available.
Volkswagen Golf drivetrains
A number of improvements ensure the new Golf’s engine line-up keeps pace with the competition. As ever there’s a range of petrol, plug-in hybrid and diesel models.
The range opens with two 1.5-litre petrol offerings which produce 120hp and 150hp respectively. Unlike some rivals, they can still be specified with a manual gearbox too – or an automatic DSG version is also available that adds mild-hybrid tech too.
The plug-in hybrid models use the same 1.5-litre unit but add a battery pack and electric motor. Both the e-Hybrid and GTE can now travel more than 60 miles in electric-only mode – a significant improvement over the outgoing model which could manage around 40 miles.
Two diesel options are offered – a 2.0-litre unit offered with either 120hp or 150hp. The former is only available with a manual gearbox, while the more potent option gets an automatic gearbox.
Finally, the R-Line is available with the 1.5 TSI 150 PS manual or the 1.5 eTSI 150 PS with DSG.
Volkswagen Golf GTI 2024
VW hasn’t forgotten about the GTI either. The new model retains the 2.0-litre petrol engine, but power has been boosted to 265hp. Exact specs are to be confirmed, but we’ll bring you more info on the all-new GTI as soon as we hear it.
Volkswagen Golf release date
The latest iteration of the Volkswagen Golf can be ordered in the UK starting from April 11th, marking half a century since the inception of the original model, which kickstarted one of the automotive industry's most remarkable success stories. With the R-Line available to order a little later on this month, as that is available from April 25.
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