Volkswagen is determined to remain “stone and lime” in the leadership of the C-segment. Since the first generation until now, every year around one million people decide to buy a Golf.
It is the best-selling model in Europe – one of the most demanding markets in the world. And because leadership doesn't happen by chance, Volkswagen has operated a small silent revolution in the Golf for this year.
DID YOU KNOW WHAT? every 40 seconds a new Volkswagen Golf is produced.
Why silent? Because aesthetically the changes were subtle – betting on design continuity is one of the reasons why the Golf has one of the best residual values in the segment.
Some of the changes concern the new front and rear bumpers, new halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, new Full LED headlamps (standard on more equipped versions), which replace the xenon headlamps, new mudguards and new Full LED taillights as standard for all Golf versions.
New wheels and colors complete the updated exterior design.
As for technologies and engines, the conversation is different… it's almost a new model. The Wolfsburg brand has equipped the new Golf with the latest technology from the group. The result will be able to know in detail in the next lines.
the most technological ever
One of the most interesting gadgets of the new Volkswagen Golf is the gesture control system. For the first time in this segment there is the possibility to control the radio system without touching any physical command.
This “Discover Pro” system uses a high-resolution screen with 9.2 inches, which works in partnership with the new 100% digital display “Active Info Display” from Volkswagen – another new feature of this Golf 7.5.
At the same time, the offer of online services and Apps available on board was increased.
DID YOU KNOW WHAT? The new Golf is the world's first compact with a gesture control system.
Of the new App available, the most “out of the box” is the new “DoorLink” application. Thanks to this application – developed by a start-up supported by the VW Group – the driver can see in real time who is ringing his house bell and open the door.
Although many of these features are only available with the “Discover Pro” system, Volkswagen was concerned about expanding the equipment for all versions.
DID YOU KNOW WHAT? the Emergency Assist system detects if the driver is incapacitated. If this situation is detected, the Golf automatically starts the immobilization of the vehicle safely.
The base model – the Golf Trendline – now offers the new “Composition Color” infotainment system with a 6.5-inch high-resolution color screen, “Auto Hold” system (climbing assistant), differential as standard. XDS, air conditioning, fatigue detection system, multifunction steering wheel, leather gearshift handle, new LED taillights, among other equipment.
Click here to go to the model's configurator.
The first Golf with autonomous driving systems
In addition to the novelties in terms of connectivity, the “new” Volkswagen Golf also offers a new range of driving assistance systems – some of them unprecedented in the segment.
Systems such as ABS, ESC and, later, other driving assistance systems (Front Assist, City Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist, among others) became common features for millions of people thanks to several generations of Golf.
DID YOU KNOW WHAT? The 1.0 TSI version of the Golf is as powerful as the first generation Golf GTI.
In the more equipped versions, we can also count on the new pedestrian detection system for the “Front Assist” with emergency braking function in town, the towing assistant “Trailer Assist” (available as an option), and for the first time in this category o “Emergency Assist” (option for DSG transmission).
Emergency Assist is a system that detects if the driver is disabled. If this situation is detected, the Golf starts several measures to try to “wake you up”.
If these procedures do not work, the hazard warning lights are activated and the Golf automatically performs slight maneuvers with the steering to alert other drivers of this hazardous situation. Finally, the system progressively locks the Golf to a complete standstill.
New range of engines
The progressive digitization of the Volkswagen Golf in this update was accompanied by the modernization of the available engines.
In petrol versions, we highlight the debut of the new 1.5 TSI Evo petrol turbo engine. A 4-cylinder unit with active cylinder management system (ACT), 150 hp of power and variable geometry turbo – a technology that is currently only present in the Porsche 911 Turbo and 718 Cayman S.
Thanks to this technological source, Volkswagen claims very interesting values: the maximum torque of 250 Nm is available from 1500 rpm. The consumption (on NCCE cycle) of the versions with manual transmission is only 5.0 l/100 km (CO2: 114 g/km). Values go down to 4.9 l/100 km and 112 g/km with the 7-speed DSG transmission (optional).
In addition to the 1.5 TSI, one of the most interesting gasoline engines for the domestic market continues to be the well-known 1.0 TSI with 110 hp. Equipped with this engine, the Golf accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 km/h. Average fuel consumption is 4.8 l/100 km (CO2: 109 g/km).
The powerful 245hp 2.0 TSI engine is only available in the Golf GTI version. The performances are as follows: 250km/h top speed and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds.
TDI engines from 90 to 184 hp power
Like the gasoline engines, the Volkswagen Golf Diesel versions are also equipped with direct injection turbo engines. The TDIs that are proposed in the market launch phase of the new Golf have powers from 90 hp (Golf 1.6 TDI) up to 184 hp (Golf GTD).
With the exception of the base Diesel version, all TDIs are offered with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
In our market, the most sold version should be the 1.6 TDI of 115 HP. With this engine the Golf offers a maximum torque of 250 Nm available from low speeds.
Equipped with this TDI and a manual gearbox, the Golf accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 198 km/h. The advertised average consumption is: 4.1 l/100 km (CO2: 106 g/km). This engine can optionally be coupled to a 7-speed DSG transmission.
From the Comfortline version onwards, the 2.0 TDI engine with 150 hp is available – consumption and CO2 emissions of just 4.2 l/100 km and 109 g/km, respectively. An engine that takes the Golf up to 216 km/h top speed and fulfills 0-100 km/h in an interesting 8.6 seconds.
With so many engines and versions available, it won't be difficult to configure a Volkswagen Golf 2017 that suits you. Try it here.
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