Volkswagen has handed its seventh-generation Golf a bit of a facelift, comprising exterior styling tweaks, an updated (and now optionally tech-filled) cabin and the first of a new range of engines.
So, what have we learned about what many are calling the VW Golf 7,5? Well, here are five key points you should know…
1. There’s a new engine (and more to come)
Yes, the Wolfsburg automaker says it has “enhanced” the EA211 TSI engine family, with a new turbocharged petrol four-pot the first to arrive. This so-called “1,5 TSI Evo” unit makes 110 kW and 250 N.m (the latter from just 1 500 r/min). Interestingly, it features cylinder deactivation technology, allowing VW to claim a consumption figure of 4,9 L/100 km. A BlueMotion version of this engine (making 96 kW and 200 N.m) will be added at a later stage, complete with an extended coasting function that sees the engine deactivate when the accelerator is released.
2. The GTI gets more oomph
Volkswagen has also seen fit to use this facelift to add a smidgen more power to its popular Golf GTI. The standard version’s 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine will now make 169 kW (an increase of 7 kW), while the GTI Performance’s output will rise to a handy 180 kW. VW has yet to reveal the effect this slight increase in grunt will have on the GTI’s performance figures.
3. It’s packed with new tech
The updated Golf will be available with digital instrumentation (thanks to the brand’s 12,3-inch Active Info Display), larger touchscreens and gesture control. Yes, gesture control. This last function can be used to scroll through the main menu, change radio stations, or flip through a playlist. New or improved safety features, meanwhile, include traffic jam assist (allowing partial autonomy), a new pedestrian monitoring function, a nifty trailer assist feature and an updated park assist system.
4. There’s a new DSG ‘box
Volkswagen says it has developed a new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which will “gradually replace” all of the six-speed DSGs used in the current Golf. This is the transmission that will have to be specified if the buyer wishes to use the traffic jam assist function mentioned above. VW has revealed very little about the new gearbox, but it does state that the extra cog will help to cut emissions.
5. It’ll be in SA next year
Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that local introduction of the updated Golf is scheduled for the second quarter of 2017. Expect to hear more about the updated local range and pricing closer to the time…
