Earlier today, Volkswagen unveiled its newly-updated version of the Golf. On the surface it mightn’t look all that different, but underneath the skin there’s a whole host of tweaks, twists and new toys.
Chief among these is an all-new infotainment system with some really neat tricks up its sleeve, along with a new digital instrument cluster and smart tech that’ll make the pre-facelift version look positively Mesolithic.
Here’s the five coolest headline features of the updated Golf that you need to know about. Buckle up, ‘cos things are about to get awesome.
1. It’s the first self-driving Golf
One of the coolest and - who are we kidding? – most brilliant developments on the facelifted Golf is the fact that it can autonomously drive itself through traffic jams.
Stuck in yet another M25 hold-up? Activate the Traffic Jam Assist mode, which uses a combination of the lane departure warning system and the active cruise control to guide itself along the lane at speeds of up to 37mph.
It’s only available on cars which have got an automatic gearbox and, like other cars with similar systems, you have to pay close attention at all times. Still, we reckon it could go a long way towards reducing traffic jam frustration.
2. It’s got Tony Stark-style gesture control
Remember how in the Iron Man films, Tony Stark has those cool holographic computers which he can control with his hands? Well, the new Golf’s got one of those. Kind of, anyway.
Buyers can specify the upgraded Discover Pro infotainment system, which comprises a 9.2-inch glass touchscreen that drivers can navigate through by swiping their hands in mid-air.
Gesture control is a big part of Volkswagen’s plan for the future, so expect forthcoming VWs to come with even greater functionality, for example changing the audio volume by twisting your hand.
3. It remembers the little things
It’s always nice when somebody remembers the little things you like, like when your husband brings home a bottle of your favourite wine or if your mum gets you that video game you wanted for Christmas.
The new Golf does something similar, thanks to a personalisation system that remembers everything from your preferred seating position to how warm or cool you want the air conditioning, and even what your favourite kind of music is.
Drivers can program this into the infotainment system, and when you unlock the car with your key it’ll automatically set itself up just how you want it. Share the car with someone else? No problem, they can get their own personal key and the car will remember their preferred settings too.
4. Even its engines are ridiculously smart
It’s probably come as no surprise to anyone that Volkswagen is now pushing a petrol engine as its flagship choice of motor, rather than a diesel. What is surprising is just how smart the new engine is.
It’s called the TSI Evo, and along with a variable geometry turbocharger and direct injection, this 1.5-litre engine can also shut down two of its four cylinders when it’s not running at full power in order to save fuel.
You can have it with outputs of 128bhp or 148bhp to start with, though it’s likely more versions will be added later, and Volkswagen claims you can wring as much as 61.4mpg out of it, impressive figures for a turbo petrol.
5. The Golf GTI is now hotter than ever
Look, we’re under no illusions that a great many people won’t be reading updates about the new Golf just because they want to find out what the sketch is with the go-faster versions.
To that end, they won’t be disappointed: the iconic Golf GTI now gets 10 extra horsepower as standard, raising maximum output to 227bhp. That’s the same as the pre-facelift Performance Pack version, while the new Performance Pack model now comes with a whopping 242bhp.
Rest assured there is an updated Golf R on the way too, though there are no solid details about that one yet. According to rumours though, the R could see output swell to as much as 414bhp, even more than the now-cancelled R400 special edition was to have.
