Top 10: things we know so far about the new Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen has shown the latest version of its iconic family hatchback, the Golf. It’s an update of the current model - the seventh generation since 1974, should you care – and you wouldn’t be alone in looking at it and thinking ‘what’s the difference’?
But there are many - and some of them are very significant changes. Our top 10 takes you through everything you need to know. Apart from prices. Volkswagen hasn’t announced those yet, and probably won’t until early 2017.
The infotainment is improved
The main change – the thing Volkswagen is most trumpeting, anyway – is a big improvement in the driver displays. For a start there’s a fully digital instrument binnacle now, again for top-end models and no doubt optionally on more basic stuff, while the top-end infotainment setup, called Discover Pro, can be operated using hand swipe gestures.
It means that with, say, a mid-air horizontal swipe of the arm can be used to change radio stations. The screen size is larger than ever too (9.2 inches), higher resolution (1280x640p) and it’s more neatly integrated into the dashboard thanks to a flush glass cover.
Paul norbury on 11 November 2016
Golfs are overrated rubbish and are trading on their reputation of the past .the mk2 golf was one of the best cars ever made after that it was all downhill .ford are where vow used to be .IrishNeil on 12 November 2016
fiish on 12 November 2016
Fair comment, the interior quality of VW group cars, even the SEATs and Skodas, these days, is great and refinement is one of their biggest appeals.
However, under the bonnet it seems to be a different story; just head to the Good & Bad section of the VW Golf reviews on this website for the last 3 generations of Golfs. All, even the Mk7 whose oldest cars on the road are under 4 years old, have lost stars from their review due to mechanical or electrical problems.
Martd on 14 November 2016
Years ago, Fords and Vauxhalls were rubbish and BMW's, Audis and Volkswagens were far better.Over the years, the former have improved greatly whereas the latter have been mass produced and suffer considerable problems ( plenty unbiased reviews). The cost of running BMW's etc is considerable, and they are no longer as reliable as claimed. In short, they are over-rated by those with scant mechanical knowledge. I have run and maintained Vauxhalls (Cavaliers, Astras and Corsas) for years and have had no major problems with any of them. If you want a "quality" marque and badge you will certainly pay through the nose for it. Batteries charging only on the overrun? Hugh!
corinthian on 14 November 2016
I bought a new one, a ' Match' , petrol 1.4 in October 2014 , and kept it until April this year. It did everything fairly well , was reasonably quick and economical but had too much gadgetry for my liking. The electronic handbrake is just a pointless gimmick , and the start stop system only works when it feels like it. The worst part is it's so dull to look at and bland to drive. I got back to having a bit of fun and bought one of the new 1.5 Mazda MX 5s .
CanAmSteve on 15 November 2016
Not getting any prettier, either. A design that will age quickly, I suspect. But pretty exclusive at least you hardly ever see a Golf on the road nowAdd a comment