German auto giant Volkswagen it seems is digitalising the most successful model in the brand’s history, the Golf, with a major update. The main focus of the 2017 model is a completely new generation of infotainment systems, besides new engines and a keener design.
The major update of the 2017 Golf is visible inside thanks to the all-digital display and control concept. It is based on the new Active Info Display and the first infotainment system with gesture control to be offered in a Volkswagen. The Golf’s Active Info Display is a fully digital instrument cluster with 12.3-inch colour display. The navigation information can be displayed in 2D or 3D. Information on driving, navigation and assistance functions can be integrated into the graphics of the speedometer and rev counter. Depending on the model, the graphics can be customised: in the Golf GTI, for example, the graphics use GTI red as a contrasting colour, while the Golf GTE uses GTE blue to help the instruments blend in with the look of the plug-in hybrid. The Active Info Display is available as an optional extra for all versions of the Golf as an alternative to analogue instruments.
The 2017 Golf is also the first ever compact vehicle to come with gesture control. It will be available with the top-of-the-range version of the modular infotainment matrix (MIB) as soon as the new model year is launched. Volkswagen has replaced all of the existing infotainment systems in the Golf with a new generation of the MIB.
Besides the all-new tech, the 2017 Golf also features the enhanced EA211 TSI engine family. The highlight of the range is the all-new 1.5 TSI unit with around 145bhp. This will be followed by a BlueMotion version producing 130bhp. Volkswagen has also boosted the performance of the Golf GTI, the new version of which will produce 230bhp and 245bhp (GTI Performance). What’s more, a new 7-speed DSG will gradually replace the 6-speed DSG as a high-efficiency gearbox for the Golf.
The 2017 Golf range including the three-door, five-door, GTI, GTE and estate versions, will go on sale in February next year in Europe.
