Volkswagen has “digitised” the most successful model in the Group’s history with a major update. The main focus of the 2017 model-year Golf is a completely new generation of infotainment systems, along with new engines, sharper design and smarter assistance systems.
As a world first in the compact class, the top-of-the-range Discover Pro infotainment system can be operated by gesture control. With its 9.2-inch screen, it forms a conceptual and visual entity with the Active Info Display, which is also new to the Golf. At the same time, the range of online services and apps has also been enlarged.
The update to the Golf, of which over 33 million units have been sold to date, also reflects a new standard for assistance systems in the compact class. Technologies such as City Emergency Braking with new Pedestrian Monitoring function, the new Traffic Jam Assist (partially automated driving at speeds of up to 60km/h) and Emergency Assist, which is also new in this segment, significantly improve safety.
The progressive “digitalisation” is accompanied by the enhanced EA211 TSI engine family. The updated Golf initially sees the debut of the new turbocharged petrol engine, the 1.5 TSI Evo, a 150bhp turbo 4-cylinder with Active Cylinder Management (ACT). This will be followed by a fuel-efficient BlueMotion version producing 130bhp.
Volkswagen has also boosted the performance of the Golf GTI, the new version of which will produce 230bhp or 245bhp (GTI Performance), coupled with a new 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch gearbox) that will gradually replace the 6-speed DSG as a high-efficiency gearbox for the Golf.
The more refined design of all new versions of the Golf makes a more powerful impression than ever before. The modifications include new bumpers at the front and rear, new halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, new full LED headlights instead of xenon headlights, new front wings, new full LED tail-lights (which come as standard for every version of the Golf), as well as new wheels and colours.
The interior of the 2017 VW Golf is finished off with refined new decorative trims and fabrics. The range of equipment versions of the renewed Golf remains unchanged. 
Read our comparison of Volkswagen Golf 1.4, Opel Astra 1.4 and MINI Cooper 1.5.
Read our comparison of Volkswagen Golf 1.2, Citroen C4 1.2 and Peugeot 308 1.2.
