2017 Volkswagen Golf Facelift: Standard LEDs, 1.5 TSI Engine, Gesture Control

Spotting the differences now requires level 9000

Described as "a car for everyone and every situation," the 2017 VW Golf facelift debuts four years after the Mk7 generation continued the Golf saga. Since 2012, the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf sold 3.2 million units worldwide.

Powertrain

As expected, visual tweaks are rather scarce, but the car's highlights are the new turbocharged 1.5-liter BlueMotion TSI petrol unit (with active cylinder deactivation and coasting function) good for 130 hp (96 kW) and 4.6 l/100 km NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), automated features, standard full LED headlights and taillights, virtual cockpit with gesture control and larger infotainment display. Quite similar to the Passat's cabin topography.

According to VW, the BlueMotion-governed 1.5-liter TSI unit drinks "one liter less fuel under real-world driving conditions" when compared to its competitors. In addition, the revised Golf offers the same 1.5-liter mill sans the BlueMotion badge, with 150 hp (110 kW) and 200 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm.

NEDC fuel consumption credentials for this engine version stand at 4.9 l/100 km.

"As a world premiere, the 1.5 TSI Evo […] also offers an extended coasting function when the engine is deactivated – completely shutting down the TSI when the driver releases the accelerator."

Furthermore, VW didn't neglect the Golf GTI which now produces 230 hp (169 kW) in standard interpretation – a 10 hp (7 kW) increase, or 245 hp (180 kW) for the GTI Performance version. A new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG) replaces the existing six-speed offering.

Visually, the revised Golf does less to stir away from the pre-facelift version's looks. However, the hatchback sports new front and rear bumpers, revised light clusters all around and new wheel design, probably in the attempt to freshen up a reasonably dull package.

Inside

Facelifting the Golf saw Volkswagen introduce the Active Info Display fully digital instrument cluster developed around a 12.3-inch color screen. Navigation info allows both 2D and 3D graphic, with the driver having the option of choosing between five pre-set profiles: classic, consumption and range, efficiency, peformance and driver assistance or navigation.

Another highlight of the revamp is the gesture control feature, available with the Discover Pro version of the modular infotainment matrix which replaces the previous arrangement.

Therefore, Composition Color uses a 6.5-inch display, Composition Media and Discover Media rely on 8-inch screens while the top-shelf Discover Pro mentioned earlier wraps around a 9.2-inch display.

Safety

Volkswagen insists a lot on the notion of semi-automated driving of the revised Golf. Basically, Volkswagen merged the traits of Lane Assist and ACC (automatic distance control) to create Emergency Assist. If the system detects zero input from the driver in terms of steering, braking or acceleration – suggesting he or she may be incapacitated, the car takes a set of "escalating actions" which culminate with an emergency stop.

The Front Assist feature now includes the City Emergency Braking function and can therefore detect not only vehicles but also pedestrians, including those crossing the street. If danger is detected, the car will first alert the driver then slow down the car on its own.