Volkswagen has unveiled its facelifted Golf, which brings subtle updates to styling as well as a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and seven-speed DSG, and latest infotainment and assistance technologies.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf

Minor design changes include new bumpers at the front and rear, halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, new full LED headlights instead of xenon headlights, updated front wings plus new full LED tail lights, which come as standard.

The interior brings changes to the decorative trim panels in the doors, the dash panel and the centre console, as well as new seat covers.

Bigger changes come in the form of new technologies and infotainment systems, including the top-of-the-range ‘Discover Pro’ system, which comes with a 9.2-inch screen and can be operated by gesture control – said to be a first in the class. Across the range, Volkswagen has replaced all of the existing infotainment systems in the Golf with a new generation featuring a new design and larger touchscreens.

The new Golf also debuts the optional Active Info Display, providing a fully digital instrument cluster with numerous interactive functions via a 12.3-inch colour display. Five different information profiles cover: ‘Classic’, ‘Consumption & Range’, ‘Efficiency’, ‘Performance & Driver Assistance’ or ‘Navigation’.

The Golf also brings an updated App Connect service that can now also integrate CarPlay  and Android Auto into vehicle infotainment systems.

New and updated driver assistance technologies include City Emergency Braking with new Pedestrian Monitoring function, the new Traffic Jam Assist (offering partially automated driving at speeds of up to 60kph) and Emergency Assist, and the Park Assist 3.0 semi-automated parking and manoeuvring, which now enables drivers to park forwards semi-automatically in parking bays. The proactive passenger protection system (PreCrash) has also been refined.

Engine line-up sees the launch of a new 150hp 1.5 TSI ‘Evo’ four-cylinder turbo with Active Cylinder Management. This will be followed by a 130hp BlueMotion version. Golf GTI models also gain increased performance. No other details of the petrol line-up have been released and no diesel models announced.

The 2017 Golf also brings a new seven-speed DSG that gradually replace the six-speed DSG.