2017 VW Golf set for July debut

The new Volkswagen Golf is set to continue the brand's trend for "democratising technology" by introducing features rarely seen on cars that cost less than $100,000.

Set to go on sale in July, the updated car introduces touchless gesture control first introduced on the 2015 BMW 7-Series, as well as self-driving traffic jam assistance features usually found in Audi luxury cars.

Officially named Golf 7.5, the new model represents a half-step based on the seventh-generation hatch first introduced in 2013, rather than the all-new eighth-generation model that is due in 2019.

Australian examples of the new Golf will feature a higher level of standard kit than before, with 16-inch alloy wheels set to join an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and a reversing camera as standard equipment on the entry-level model.

That car will also benefit from a more powerful 110kW engine currently offered in mid-grade and top-spec models. Volkswagen isn't prepared to talk about prices for the new model yet, except to say that there are likely to be modest price increases across the board. 

Top-tier technology such as the self-driving traffic autopilot mode, wide-screen digital dash board and new 9.2-inch infotainment display with gesture control will likely fetch an addition premium, even in well-equipped Comfortline and Highline models.

The new model features sharper styling at the front and rear, including tail lamps optimistically described by the brand as "more charismatic" than the existing units.

Near-identical mechanically to the existing car, the Golf will retain a choice of manual or dual-clutch "DSG" transmissions that drive the front wheels in 110kW form. The updated Golf GTI benefits from a more powerful 169kW engine (up 7kW) pinched from the well-regarded GTI Performance model.

Once again, the sole 110kW turbo diesel engine in the lineup will be restricted to top-end Highline trim, available exclusively with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Volkswagen's local arm elected not to introduce an all-new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine into the range as the driveline was deemed too costly for Australian buyers, particularly as it was engineered specifically to meet stringent CO2 emissions targets that don't apply in Australia.

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