2017 Volkswagen Golf 7.5 new car review

A new Golf is a big deal.

As the most important offered by what is now the world's largest car company, Volkswagen's small car finds almost one million new homes around the world each year.

There have only been seven clear generations of the car in 43 years, and the eighth isn't likely to arrive until 2020 or so. 

While this isn't really a "new" Golf, the march of technology is such that Volkswagen felt obligated to introduce a half-step between generations to keep the car on par with rivals.

Volkswagen Australia calls the result Golf 7.5, a car that "democraticises technology" by bringing fresh kit to the booming compact car market. External changes are slim ? there are new LED head and tail lamps and reworked lower bumper treatments, as well as reshaped front guards that match the fresh facades with a sharper crease over restyled wheels.

It's a similar story under the bonnet, where VW Australia will press on with existing 1.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel options instead of adopting a new 1.5-litre engine designed to meet increasingly strict CO2 requirements in Europe.

Instead, the news comes from fresh tech such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces conventional clocks in the driver's eyeline. Fully customisable to display a range of widescreen maps, vehicle data, entertainment options and more, the Golf joins the latest Tiguan and Passat - as well as the likes of Audi's TT and R8 sportscars - in offering first class instrumentation. 

There's also a new 9.2-inch central infotainment display that does away with physical buttons, including a volume knob, while introducing gesture control for the first time. Unlike BMW's more sophisticated system, Volkswagen's stereo recognises just two gestures - a broad swipe to the left or right that can skip to the next track, change radio station or access further menu options - you can't adjust the volume or accept a phone call without physically touching the screen or steering wheel. It's also a little inconsistent, requiring more of a driver's attention than a simple knob or button. VW insiders say there was an internal scrap between form and function surrounding its stereo, and that designers eventually won the battle, creating an aesthetically appealing cockpit that further elevates Volkswagen above the likes of Mazda and Ford.

The tech doesn't stop there, as high-end models equipped with active cruise control (in a sensor now hidden behind the VW badge, rather than sitting in an awkward box in the lower drills fascia) now have basic autonomous driving abilities in traffic at low speed. While the system works best with bold lane markings and other cars nearby to provide strong reference points, and the self-steering element isn't suited to sharp bends, it is pleasing to see once-exclusive technology trickle into affordable models. 

That said, much of the above will likely be optional extras or restricted to cars that cost more than $30,000. 

Volkswagen has not released final prices and specifications for Australia, though it says prices will rise to accommodate additional equipment such as autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection systems fitted as standard across the range.

The entry point will climb by at least a few hundred dollars to pay for 16-inch alloy wheels to replace standard steel wheels and hubcaps, as well as a more powerful 110kW/250Nm engine that usurps the 92kW/200Nm unit in the outgoing model.

That 1.4-litre unit was already a fixture in medium and high-spec versions of the seventh-generation Golf range. While overseas markets get a new 1.5-litre motor that uses marginally less fuel to make identical 110kW and 250Nm outputs, the brand's local arm didn't want to add significant cost to the price of its core model for little benefit to consumers.

We drove the new motor at the car's international launch in Mallorca, and found it is a smooth and willing performer that doesn't really move the game on from the 110kW motor already offered locally. 

Our test also brought an opportunity to drive the brand's 110kW diesel offering, an engine offered exclusively with a new seven-speed dual-clutch "DSG" automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. 

Remarkably quiet on the road, the diesel unit offers impressive refinement to match improved fuel economy brought on by an extra gear in the transmission. 

But it's not as sweet to drive as the lighter, fizzier petrol version, and the additional up-front cost (and, let's be honest, "dieselgate" baggage) is likely to make the diesel appeal to a fairly narrow corner of the market. 

Whichever engine you choose, the Golf retains outstanding on-road manners anchored by composed ride, excellent body control and crisp steering response. 

It remains a benchmark for refinement, belying its compact dimensions with mature manners to match bigger vehicles.

Set the gadgets aside, and it's clear that Volkswagen's revisions are much less than a wholesale update to the marque's best-selling model.

But that's not necessarily a bad thing, as the seventh-generation Golf is already one of the best cars in its class.

Volkswagen's updates are likely to help keep the brand on top of rivals in Europe and beyond, adding to the key model's appeal.

In that sense, the Golf 7.5 probably is a big deal.

• View the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI review

2017 Volkswagen Golf 7.5 pricing and specifications

Price: TBC (from about $25,000 drive-away)

Engines: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 110kW at 5000-6000rpm or 110kW at 3500-4000rpm (diesel)

Torque: 250Nm at 1500-3500rpm or 340Nm at 1750-3000rpm (diesel)

Transmission: Six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive. 

Fuel use: 5.4L/100km or 4.3L/100km (diesel)