2017 VW Golf facelift revealed with more powerful GTI models

With 2017 comes the mid-cycle refresh of the current and 7th generation Volkswagen Golf, bringing more power to the GTI, a racier new GTI Performance model and a 1.5-litre TSI engine for staple models with cylinder deactivation and a 7-speed DSG for the rest of the range.

The facelift will give the Volkswagen Golf minor styling tweaks, including new LED headlights equipped on all models across the range, replacing the familiar bi-xenon arrangement; optional dynamic turn signal lights; revised front bumper flanked by rescuplted cooling vents and a revised bumper at the tail housing new-look exhaust tips. New exterior paint schemes are also on the table along with new alloy wheel designs.

As for details, the lower chrome strip on the radiator grille extends through the LED Daytime Running Lights and will be painted red on the GTI and blue on the GTE. Also, the radar that contributes to the functioning of driver assist systems like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on higher ranks of the Golf portfolio, such as the TDI, TSI, and LNG models, as well as on the hotter GTI and GTD, will be concealed behind the VW logo.

Besides the revised decorative trim panels in the doors, the dash panel and the center console, as well as new seat covers proposed by the “Colour & Trim” design division; fresh in-cabin highlights will include an optional high-resolution 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 1,440 x 540 pixel resolution catering to five different on-screen layouts including “Classic”, “Consumption & Range”, “Efficiency”, “Performance & Driver Assistance” and “Navigation” modes.

The infotainment systems will also get a rework, with the top-spec models getting the ‘Discover Pro’ which will host a larger 9.2-inch with 155 dpi resolution with touchscreen and voice-command functionality; and gesture control – the first of its kind in the compact car segment. Lesser models will also have a screen upgrade from its 5-inch to a larger 6.5-inch diagonal with a 800 x 480 pixel resolution.

On the safety front, the 2017 Golf will be more equipped than ever, aided by Traffic Jam Assist, which is VW’s take on semi-autonomous driving, especially within the city where stop-and-go traffic is prevalent. The assistant will also help diminish the risks of a rear-end collision, while features like Emergency Assist system will also be present and will be capable of initiating emergency braking, if it senses the divided attention of the driver. A new Trailer Assist system can on also be found on the options list.

Propulsion in the refreshed ‘base’ GTI will still be governed by a familiar 2.0-litre TSI engine, but this time around it will churn out as much as 227 hp – some 10 horses more than the current model. VW will also sell a more potent GTI Performance model with 241 hp. In either case, the motor will be coupled to a brand new 7-speed dual-clutch that will replace the existing six-speeder DSG.

Other variants of the Golf will be powered by a 1.5-litre TSI Evo engine producing as much as 147 hp and 250 Nm of twisting force at the crank. It will also benefit from cylinder deactivation technology, reducing fuel consumption to 4.9 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 110 g/km in the NEDC cycle. The more frugal BlueMotion version will make 129 hp and a maximum torque of 200 Nm; while only consuming petrol at a rate of 4.6 l/100km and emitting only 104 g/km of CO2. As standard, this specification of the 1.5 TSI will be aided by a coasting function that will save a further 0.4 l/100 km by switching off the engine, when the right foot is off the gas pedal.

There has been no word of the updated e-Golf with 300-km range and range-topping R model. However, the former is expected to be revealed at the upcoming 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, where more details will be announced. We also await specifications and pricing for the GCC-specific models that will cater to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries.

Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the Volkswagen buyer guide.