The facelifted Volkswagen Golf will be revealed in November with a host of improvements to keep the model ahead of the game.

Volkswagen’s iconic Golf, now in its seventh generation, is going under the knife and the facelifted model will undergo several changes to ensure its ongoing relevance and popularity. The hotly contested C-segment hatchback market has seen several high-profile introduction in recent years, in the shape of the Peugeot 308, Opel Astra and new Renault Megane.

Although exact details are yet to be revealed, reports suggest that the Golf will gain minor exterior changes in the form of revised bumpers, headlights and taillights and a possible tweak to the grille.

Inside, interior materials are likely to be revised and it has reportedly been confirmed that the Golf will gain a larger, first-in-class, 9.5-inch infotainment display that will feature gesture control. You can also expect a largely“buttonless” cabin and the instrument cluster will likely be replaced with a smaller 8-inch screen.

New hybrid derivative, uprated powerplants

In terms of powertrains, reports are also suggesting that the Golf will offer a 48V mild-hybrid system that will include a 1.0-litre turbo and supercharged 3.0-cylinder petrol engine along with a starter motor/generator and energy recovery system. Existing engine options will in all likelihood be revised to offer more power and improved fuel economy.

Reports are also filtering in that Volkswagen will be reducing the number of Golf derivatives on offer in an effort to cut costs and the Golf cabriolet may be relegated from the range, but this is yet to be confirmed. Volkswagen may even decide to reduce the number of powertrain options to place more emphasis on its hybrid offering. Reports suggest that we may see two new 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engines, as well as a smaller 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine join the range, but that is just speculation for now.

As for definitive details on the facelifted Volkswagen Golf, you will have to wait until November for the official reveal. A local VWSA spokesperson has confirmed that the VolkswagenGolf will be launched in South Africa in the second quarter of2017.

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