Updated Volkswagen Golf Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

The Volkswagen Golf is an icon. Launched in 1974 it was an immediate success and huge change from the Beetle that came before. However, in a world where SUVs reign supreme, recently there has been much speculation that, like other familiar models like Ford’s Focus and Fiesta, there will come a time when we bid farewell to the Golf. However, at the age of 50 its not ready for retirement just yet. The 2024 model will gain a nip and tuck at the front and back, some much needed tech upgrades, and a plug-in hybrid option with an improved all-electric range.
• The Golf is one of the most well-known mid-size hatchbacks. Popular the world over, more than 37 million have been sold since launch. •. The latest update receives newly updated infotainment system which addresses some of the issues with the system used in VW’s ID range. It also gets new parking aids and ChatGPT integration. • There will be a plug-in hybrid option that can do approximately 60 miles of fully electric range. • Available this year. • Cost have not been confirmed.

The overall design has not changed much with the latest update. The Golf will remain available as a hatchback and as an estate, both of which will feature a tweaked front design including an illuminated VW badge in the centre of the bonnet. Other external feature changes are an option for LED matrix headlights with a beam range of 500m and a new design for the rear taillight clusters.

Following the feedback about the touch-sensitive sliders for temperature and volume controls backlighting has been introduced so you should now be able to find them in the dark. We recently had problems with the touch sensitive steering wheel controls in an ID.Buzz, so are pleased to see the updated Golf has gone back to using traditional physical buttons. Thank you, Volkswagen! The infotainment system has also received an update, so hopefully this makes navigating it more intuitive. It now also has a new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Not only should it be able to turn on your heated seat, but it will also be able to help you cheat in quizzes by answering general knowledge questions.
New parking assistance technology will also be featured on the latest Golf. There will be a 360-degree parking camera and a function enabling the Golf to complete both parallel and bay parking manoeuvres by itself. You’ll also be able to guide the car in and out of tight spaces using an app on your smartphone. This might sound disconcerting at first, but it could come in very handy.

A new plug-in hybrid option offering up to 62 miles of all-electric range will be available. This should be good for company car drivers hoping to get the benefit-in-kind tax benefits due to the lower emissions. If you are disciplined about charging, it could provide enough range for you to do most of your journeys on electric power alone.
There’ll be nine engine options to start with, and more options will be added throughout the year. So far, we have been teased with images of a GTI and glimpses of an R-Line version. We know there will also be a GTE model, a mild hybrid, and turbocharged petrol and diesel engines will remain in the line-up. Volkswagen has said there will be more information to follow as further models are introduced.

The Golf currently starts at just under £27,000 so we expect the updated version to be about the same.

Volkswagen has recently launched a new Passat which only comes as an estate and is available to order now. Like the Golf, it too will have the new IDA voice assistant and a plug-in hybrid option with approximately 60 miles of electric range.

Though production of the Ford Focus set to end next year it will still offer competition for the Golf for now. The Vauxhall Astra and the Peugeot 308 will also remain close rivals.