2017 VW Golf (render)
Although the facelift was
described as “extensive”, don’t expect any substantial design changes; some
minor detail tweaks here and there should suffice. Nonetheless, most of the
changes will reportedly be under the skin. According to Auto Express, VW’s head
of powertrain development, Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neußer, confirmed that the upcoming model
will feature gesture control technology, paired with a new infotainment system
– a first in its class.
A larger, hi-res 9.5-inch
screen will replace the current display on the center console, while a smaller
8-inch screen will take over the functions of the conventional instrument
cluster, while the entire cabin will offer a more “button-less” experience.
But if that’s not
interesting enough, Autocar reports that the 2017 Golf will be so heavily
updated, that it will actually be regarded as the eight-gen Golf. Moreover, it
will allegedly feature a new 48 V petrol mild-hybrid system as its main
powertrain option. It may sound farfetched, but the move will actually be in
tune with Volkswagen’s mission to concentrate on electrifying its fleet.
The powertrain won’t be a
conventional hybrid, though, as it will comprise the company’s 1.0-litre,
turbocharged and supercharged three-cylinder petrol engine, and a starter
motor/generator (used together with an energy recovery system). Basically, the
belt that connects the starter motor to the engine will be used to aid the
latter when it requires extra oomph, while the energy recovery system will feed
the supercharger.
As usual, these are
rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt, but we’ll find out more the
next month.
