Better efficiency and new tech for updated Volkswagen Golf

The new Volkswagen Golf has been revealed with a lightly updated exterior design but big advancements inside.

There are four powertrain options in the form of petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

In terms of electrified options in the UK, only the more powerful GTE plug-in hybrid model will be available.

Promising 242bhp, this latest generation version has a new 13kWh lithium-ion battery for increased electric-only range.

Meanwhile, three mild hybrids will be available with petrol engines, using 48-volt technology to cut consumption by around 10%.

The exterior is familiar when compared with the previous generation, but particularly at the front, there are key design differences.

For example, the new, narrower headlight design houses LED technology, while each panel has been tweaked to reduce its drag coefficient.

Inside, the changes are more evident, with the large twin-screen set-up standard on all models.

Numerous controls are now digitalised, which has decluttered the dashboard giving a cleaner appearance.

Volkswagen’s We Connect Plus is included free for the first three years of ownership, bringing streaming and other online features to the car.

It also includes voice control and an integrated Alexa system to ask questions and communicate with compatible devices at home.

Driver assistance includes a smart cruise control function that can steer, accelerate and brake automatically at speeds of up to 130mph, emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring.

There are four trims available for the UK called S, SE, SEL and R-Line. Standard equipment includes a 10-inch infotainment screen, LED headlights and taillights, and various driver aids.

Volkswagen is keen to introduce performance trims early, saying the GTI, GTI TCR, GTD and R models will join the line-up in 2020.

The new Volkswagen Golf comes in four powertrain options including a plug-in hybrid version.