PRE FLIGHT BRIEFING VW GOLF

Why is it here?

Since 1974 VW has sold 35 million Golfs, or one every 40 seconds. So a new Golf is a significant waypoint for mankind, not just the business of car making.

Any clever stu ?

Car-to-infrastructure capability, to receive and share warnings of hazards from/ with other vehicles and tra c facilities; optional LED matrix headlights (pictured);

Mobile Key (you can use your smartphone as the key); We Deliver, currently undergoing trials, whereby delivery drivers can leave parcels in your boot via a digital key; and We Upgrade, where features such as adaptive cruise control can be enabled retrospectively.

Which version is this?

There are four trim levels. Base trim; then Life; and the joint range-toppers R Line and Style, as tested here (plusher cabin). The engine range is an evolution of the Mk7 Golf’s, starting with 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrols and extending to a 2.0-litre TDI. New 48-volt mild-hybrid eTSI variants have also joined the range.