The Golf line-up gets a humble facelift across its range. This includes the Golf hatch, Alltrack, SportWagen, GTI and the R. Some models get just the cosmetic updates, while the others get changes under the hood. Although they are mere updates and not new models altogether, the changes are significantly prominent to differentiate them from the older versions.

There are a few common changes across the range - the LED DRL's being made standard on all models, slightly tweaked LED Tail-lights which complement the all-new rear bumper, rain sensing wipers, and automatic headlamps. The interiors get a new infotainment touchscreen, which according to Volkswagen, feature the latest software and react faster to touch inputs.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

Kudos to Volkswagen for making continuous changes all across its range. While other manufacturers generally follow a mid-life facelift once in the product's life span, VW keeps tweaking its cars which not only keep the cars fresh but also invoke customer's attention. Perhaps, the competition must tear a page from VW's book (you listening Ford, Kia?). That being said, the changes to the Golf line-up surely differentiate them from the earlier models. The best part is how Volkswagen tries all permutations and combinations - like introducing the 7-speed DSG transmission from higher cars, or trickle down the Performance Package to the standard trims, etc. and succeeds almost every time. Despite being a model that is in production for 44 years now, it still feels fresh and new due to these little updates and upgrades from time-to-time.

Facelift breakdown for each VW Golf trims:

ids=744058,551902

no_overlay=true>


The Golf hatch gets a 1.8-liter, turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower. It is mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed DSG. The Golf is available in two trims - S and SE. The S gets 15-inch "Lyon" alloys while the SE gets 16-inch "Toronto" wheels. In addition to that, the SE also gets full LED lights, fog lights, and panoramic tilting sunroof over its sibling-counterpart.

ids=744057,620944

no_overlay=true>


The Wagons from the stable - Alltrack and Sportwagen - come in 3 trims - S, SE and SEL. Not much of an upgrade here except for the LED DRL's, Automatic Headlamps, and a fresh, new shade of green. The SE and SEL trims get the updated 8-inch touchscreen.

ids=744076,548996

no_overlay=true>


The GTI comes with a 2.0-liter unit returning 220 horsepower; 10 hp more than the earlier version. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG. The GTI comes in three trims - S, SE and Autobahn. All features that were in the Performance pack can now be seen in the SE and Autobahn models (like the tire size, larger breaks, etc.,) as standard. The Golf GTI gets major updates in terms of safety. The SE and Autobahn get the VAQ Electronic Limited Slip Differential, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning. Over and above this, the Autobahn trim also gets Lane departure warning, High beam control, and updated maneuver braking, to name a few.

ids=744071,744664

no_overlay=true>


The hottest of the lot, the Golf R comes with the same specifications under the hood as before; 2.0-liter engine generating 292 horses. But, the facelift now offers the seven-speed DSG transmission instead of the previous six-Speed automatic, along with the standard six-speed manual. The Golf R features special LED headlights and 19-inch aluminum alloy rims called the "Englishtown" which , according to VW, are specially designed for enthusiasts. Apart from this, the Golf R also gets VW's trademark DCC Adaptive Cruise Control with Navigation and 4Motion (All Wheel Drive). On the inside, the car gets the new 8-inch infotainment system with VW's Digital Cockpit.

How much is this gonna cost?

Golf Hatch

$21,760 (six-speed manual) or $22,860 (six-speed auto)

Golf SportWagen

$22,535 (five-speed manual) or $23,635 (six-speed auto)

Golf SportWagen 4Motion

$24,785 ( manual) or $25,885 (six-speed auto)

Golf Alltrack

$26,845 (six-speed manual) or $27,905 (six-speed DSG)

Golf GTI

$27,265 (manual) or $28,365 (six-speed DSG)

Golf R

$40,635 (six-speed manual) or $41,735 (seven-speed DSG)


References

Volkswagen Golf

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R.