MOTORING NEWS - The refreshed Golf GTI with more power will reach South Africa in the second quarter of 2017.
Right after a few leaked images emerged of the face-lifted Volkswagen Golf, which is expected to land on our shores in 2017, the automaker has revealed its refreshed Golf Mk7 that boasts subtle styling tweaks and LED headlights replacing the bi-xenon setup of the current Golf.
Looking at the photos, the engineers made fewer changes on the outside compared with the inside of the car.
For the 2017 Golf, the front fascia has been made wider thanks to the stretched chrome strip on the lower grille. The rear of the car will now come with full-LED taillights. At an additional cost, the three- and five-door body styles will be offered with sweeping turn signals.
A slightly remodelled rear bumper, a new look for the exhaust tips, some with fresh body colours and alloy wheel designs round off the exterior changes.
Volkswagen says a 12,3" entirely digital instrument cluster will be available at extra cost. It will have about the same functionality as the larger Passat.
The face-lifted Golf is the first model in the compact car segment to be available with gesture control fitted with Discover Pro infotainment. Other models from VW's portfolio will get the technology next year.
In terms of engines, the 162kW, 2,0 TSI powering the standard GTI has been dropped to make room for the 169kW version which will now serve as the entry-level model. For a little more zip, VW will sell you a beefier GTI Performance model with 180kW.
In addition, the engineers from Wolfsburg have developed a brand-new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to gradually replace the existing six-speed DSG. Lesser versions of the Golf will be available with a new and thriftier 1,5-litre TSI Evo engine producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque.
The GTI will reach South Africa in the second quarter of 2017. As for the range-topping R model, it should follow shortly thereafter to complete the family portrait.
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