Volkswagen’s award-winning Golf family receives styling, technology and driver assistance updates across the lineup. Each refreshed model sharpens its looks and adds more value over the outgoing version. The revised Golf family goes on sale this Fall as 2018 models.
The updated exterior design showcases sharper lines, with new bumpers and a new chrome grille. Radiant full-LED taillights and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) come standard, with available full-LED headlights replacing the optional Bi-Xenon headlights in the previous models. Wheel designs and body colors are also refreshed. Interior updates include new trim panels and materials.
Infotainment systems in 2018 model year vehicles now feature larger, crisper touchscreens. Standard 6.5-inch displays replace the 5-inch screens in previous models. SE and SEL trims feature standard 8-inch touchscreens. The new Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, allowing drivers to customize the vehicle information on the dashboards, is standard on the Golf R.
Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) is now available on most SE trims and above, as is Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. The updated version of Front Assist now includes Pedestrian Monitoring. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), ParkPilot, Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist) are also available on some models.
The Golf R, the most powerful Golf model ever to be sold in the North American market, is equipped with an EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI 2.0-liter engine that produces 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque (achieved using premium fuel). The Golf R is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or—new for 2018 and exclusive to Golf R—a seven-speed DSG dual clutch automatic.
New features for the 2018 model year include standard LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs); LED taillights; an 8-inch display for the Composition Media system; Start-Stop for DSG-equipped models; and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.
Standard features retained from the 2017 Golf R model include the 4Motion all-wheel drive system; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Performance Monitor (Sport HMI); Electronic Parking Brake; Drive Mode Select with Race Mode; KESSY keyless access with push-button start; 12-way power driver’s seat; ambient lighting; automatic headlights with rain sensor; heated sport seats with leather seating surfaces; Car-Net App-Connect; Car-Net Security & Service with a six-month trial; SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a three-month trial; Voice Control; auto-dimming rearview mirror; and Climatronic.
New equipment in the 2018 Golf R with DCC and Navigation model includes an 8-inch touchscreen for the Discover Media navigation system and Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring. Existing equipment includes 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with an all-new design for the 2018 model year; ACC; Blind Spot Monitoring; Lane Assist; Light Assist; ParkPilot; DCC suspension control; Car-Net Guide & Inform with a three-month trial and the Fender Premium Audio System.
