Unveiled in full U.S. spec at the New York Auto Show, the revised 2018 VW Golf family benefits from a selection of cosmetic and functional enhancements that add visual appeal and bolster value of the base Golf as well as the Alltrack, SportWagen, GTI and hot Golf R. The technology upgrades for all encompass significant improvements on both the comfort/convenience and safety/driver-assist fronts.
Much like the recently updated 2017 eGolf, all 2018 Volkswagen Golf variants feature a recast front bumper and new chrome grille accents plus standard daytime running lights and full LED taillamps. Previously optional Bi-Xenon headlamps can now be replaced with available full-LED alternatives, which are now standard on the GTI SE/Autobahn and Golf R models. In addition to several new exterior colors, the 2018 Golf brigade also boasts restyled alloy wheels. Inside, the better-appointed cabins have new trim and accents while increasing the size of the standard 5.0-inch center touchscreen to 6.5 inches—which expands to an 8.0-inch display on SE and SEL trim grades. The range-topping Golf R now comes with VW’s slick driver-selectable Digital Cockpit instrument cluster.
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Delivering more driver confidence
On the safety front, most 2018 Golf SE/SEL trims will offer forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking as well as blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert as options with the latest iteration of the front assist adding pedestrian monitoring. Depending on trim grade, 2018 Golf models either come with or offer adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, park distance control, park steering assist and high beam control as well as keyless access and Fender Premium Audio system.
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Powertrain changes for the 2018 Golf are modest. The sole revision of note is that all flavors of GTI now come with the previously optional Performance Package that bumps maximum pony count of its 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine from 210 to 220. The Golf/Golf Alltrack/Golf SportWagen carry over existing 170-horsepower/1.8-liter turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder engines and the Golf R with 4Motion AWD maintains its potent 292-horse/2.0-liter TSI turbo. The 2018 Volkswagen lineup — including the unchanged eGolf — arrives in dealer showrooms this fall with pricing announced later.
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