At the 2017 New York Auto Show, we finally found out more about the refreshed version of the seventh-generation Golf. All of its versions received a facelift, and every single car in the 2018 Volkswagen Golf family had something changed, so let’s take a closer look.
2018 Golf
Some of the optional features have now become standard on the good old Golf. The base S model can be found with automatic headlights, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, LED running lights and a new front grille. The upper SE model has a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and it also adds a forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. Leatherette seats, keyless access, and blind spot monitoring are carried over from the previous model.
The range-topping Golf SEL has the same infotainment as the SE, but it sports adaptive cruise control, a 12-way power driver’s seat, a sunroof, an auto-dimming mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control. All of these features are standard, while VW offers an optional premium package that includes automatic high beams, LED headlights, a premium audio system, parking sensors and lane departure warning.
2018 Golf SportWagen
The base Golf SportWagen S model comes with a 1.8-liter I4 engine good for 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque that is connected to an automatic transmission. The SportWagen has exactly the same trims and features as the regular hatchback version, and the only difference between the two is that this one has a station wagon body.
2018 Golf Alltrack
The 2018 Golf Alltrack comes with AWD config, extra body cladding and hill descent control as standard. Under the hood of the Alltrack, we have the same engine as in the SportWagen, and regular Golf while the standard transmission is a six-speed manual for S and SE trims, while SEL is equipped with a six-speed automatic, which is offered as an option for the lower two models.
The difference between these three trims is the same as with the aforementioned models. The SE comes with more safety goodies, and a bigger touchscreen and the SEL adds more tech and improves the quality of the cabin. Assistance and lighting package are optional, and they bring the identical features to the ones in the Golf’s premium package.
2018 Golf GTI
The 2018 Golf GTI is different from all the models we mentioned earlier in the article as this one has the engine that produces 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This unit can be combined either with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, and this is up to you. With the automatic gearbox, the GTI S entry-level trim receives a new stop-start system, but you can also find LED fog lights, ambient lighting, and bigger alloys – features not available in the regular Golf.
The middle GTI SE brings full LED headlights with red striping, a limited-slip differential, and Golf R’s brakes to the table. The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard as well as plaid cloth seats. At the top of the range sits Autobahn which adds several features one of which is an adaptive suspension. Driver assistance package is optional, and it consists of lane departure warning, automatic high beams, automatic parking assist and parking sensors.
2018 Golf R
With the 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant that generates 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, we can say that the Golf R is the best in the family. Its unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, but it can be replaced with a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
A new kit is introduced for the 2018 Golf R, and now it brings adaptive LED headlights, start-stop only for models with the dual-clutch gearbox and an 8.0-inch infotainment system. The gauge cluster is replaced with a 12.3-inch configurable display, which is only offered on this model and the e-Golf. Meanwhile, the Golf R with DCC and Navigation trim comes with navigation and adaptive suspension. Every safety feature that is optional on other models in the lineup is standard here.
2018 Volkswagen Golf Release Date
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf family will go on sale this fall in the US.
