Volkswagen has announced its latest Golf model, which features its newest infotainment system complete with ChatGPT integration and an intuitive operating concept. At launch, customers will be able to choose from various drive systems, including plug-in hybrids with an increased all-electric range of around 62 miles (100 kilometers).
The Life, Match and Style trims for the Golf Hatch, and Life and Style trims for the Estate model, will the first versions to go on sale. The initial engine and transmission choices comprise the 1.5 TSI 115 PS manual, the mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI 115 PS with automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG), the 1.5 TSI 150 PS manual and the 1.5 eTSI 150 PS with DSG. In the UK, pricing starts at £27,035 ($33,971) for the Golf Hatch and £28,400 ($35,686) for the Estate.
The first Golf R-Line models will be available to order from late April, and include sport styling and further features such as a leather-wrapped and heated multi-function sports steering wheel, 12.9-inch infotainment display, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist. Engine and transmission choices for this model are comprised of the 1.5 TSI 150 PS manual or the 1.5 eTSI 150 PS with DSG. UK pricing for the R-Line starts from £30,285 ($38,055) for the Hatch and £31,650 ($39,791) for the Estate. Sales of additional Golf models, including eHybrid, GTI and GTE versions, are set to begin in the middle of this year.
Inside, the updated Golf offers a newly developed infotainment system (MIB4) with a free-standing 12.9-inch touchscreen, an enhanced processor and new illuminated touch sliders for temperature and volume. Also new are the enhanced multi-function steering wheel with physical buttons and the ChatGPT-enabled IDA voice assistant. Using natural language, IDA can control various vehicle functions such as the air conditioning, telephone and navigation systems. The assistant can also utilize online information to respond to broader requests on topics such as weather forecasts, general knowledge, nearby restaurants and more.
The 10.2-inch Digital Cockpit Pro can be customized to display ‘classic’ round instruments or ‘progressive’ tiles, with space in-between that can be customized to the user’s preference, showing information on navigation route guidance or assist systems for example. Model-specific information profiles for the Golf R-Line, GTI and GTE will also be available.
The new plug-in hybrid Golf offers DC quick charging, an estimated all-electric range of 62 miles (100 km), and a total range of around 621 miles (1000 km). Targeting users who do not have a charging wall box at home are the efficient 48 V mild hybrid versions of the new model.
