The updated Volkswagen Golf family, with state-of-the-art engines, sharpened designs, highly ingenious assistance systems, a new generation of infotainment systems and extended features is launched in beautiful Majorca, Spain. Even the base model Golf Trendline is now available with a new Composition Colour infotainment system and new LED taillights as standard.

The cars are studded with technical innovations. For the first time in the compact class, the new Discover Pro radio-navigation and online system can be operated via gesture control. Sporting a 9.2-inch screen, it forms a single conceptual and visual unit with the new Active Info Display.

At the same time, the range of online services and apps has also been enlarged. The key concept here is 'smart home'. From now on, it will be possible to open the door at home - via MirrorLinkTM and the new DoorBird (a Berlin-based company) app - for a family member or package delivery service. The driver can view online who is ringing the doorbell at home.

Technologies that will significantly improve safety include City Emergency Braking with new pedestrian monitoring (Front Assist), the new Traffic Jam Assist (semi-automated driving at up to 60km/h) and Emergency Assist, which is also new to this segment. Traffic Jam Assist simultaneously enhances driver comfort and convenience in heavy traffic.

The progressive digitalisation of the car is supported by the debut of highly efficient engines. Even the new base petrol engine - the turbocharged direct injection 1.0 TSI with 84bhp - impresses with fuel consumption of 20.8km/L. The updated Golf also sees the debut of the new turbocharged petrol 1.5 TSI Evo - a further developed four-cylinder engine that generates 148bhp and features Active Cylinder Management. The 1.5 TSI Evo will replace the 1.4 TSI engines. This will be followed shortly by a BlueMotion version producing 129bhp.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen has strengthened the appeal of the iconic Golf GTI. The updated GTI now develops a considerable 227bhp in the base version. A new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox helps to deliver improved fuel consumption. All Golf cars also have BlueMotion Technologies - a stop-start system and a mode for storing braking energy (regenerative braking).

The more refined design of all of the updated Golf models makes a more powerful impression than ever before. Design modifications include new bumpers front and rear, new halogen head lights with LED daytime running lights, full-LED head lights - standard in the top models and optional in other models - and new full-LED taillights as standard for all Golf versions. The top version of the LED taillights has an animated indicator function and a concise dynamic switchover between the taillights and the brake light (think Audi's dynamic turn signals).

New wheel designs and body colours round off the update of the exterior. New trim panels and materials also upgrade the interior of the 2017 model year Golf. The range of equipment versions of the Golf remains unchanged.

The updated Golfs are expected to arrive in Singapore end of this year in 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engine variants. The 1.5-litre TSI Evo engines will only reach our shores sometime next year.