Near the top of the range, the GTI receives a power boost to 227hp or 242hp for the Performance version.
The GTI and GTD versions get tartan upholstery, like the original GTI, but apart from that, the cabin feels less distinct from lesser models than it used to.
An electronic dashboard replaces conventional dials and there are some minor styling tweaks, such as chrome trim panels in the rear diffuser, scrolling indicators on some models and neater radar sensors hidden behind the VW badge in the front grille.
Across the board, average Golf prices have dropped by £640, but the big savings are at the bottom of the range and the top models are slightly pricier than before.
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Not all changes are improvements — for example, a sliding volume control is harder to use than a good old-fashion knob, even if it looks neater — but what was already a highly polished and successful car has been further improved.
However, if you want a totally new Golf instead of an updated one, you will have to wait until 2019.
Volkswagen Golf 150 TSI Evo 6-speed manual
Top speed: 134mph
C02: 118g/km
Combined MPG: 55.3
Price: TBC.
