Family Affair: 2018 Volkswagen Golf Clan Undergoes a Refresh

It has been 41 years since Volkswagen’s iconic hatchback debuted in the United States. The Giugiaro-designed replacement for the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle would go on to become one of the world’s most successful cars during that time. Now, the Golf finds itself in the middle of its seventh generation, and it’s time for a refresh.

During its lengthy existence, the Golf settled down and started a family. The Golf clan now contains six members — the standard Golf hatchback, GTI, Golf R, Golf Sportwagen, Golf Alltrack, and eGolf. While each model shares the same architecture, they all boast a unique identity. For the 2018 model year, the whole family is getting a new look.

First up is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf. The quintessential four-door hatchback displays freshened styling and standard LED daytime running lights and taillights to give it a new visual signature. New bumpers with chrome accents, standard automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, and updated touchscreen infotainment screens with standard App-Connect are also part of the update.

Volkswagen’s familiar turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder carries over, making 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. MSRP starts at $20,910 for a Golf S with five-speed manual transmission. (Destination for all Golf family products is $850.)

Next is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The original hot hatch boasts some notable updates. Like the standard Golf, the GTI now sports standard LED daytime running lights and taillights. GTI-specific red-trimmed LED headlights are available, while model-specific front and rear bumpers with larger diffusers and exhaust tips come standard. New colors and wheels are also available. The DSG transmission is now Start/Stop enabled, and the Autobahn trim receives standard Lane Assist, ParkPilot, Park Assist, and Light Assist.

Most notably, the GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder receives a 10-horsepower bump for all trims (now up to 220 hp and 258 lb-ft). Starting price is $26,415 with a six-speed manual transmission.

The brawniest member of the Golf family is Volkswagen’s halo car, the Golf R. Like its siblings, it also receives standard LED DRLs and taillights. LED headlights are now standard. New features include the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and its customizable display, a new color and wheel design, and Start/Stop for the DSG transmission. A hotter 2.0-liter rests under the hood, good for 292 hp and 280 lb-ft. That’s unchanged from last year.

The biggest update is the new available seven-speed DSG. This transmission is unique to the Golf R in Volkswagen’s US lineup. At $1,100, it’s also the only available option on the Golf R. A six-speed manual remains the standard offering, and the R’s starting price rings in at $39,785.

Last up on Extreme Makeover: 2018 Golf Edition is the Golf Alltrack and Golf Sportwagen. The wagon twins share an engine with the Golf hatch and receive the same LED DRL and taillight update as the rest of the family. Both receive standard automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, new available colors, and updated touchscreen infotainment screens with standard App-Connect. The Alltrack SEL receives standard Lane Assist, ParkPilot, Park Assist, Light Assist, and LED headlights.

Later in the model year, the Alltrack will also receive Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. Starting prices are $21,685 for the Sportwagen and $25,955 for the Alltrack. While the lifted Alltrack and AWD Sportwagen make do with a six-speed manual/six-speed DSG combo, front-drive Sportwagens soldier on with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

Another important update for the 2018 is the Volkswagen People First Warranty. Volkswagen considers this six-year (or 72,000-mile) pledge “America’s best car & SUV bumper-to-bumper transferable limited warranty.” It covers both typical new car limited warranty items as well as powertrain, superseding the old three-year/36,000-mile and five-year/60,000-mile warranties from MY2017 and prior. This warranty applies to all Golf Family models except e-Golf.

Volkswagen’s updates are meant to keep one of its most important products competitive in a crowded marketplace. Improved infotainment systems across the lineup, plus the addition of new standard content on entry level vehicles, are welcome updates. The Golf does retain its most important element, however — it is still a joy to drive.

TTAC was recently able to drive all of the 2018 Golf models back-to-back. We’ll have driving impressions ready for you tomorrow.

[Images: Volkswagen Group]