2024 Volkswagen Golf facelift spied with new look, super-sized screen

The updated Volkswagen Golf due next year is in line for a restyled front end and a larger touchscreen with revised touch control sliders.

The facelifted 2024 Volkswagen Golf has been caught on camera with revised styling – and an upgraded interior set to double-down on touch-sensitive buttons.

Due in Australian showrooms next year, the mid-life facelift for Volkswagen’s latest eighth-generation ‘Mk8’ Golf is expected to be the last major update before the next model goes electric after 2028.

The latest spy photos show the updated Golf will adopt a new front fascia, ditching the horizontal strakes of today’s model for a ‘smiling’ design, with a large central air intake flanked by C-shaped outer air ducts.

It is similar to the upcoming, next-generation VW Tiguan family SUV – and the facelift for the Golf-sized ID.3 electric hatchback shown earlier this year.

MORE: Volkswagen Golf to ditch petrol power and go electric from 2028, says company boss

The headlights appear to be slimmer than the current model, while the black bar connecting them is thicker.

Other exterior changes visible in these images include what appear to be revised tail-lights – which reports say will adopt a 3D effect – and a tweaked lower bumper.

The most significant upgrades are visible inside, where the Golf will persist with touch technology through a larger infotainment screen, expected to measure 12.9 inches across – up from 10 inches today.

The larger screen is set to introduce illumination to the touch-sensitive volume and air-conditioning temperature sliders below the display, for easier use at night.

The non-illuminated touch sliders have been a key criticism of the current Golf’s cabin technology from owners and media, alongside the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel – which VW has confirmed will be ditched for the updated model.

The digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel will reportedly grow from 10 to 10.4 inches, according to overseas reports, while the infotainment software is due to become simpler.

The rest of the centre console and dashboard in this prototype appears unchanged, though overseas reports have claimed there will be new console and door panel trim.

German publication Auto Zeitung reported last year an updated range of mild-hybrid petrol engines is expected for the 2024 model in Europe, alongside various diesel and plug-in hybrid versions.

Drive has previously reported the facelifted range could introduce the Golf GTE petrol-electric plug-in hybrid to Australia for the first time.

European reports claim the updated GTE will swap its 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder for a newer 1.5-litre engine, and introduce a larger battery pack, for a higher 191kW power output (up from 180kW) and up to 100km of electric driving range.

The core range in Australia is currently powered by a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder, stepping up to a 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder in the GTI, and a 235kW/400-420Nm version of the 2.0-litre motor in the Golf R flagship.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is expected to be unveiled later this year ahead of first Australian showroom arrivals next year.

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