Updated VW Golf breaks cover at CES

Volkswagen has showcased the updated Golf at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, ahead of its official debut.

The facelifted Golf will go on sale later this year, four years after the mk8 variant was launched.

Visually, the new Golf will look similar to the existing model. VW chose to display the car in GTI trim at CES, with partial camouflage.

The biggest changes for the popular hatchback and estate will be inside. Keen to address criticisms of the Golf's infotainment system, VW has installed an all-new setup with a larger 12.9-inch screen. There's also a switch from touch-sensitive controls back to proper buttons on the new Golf's steering wheel.

A key part of the new system is the integration of ChatGPT, a chatbot platform that is powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It will be know as the IDA Voice Assistant and can be used to control the infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions.

The voice assistant is activated by saying "Hello IDA" or pressing the button on the steering wheel. IDA automatically prioritises whether a vehicle function should be executed, a destination searched or the temperature adjusted. If the request cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system, it is forwarded anonymously to AI and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.

"Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to the many. This is simply ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment upwards. Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, we are offering our drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool. This also underlines the innovative strength of our new products," said Kai Grünitz, member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for technical Development.

When the facelifted Golf is officially launched, it's expected to be offered with a similar powertrain line-up to the current version. The eHybrid and GTE are likely to shift to VW's latest plug-in hybrid powertrain, which uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine instead of a 1.4-litre unit. The updated model will remain on sale until the end of the decade, when an all-new electric Golf will replace it.