Even though Volkswagen is consolidating its auto brands by encouraging platforms and technology partnerships while focusing on building both large and medium-sized SUVs to keep itself competitive, the automaker hasn't turned its back on one of its best models, the Golf. Debuting at next week's New York Auto Show is the refreshed 2018 Golf with added comfort and convenience features, slight changes to exterior and interior, and driver's assistance technology.

All of this is an attempt on Volkswagen's part to keep the seventh generation Golf fresh as it approaches its sixth birthday. Looking from the outside in, it takes a trained eye to catch the exterior differences. Volkswagen touts shaper lines, new bumpers, and an updated chrome grille as the main changes to the outside while nighttime viewers will be caught off-guard by the full LED taillights and Daytime Running Lights with available LED headlamps to replace the Bi-Xenon units. Wheel designs and body colors also get a new look while the interior is swept through with new trim panels and materials. The most apparent changes have been made to the technological aspects of the car.

New for 2018 model year vehicles is a larger and more crisp touchscreen infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display replacing the old 5-inch unit and SE and SEL trims gaining an 8-inch touchscreen as standard. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, which was first showcased on the new Atlas, comes standard on the Golf R and allows drivers to customize what vehicle information is displayed on the dashboard. Also available starting on the SE trim and up is Volkswagen's suite of semi-autonomous driver aids that include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, which only works to prevent frontal collisions. It's worth noting that Front Assist now includes a pedestrian monitoring system.

Additional features include Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Park Distance Control, park Steering Assistant, and High Beam Control. These features will be on display inside the 2018 Golf, 2018 Golf Alltrack, 2018 Golf GTI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen, and 2018 Golf R at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Plan a dealership visit sometime this fall if you plan on getting behind the wheel.
Raed more information about VW Golf Alltrack from our review.