More power, more equipment for Volkswagen Golf 2015

Subtle updates have arrived for the Volkswagen Golf range (read our review here), including slight power bumps, bigger touchscreens for some models, and the inclusion of a reversing camera and smartphone linking across the range.

Prices quoted are for the six-speed manual gearbox unless otherwise stated; the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is generally an additional $2,500.

The Golf 92TSI base model ($22,490, up $700) receives an updated 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol, with power increased 2kW to 92kW, while torque remains steady at 200Nm. The base Golf is upgraded to a 6.5-inch Composition Media touchscreen, replacing the small five-inch Composition Colour screen in last year’s car. App Connect, which supports smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is now standard from the base car up. A reversing camera is also standard on the 92TSI, while the base Golf station wagon has been discontinued.

Volkswagen have introduced a model to sit between the Golf 92TSI base model and the 92TSI Comfortline, with the new variant coined the 92TSI Trendline ($23,990 for the hatch, $27,990 for the DSG-only wagon). The Trendline wears different 15-inch ‘Lyon’ wheels, and bundles optical parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming rear vision mirror.

The Golf 92TSI Comfortline is no longer offered as a manual, with the hatch ($27,990) and wagon ($29,490) receiving the DSG automatic as standard. Those prices are down $150 and $200, respectively.

The 110TSI Highline model replaces the 103TSI ($32,990 for the hatch, $34,490 for the wagon), sees prices rise $200 and $150 respectively. Volkswagen have improved the power output of the model from 103kW to 110kW, with torque static at 250Nm. Heated Vienna leather trim, plus keyless access, entry and start are now standard inclusions. The 110TDI Highline receives those new features as well ($35,490 for the hatch, $36,990 for the wagon).

Volkswagen’s performance Golf models also receive specification bumps.

The Golf GTI comes down in price by $1,000 to $40,990 for the manual. The GTI receives the better 6.5-inch touchscreen, plus bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, and keyless entry and start.

Quicker yet is the Golf GTI Performance, which comes down $2,000 to $46,490, receiving the same updates as the regular GTI.

The all-wheel-drive Golf R remains at $52,740, benefitting from standard-fit heated Vienna leather upholstery.