Volkswagen is accepting orders for the updated Golf, which comes with new powertrains and a refreshed infotainment system.

The facelifted car also benefits from new driver assistance systems, revised styling and an enhanced specification.

Prices start at £27,035, with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrain options available.

Life, Match and Style trims for the Golf Hatch and Life and Style trims for the Estate are the first versions to go on sale.

Initial engine and transmission choices comprise the 1.5 TSI 115PS manual, the mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI 115PS with DSG, the 1.5 TSI 150PS manual and the 1.5 eTSI 150PS with DSG. 

The first Golf R-Line models will be available to order from 25 April with a wealth of sporty styling and additional features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather-wrapped and heated multi-function sports steering wheel, 12.9-inch infotainment display, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist.

Engine and transmission choices for R Line comprise the 1.5 TSI 150PS manual or the 1.5 eTSI 150PS with DSG. Prices for R Line variants start from £30,285.

Sales of additional Golf models, including eHybrid, GTI and GTE versions, are set to begin in the middle of this year.

A key change for the new Golf is the introduction of VW’s MIB4 infotainment system, which uses a 10.4-inch or 12.9-inch display, depending on model.

The newly developed system promises improved and simplified operation, utilising a new menu structure and customisable displays.

Beneath the display sits VW’s touch sliders for controlling the temperature and volume. Unlike the current Golf, in the new model these controls are illuminated. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel have also been ditched in favour of proper buttons, addressing a key criticism of the Golf.

VW has also given the Golf’s powertrain line-up an overhaul. There’s a selection of petrol and diesel models, including some mild-hybrid eTSI variants, that serve up between 115 – 150PS. The Golf GTi gets a 2.0-litre engine with 265PS.

Both the eHybrid and GTE plug-hybrids have been given all-new powertrains, offering better performance and efficiency. The new eHybrid has 204PS, while the GTE has 272PS. VW has replaced the 1.4-litre engine, powering both models, with a new 1.5-litre engine. The battery capacity has almost doubled, with the new Golf plug-in hybrids using a 19.7kWh unit. This gives a zero-emission range of around 62 miles.

Charging speeds have also increased from 3.6kW to 11kw (AC), while 50kW DC fast charging capability has been added too.

The exterior has newly designed LED headlights, new LED tail light clusters and a new front bumper. An illuminated VW badge will be fitted for the first time, to certain variants.

Changes to the Golf’s assistance systems include the introduction of Park Assist Pro, a remote parking function that can be controlled via smartphone.