Order books for the updated VW Golf have opened, with the option of new engines, more technology, improved connectivity and revised styling. Volkswagen says the new models cost an average of £650 less than the outgoing cars. Diesels start at £19,770 for the three-door Golf S 1.6 TDI. The updated cars will arrive in UK showrooms towards the end of March.

With global sales now well in excess of 33 million since its launch more than four decades ago (1974), more than two million of which are to UK buyers, the updated version of the seventh generation Golf is, according to Volkswagen, once again redefining its market segment by bringing ‘big car’ technology to the compact family car class.

Now standard across the range are LED rear lights, for instance, while the majority of models across the Golf hatchback and Estate line-up are also now offered with a new generation of larger and more sophisticated touchscreen infotainment systems.

Depending on model, the new Discover Navigation Pro radio-navigation and online system can be operated via gesture control. Sporting a 9.2-inch screen, the system complements the Active Info Display that is also new in the Golf and appears as standard on all Performance Golfs. Meanwhile, the range of online services and apps has also been enlarged.

The UK line-up retains a familiar feel, beginning in the hatchback range with S and rising through SE, SE Nav, GT, R-Line, GTE, GTE Advance, e-Golf, GTD and GTD BlueLine to GTI, GTI Performance and, ultimately, R.

The estate family offers a wide choice, too, with S, SE, SE Nav, GT and GTD and GTD BlueLine models being joined by Alltrack and R.

Depending on model, safety systems include: City Emergency Braking with new pedestrian monitoring (Front Assist); a new Traffic Jam Assist that offers semi-automated driving at speeds of up to 37 mph (60 km/h); and Emergency Assist which is also new to this segment. Emergency Assist notices if the driver is incapacitated and initiates various measures to rouse them in escalating stages culminating, if the driver remains inactive, in carrying out an emergency stop.

Design modifications include new bumpers front and rear, new halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights or full LED headlights – standard in higher specification cars and optional in other models – instead of xenon headlights; new front wings; and, as mentioned, new full LED rear lights as standard for all Golf versions. New wheel designs and body colours round out the exterior update, while new trim panels and materials also upgrade the interior of the Golf.

On the petrol side, the new Golf sees the debut of the turbocharged petrol 1.5 TSI Evo powerplant – a new four-cylinder engine that generates 148 bhp and features Active Cylinder Management (ACT).

Welcoming the imminent showroom arrival of the brand’s best-seller in the UK, the Director of Volkswagen in the UK, Alison Jones, said: “The arrival of a new or updated Golf is always a special occasion but, in 2017, the debut of this car with its semi-autonomous operation; revised styling; new engines; and exceptional new infotainment systems really does feel extra-special.

“The updated Golf will, I’m sure, retain its place at the head of the compact car class but, just as importantly, will strengthen its place in the hearts of countless UK owners thanks to its exceptional quality, classless appeal and, now more than ever, its hugely competitive pricing and whole-life value.”