Volkswagen has unwrapped its updated Golf, which debuts a new longer-range plug-in hybrid and a next-generation infotainment system that includes ChatGPT.

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The facelifted eighth-generation version arrives this spring in line with the model’s 50^th anniversary and gets a raft of updates to counter the growing competition.

Big news is the arrival of the new plug-in hybrid for the GTE. The second-generation powertrain delivers more power along with a big bump up in electric range, which now stands at about 62 miles, with a total range of about 620 miles. It’s also equipped with a 50kW DC quick-charging function and has official CO2 emissions of 27-28g/km, putting it in the 8% Benefit-in-Kind bracket for 2024/25.

The launch line-up also includes mild hybrid (eTSI), plug-in hybrid (eHybrid and GTE), turbocharged petrol (TSI) and turbocharged diesel (TDI) variants. The GTI will gain more power and will sit at the head of the range ahead of the arrival later of the Golf R.

The ‘Mk8.5’ Golf also gets a next-generation infotainment system with a free-standing touchscreen up to 12.9 inches, featuring a fast processor and intuitive operation, plus illuminated touch sliders on the back of customer feedback.

Updates include a new intelligent IDA voice assistant and ChatGPT integration. The latter, showcased at this month’s CES event in Vegas and also rolling out to other VW models and group brands, will be able to “seamlessly access the ever-growing database of artificial intelligence”. Occupants can interact with the car using natural language and have researched content read aloud to them while travelling.

Also new are an enhanced multi-function steering wheel and driver assist systems such as the enhanced Park Assist Plus function, Park Assist Pro and the Area View system with a 360-degree all-round view.

Design changes bring a sharper front-end with new LED headlights and optional top-of-the-range IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, plus 3D light graphics on the tail-light clusters. It’s also the first Golf to get an illuminated Volkswagen badge on the front.

The Mk8.5 Golf will be the last combustion engine version of the hatchback and the updates are expected to tide it over until the end of this decade, when a new all-electric version will swoop in, possibly as a completely new vehicle.

The first Golf rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg 50 years ago, and a total of over 37 million units have been sold worldwide.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “The Golf has been at the heart of the Volkswagen brand for half a century now, offering affordable mobility for all at the highest technical level. This is precisely what we are now building on with the new evolutionary stage – with even higher efficiency, comfort and quality and a new operating concept. The Golf does not get any better than this.”