From What Car?
New VW Golf interior: first impressionsWe've had the chance to sit in the all-new VW Golf and first impressions are positive.
As expected, the styling has evolved subtly, with a simple dashboard design and a centre console that wraps towards the driver. The ergonomics are excellent, with everything sensibly placed and easy to read.
VW says that the range of adjustment for the seats and steering wheel has been increased; there's also a bigger gap between the brake and accelerator pedals and the gearlever sits slightly higher, so it's easier to reach.
The biggest changes are that an electric parking brake – operated by a switch between the front seats – is now standard.
There are also new 'quarterlight' windows ahead of the front doors, so there's a small extra pillar behind the windscreen. Don't like the sound of this 
Quality appears to have taken a step upwards, with plush soft-touch coverings for the upper dashboard and doors and sturdy materials elsewhere. The switches and controls have a solid feel, while the fabric-covered door pockets (a carry-over from the current car) and ambient lighting (a new feature) give a classy look.
New VW Golf: equipment highlights
The Golf will be available with a wide range of sophisticated features, including new infotainment systems and high-tech safety kit.
All versions will come with a touch-screen system; this is likely to be monochrome on entry-level models, but full colour for most trims. Screen sizes will range from five to eight inches, with the largest reserved for the top-grade system.
Mid-spec versions and above will have a system that senses when the driver or passenger is about to touch the screen and automatically switches from display to operating mode, highlighting the function that is about to be selected. It also responds to 'swipe' and 'zoom' actions, like a smartphone.
Top-grade entertaintment systems include satellite-navigation, a 64GB hard drive and an internet hotspot.
Safety innovations include a fatigue detection-system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a traffic sign detection.
The new City Emergency Braking Function uses sensors to detect an imminent collision and automatically applies the car's brakes at speeds below 19mph.
There's also a new system called Multicollision Brake that works by automatically applying the brakes after an initial collision in order to minimise any damage or injury in a secondary collision.
Full details of the new VW Golf will be revealed on September 4.
