What's all this about?

Volkswagen is teasing us with the new Volkswagen Golf, which has been shown off in camouflaged form at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Showing off a camouflaged car?

So what does this camouflaged car show us?

Well, not all that much. Dazzle camouflage being what it is, and all. But despite that, and the fact this is a GTI model with lots of bells and whistles, we can see one or two new features. Take, for example, the new light designs, and the updated bumpers, all of which are standard facelift features. But this being a GTI, we can also see some more aggressive styling and a new rear diffuser poking through, not to mention the massive wheels with red brakes. There’s a big spoiler, too, which has previously been the preserve of Clubsport models, and though VW hasn’t said as much, this could in fact be the sportiest GTI version on display.

Anything about the inside?

Plenty. Because while VW has gone to great lengths to hide the car’s exterior design, the interior is completely undisguised. Which means we can see much the same basic dashboard as before, albeit with a huge new touchscreen in the middle. That screen appears to come from the recently revealed new Tiguan, and it’s massive. Much larger than that of the outgoing car. With new toolbars for easier navigation and some clever new tech, it’s set to be a step forward compared with the somewhat clunky infotainment found in the soon-to-be-defunct model.

Go on then. What is this new tech?

Aha, glad you asked. It’s AI, in effect, and it’s embedded in that new touchscreen we were just waffling on about. Working with a tech firm called Cadence, VW has put ChatGPT-based tech in the new Golf and a multitude of other models to provide better voice assistance. The company says the new system will be able to provide more depth in its answers and prioritise different functions where necessary, as well as speaking in a more natural way.

AI? Is that safe?

VW says so. The company claims all questions and answers are instantly deleted for maximum privacy and the system does not allow ChatGPT to access any vehicle information such as location or speed. Whether customers will be so easily convinced remains to be seen.

So when can I buy one?

We’re expecting the updated Golf to go on sale later this year, complete with AI voice assistant tech. We don’t have any pricing information as yet, though.

James Fossdyke - 8 Jan 2024