Rumors Point Toward VW Releasing an Updated Golf in Geneva

The paint is still drying on the seventh-gen Golf here in the U.S., as it just debuted in the 2015 model year, but reports indicate a refresh is already in the works. According to Autobild.de, VW plans to unveil a refreshed version of its hot-selling hatch in March, which likely means it’ll drop cover at the Geneva show.

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The report goes into pretty deep detail, considering nothing is official yet. Autobild.de claims that the exterior will be almost identical to the current model, save for its refreshed bumpers and standard LED headlights.

Inside, the changes are equally small, but there are some available tech features that enhance things a bit. These include a digital instrument cluster on top trim levels and a new heads-up display. The driver will also appreciate the auto-stopping feature in traffic, which operates at speeds of up to 37 mph.

The under-the-skin bits will undergo some changes too, as the report claims the new Golf will benefit from a more-efficient three-cylinder engine across the pond and an extra 14 horsepower from the plug-in hybrid GTE. The steering system will also get some revisions, making it more responsive.

The biggest news is a limited-production run of the Golf R420. This model, which follows the R400 concept, will gain an extra 20 metric ponies over its concept predecessor, putting it at 414 U.S. horsepower. This will catapult the Golf to the top of the hot-hatch heap, easily trouncing the A45 AMG and new Focus RS.

There are no images of the updated Golf yet, nor are there any details on when it will arrive in the States. Chances are that Europe will get the Golf first, and the U.S. will get its version several months later.

Keep it locked here or updates.