Volkswagen has launched the new 8th generation Golf with digitisation as a key feature, most clearly demonstrated by the new Digital Cockpit. Though looking traditional at a glance, the dashboard is actually revolutionary and presents information in a clearer, neater way.
The Digital Cockpit, which will be standard across the range, includes the instrument cluster, an infotainment system, and a multifunction steering wheel. Together, these form the first functional level, in which virtually all of the displays and controls are digital.
Touch sliders enable quick and intuitive access to temperature and volume controls, while a touch island under the infotainment system also provides direct access to additional air conditioning functions, the assistance systems, and – depending on the equipment included – driving modes and parking assistants.
In a second touch island, the light and vision functions have also been repositioned and brought together: the light, along with the windscreen and rear window heating, is now operated using a digital panel arranged higher up on the dashboard to the left of the instruments, even further improving the brand’s characteristic straightforward drive experience.
Optional Innovision Cockpit
It’s possible to enhance the digital driver’s workplace even further; in combination with the 10-inch Discover Pro top navigation system, the Innovision Cockpit (which made its world debut in the third-generation Touareg) offers an even larger range of functions. On request, a windscreen head-up display will be added to create the ideal cockpit, with information such as speed, navigation information, etc. being projected into the driver’s field of vision.
This advanced functionality is also evident in the centre console and is now clearer than ever – particularly with the inclusion of the shift-by-wire gear knob for the automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG).
The theme continues to flow across the new roof console, where operation has also been digitalised. To tilt and slide the panoramic sunroof, for example, requires just a swipe of the finger back or forward over a slider, opening and closing the transparent roof.
Intuitive operation
Intuitive operation in the Golf can also be supported by new, natural voice control on request. The system is simply activated by saying “Hello Volkswagen” or pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The Golf reacts to intuitive voice commands such as “Take me home” (navigation) or “I’m cold” (automatic air conditioner).
The new digital microphones mean that not only is voice recognition and voice quality (for phone calls) perfect, but they can also locate the person who is speaking (driver or front passenger) and respond accordingly, for example by identifying which interior zone’s temperature needs adjusting.
Digitalisation opens up the opportunity for each driver to adapt the Golf exactly to their own taste. The customised settings can be saved in the vehicle and in the cloud, so they are still available even with a change of driver or vehicle. These settings include the Digital Cockpit and Innovision Cockpit displays, the seat position, settings for exterior mirrors and air conditioning system, the practically stepless control of the ambient lighting (up to 30 colours) and the Coming Home and Leaving Home functions.
