Volkswagen Golf SV gets a refresh for 2018

Order books have opened for the new Golf SV – which stands for Sports Van – a beefed-up MPV version of Volkswagen's hugely successful hatchback.

The updated Golf SV was first unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show last month and offers more assistance systems and a new generation of infotainment setup, the top of the range of which includes gesture control. The updated model now also has more standard equipment, with LED tail lights, VW's Composition Colour radio and Driver Alert System now coming at no extra cost. Despite more standard kit, you'll be relieved to know that the entry-level price of £19,905 hasn't budged.

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On the outside, the Golf SV has had a bit of a refresh, too. Changes include upgraded bumpers, new halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights or full-LED headlights instead of xenon headlights. There are also new alloy wheels (take your pick of size, they come in 16-, 17- and 18-inch guise) and exterior colours such as a model-exclusive Cranberry Red paint tone. Saucy. Inside, new decors, fabrics and leather seats, and a rear bench seat with up to 18cm of adjustment backwards or forwards (whether you want to prioritise legroom or boot space) complete the upgrades.

The new infotainment system can now be controlled by tablets and smartphones via Volkswagen's Media Control app by connecting a device to the optional Discover Media or Discover Pro infotainment system via the in-car wifi hotspot. It sounds complicated, but it's rather more practical in real life. 

New safety features include optional driver assistance systems such as Pedestrian Monitoring (part of Front Assist with City Emergency Braking), Traffic Jam Assist (semi-automated stop-and-go driving up to 37mph), Emergency Assist, Park Assist and the proactive occupant protection system, as well as Trailer Assist (which includes Park Assist), which makes reversing when towing that little bit easier.

Engines on offer include two TSI petrol engines, a 1-litre unit with 83bhp and 107bhp versions, and the 1.5 TSI ACT with 128bhp and 147bhp – both of which come with cylinder de-activation.

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