Volkswagen Golf 2019 specs revealed

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf range is set to be simplified when the updated hatchback arrives on sale from October this year.

The German brand has dumped the current entry-level 110TSI model in favour of a three-strong regular model range for the hatchback, with the Trendline forming the basis of the range, followed by the mid-spec Comfortline and flagship Highline. All models will have the 110TSI engine - the diesel drivetrain will be dropped.

Those three models will sit below the performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R models - which have seen quite a few changes of their own.

Let's start with the regular models, first. The Trendline model is described as the "new entry point to the Golf model range", offering "strong customer value with a wide range of premium safety, infotainment and comfort equipment".

Standard specification highlights include city auto emergency braking and pedestrian detection, 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch media screen with sat nav and 'App Connect' (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, auto headlights and wipers, and "manoeuvre braking" - a system that will stop the car from hitting stationary objects when parking.

The mid-range Comfortline "has been further enhanced with additional comfort and functionality", including newly added keyless entry with push-button start, power folding door mirrors and standard-fit floor mats.

The Highline model "is now even more valuable with the inclusion of a suite of driver assistance features as standard equipment".

The Trendline model is described as the "new entry point to the Golf model range".

The new kit includes: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assistance, 'Traffic Jam Assist' (with low speed steering), 'Emergency Assist' (which can stop the car in the event of the driver being non-responsive), semi-autonomous parking, auto high-beam headlights, and a driver profile setup with personalisation settings.

All three models in the regular Golf range will retain the brand's 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 110kW/250Nm. It can be had with a six-speed manual in the Trendline only, while a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) auto is optional in the Trendline and standard in the two higher spec models. Just repeating - there won't be a diesel drivetrain option anymore.

There are some equipment packs available: the Trendline and Comfortline models can be ordered with an optional Driver Assistance Package with a lot of the kit that's offered standard in the Highline.

The Comfortline and Highline models are available with the 'Sound & Vision Package', incorporating a 9.2-inch media screen with sat nav and gesture control, and a Dynaudio premium sound system.

The Highline will remain available with the optional R-Line package, comprising R-Line body styling and 18-inch wheels, the R-Line specific interior trim, progressive steering, sports suspension and tinted windows.

As for the Golf performance models, the GTI sees some further changes, with "performance and technical enhancements recently showcased in the limited release GTI Performance Edition 1 now standard GTI equipment".

The updated model gets more grunt, with the 2.0-litre turbo engine now punching out 180kW of power (up 11kW) and 370Nm (20Nm), and the six-speed manual has been dumped in favour of a seven-speed DSG only.

All three models in the regular Golf range will retain the brand's 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 110kW/250Nm.

Other enhancements include a front differential lock, larger ventilated disc brakes front and rear, the standard inclusion of VW's 'Active Info Display' (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster), plus a newly added suite of high-end safety equipment mirroring that seen in the Highline model.

While the standard spec is generous on the GTI, there are some optional extras. The Sound & Style package adds 19-inch Brescia alloy wheels, a 9.2-inch media screen with nav and gesture control, and a premium Dynaudio sound system. There's also the 'Luxury Package', with Vienna leather trim, heated front seats with electric driver seat adjustment and memory settings, and a panoramic glass roof.

For the Golf R model, "advanced driver assistance technologies have been added to an already compelling equipment list", which is exactly the same stuff you get as standard in the Highline model.

There's no power bump for Golf R, but the manual transmission has been dumped for it, too - there's only a seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch auto now.

The Golf R only has two options: the panoramic glass roof, and the 400W Dynaudio sound system.

Volkswagen Australia claims the new Golf range offers "significantly increased value", but full pricing is yet to be revealed. Expect full details to be announced ahead of the 2019 model's launch in October.

Is Volkswagen onto a winner with the updates for the Golf? Tell us what you think in the comments below.