As last hurrahs go, this is a biggie - because what you’re looking at could well be the last-ever petrol-powered VW Golf GTI.
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Last year, VW brand chiefs admitted that the days were numbered for the combustion-engined Golf hatchback. And that obviously goes for the Golf GTI hot hatch, too.
The Golf, like most other UK cars, is accelerating into a brave new fully-electric world.
But VW is giving the 8th generation Golf what could be a final facelift in 2024 - which is fitting, as the iconic vehicle is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.
And this is what lease customers can expect - with the updated Golf seen here in full-on GTI form.
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First impressions are encouraging to say the least, with the GTI seemingly borrowing some of its new styling from the more powerful, more aggressive Golf R. There’s a more in-your-face rear diffuser, larger exhaust pipes, and a more snarling front end.
We’re yet to learn what the GTI’s power might be, so watch this space.
The cabin gets a larger infotainment screen, as seen in the new all-electric VW ID.7.
And the big news - well, according to VW, anyway - is that the brains of the new Golf will be underpinned by ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI) tech.
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Unveiled at the CES technology show in Las Vegas, VW says ChatGPT will be centre-stage when it comes to the Golf’s hands-free voice assistance system, which it calls ‘IDA’.
A VW spokesperson tells us: “For example, the IDA voice assistant can be used to control the infotainment, navigation and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions. In the future, AI will provide additional information in response to questions that go beyond this as part of its continuously expanding capabilities. This can be helpful on many levels during a car journey: enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, receiving vehicle-specific information, and much more – purely hands-free.”
So, like Google or Amazon Alexa, then…
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It’s also worth pointing out that French manufacturer DS has already started integrating ChatGPT into cars, as the chatbot is available in the DS 3, DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, adds: “Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, we are offering our drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool.”
You can lease the current VW Golf GTI with Select Car Leasing from £377 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 11/01/24.
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