Visual changes include new bumpers, headlights, full LED rear lights as standard, and new alloy wheels.
There's a new 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine with variable active cylinder management and outputting 150hp, and an upcoming 130hp Bluemotion version with ACT and a 'coasting' feature which totally shuts down the engine in certain running conditions.
Available semi-autonomous technologies to the Golf for the first time include a combination of lane assist and active cruise control to allow the vehicle operate the car in stop-and-go traffic at speeds of up to 60km/h.
VW says also that a new 7-speed automatic will be replacing all 6-speed units over time.
In Germany, the updated Golf is starting at the same price as the 2016 version.
A range-increased e-Golf will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.
