Volkswagen is equipping the Golf with a new generation of radio and radio-navigation systems with completely new designs. All systems have a touchscreen as standard. The new device generation is available in six extension levels and in three different display sizes: 5-inch, 5.8-inch and 8-inch. For the first time, Volkswagen is implementing displays that have proximity sensors (5.8-inch display and above): as soon as the driver or front passenger moves a finger near to the touchscreen, the system automatically switches from display mode to input mode. The display mode shows a screen that is reduced to just the essentials. In the operating mode, on the other hand, the elements that can be activated by touch are specially highlighted to simplify intuitive operation. The displays also have a function that lets users scroll through lists or browse CD covers in the media library with a wipe of the hand.
In designing the new generation of devices, Volkswagen's primary goal was to integrate the most advanced infotainment applications into the Golf, which should be consistently easy to use – despite all of the complexity of today's systems – i.e. they should be totally intuitive and therefore safe to use while driving
Basic touchscreen – trip computer and interface
Standard display (5-inch). The standard unit in the new Golf is a 5-inch black-and-white display. The functional scope of the production module includes trip computer information (average fuel economy, etc.), clock time and date, service menu (oil change status, etc.), vehicle settings (e.g. winter tyre warning), adjustment of instrument lighting, language setting, climate control menu, Eco-HMI displays (information on power consumers and tips for an especially economical style of driving) and – depending on vehicle features – steering wheel heating, the visual display for the ParkPilot and driving profile selection.
Radio systems – proximity sensor starting with 5.8-inch model
‘Composition Touch' radio (5-inch). The next level system specification comes as standard starting with the Comfortline in countries such as Germany and is otherwise available as an option. There are three buttons to the left and three to the right of the touchscreen that are used to activate the ‘Radio', ‘Media', ‘Car', ‘Setup', ‘Sound' and ‘Mute' menus/functions. It also offers a SD card slot, aux-in interface and two push dials (e.g. for on/off, volume, mute). This standard module also includes an FM/AM radio, loudspeakers (front), an interface for SD cards and an aux-in interface.
‘Composition Colour' radio (5-inch). Similar to the Composition Touch in its device layout, the Composition Colour is also equipped with such features as a colour display, FM/AM radio as well as front and rear loudspeakers and a CD drive (MP3 compatible). The CD drive is located in the glovebox along with the SD card slot.
‘Composition Media' radio (5.8-inch). Equipped to offer even more extensive features is the Composition Media radio. Its capacitive colour display is 5.8 inches in size, and it is coupled with a proximity sensor that is integrated across the area beneath the display. The display also responds to wiping and zooming gestures, as used in similar fashion on modern smart phones. There are now also four buttons to the left and four to the right of the touchscreen; in contrast to the 5-inch systems they also enable access – depending on vehicle features – to the ‘Phone' and ‘Voice' (voice control) menu levels. The Composition Media radio is equipped with these features in addition to those of the Composition Colour radio: optional telephone preparation (Bluetooth) and a USB interface. The USB and aux-in interfaces, meanwhile, are integrated in a separate compartment on the centre console in front of the gear shifter; this compartment also offers storage space for a smart phone.
Radio-navigation systems – map data updates included
‘Discover Media' navigation function (5.8-inch). The Composition Media radio can have a navigation module (Discover Media) added to it. The features and functions are identical except for the navigation system that is then integrated with European map data and the associated second SD card slot; the navigation computer is located in the glovebox together with the CD player and SD card slot. The price for all units with a navigation module includes updates of the European navigation maps for a period of three years.
‘Discover Pro' radio-navigation system (8-inch). The top radio-navigation system with a large 8-inch capacitive touchscreen is known as the Discover Pro. Features installed here – beyond those of the Discover Media – are a DVD drive instead of a CD drive (audio and video), extended premium voice control (base version is available as option for Composition Media and Discover Media), 3D navigation and a 64-GB Flash memory; a UMTS telephone module is available as an option. Integration of the Compact Disc Database from Gracenote also enables state-of-the-art playback and management of media. In addition, the Discover Pro also operates as a WLAN hotspot (Internet access) for WLAN-capable mobile devices (smart phone or tablet).
Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All fuel consumption and CO2 emissions data cited in this press kit refer to official vehicle registration values (combined values), which were determined under standard conditions in the NEDC cycle. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values for the Golf 1.4 TSI with ACT (103 kW / 140 PS) and the Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI (81 kW / 110 PS) are forecast values as of September 2012.