Upgraded VW Golf leaked

Our sources have confirmed Volkswagen will reveal a midlife facelift for its top-selling model, the Golf, at the Paris motor show on September 29 and these images first published by Dutch website Autoblog.nl could show what's in store.

As you can see from these leaked images, which appear to be authentic, the first major upgrade of the Golf 7 since its Australian launch in April 2013 brings a new front-end look for hatch and wagon versions, and the Golf GTI hot hatch.

Up front there are new headlights underlined by twin LED daytime running lights, a new front bumper with revised lower air intakes, a fresh rear bumper with new diffuser and exhaust treatments (trapezoidal outlets for mainstream models), and new wheels for all models including alloys with five back-swept spokes for the GTI.

Rumour has it that full LED headlights will become an option for all 2017 Golfs, rather than just the existing electric e-Golf and plug-in hybrid Golf GTE not sold here.

No interior shots have emerged, but plenty of changes are expected, including the first-time option of an all-digital instrument cluster like the one available in the larger Passat. Expect an upgraded infotainment system with gesture control, as previewed by the Golf R Touch concept, too.

Under the bonnet, the current Golf's 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (and the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel available in Europe) should be replaced by new 1.5-litre turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines.

At this stage it's unclear how many upgrades the iconic Golf GTI will bring for 2017, when the facelifted Golf 7 is expected on sale Down Under.

The existing GTI's 2.0-litre turbo engine delivers 162kW, rising to 169kW for the Performance version and 213kW in overboost mode for the Golf GTI 40 Years limited-edition.

A facelifted version of Volkswagen's all-wheel drive Golf R flagship, which produces just 206kW in Australia, is yet to emerge.