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The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 facelift, which is set to surface by late 2016, will feature gesture control technology. This was confirmed by VW's head of powertrain development Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neußer to Auto Express.

Gesture control will be a first in class feature, although VW's move towards the tech is not a big surprise. The current Mk7 Golf's Discover Pro infotainment system has a proximity sensor that allows users to scroll through icons by gliding their finger above the touchscreen. VW also previewed the tech via the Volkswagen Golf R Touch concept at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.

"The interior features a preview of future VW interior technologies, with smartphone applications redefined for automotive use. The gesture control will become reality in the Golf at the end of next year," Neußer told the UK car mag.


The current Golf's Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system already features a proximity sensor

It is said that the gesture control and infotainment system that will go into the refreshed Golf will consist of three digital displays and five in-car sensors. In place of the regular centre console screen of today will be a big 13-inch high-resolution display, with a smaller eight-inch screen replacing the regular instrument panel. The latter could be a narrower version of the Audi Virtual Cockpit found in the new Audi TT.

Gesture control is set take over physical buttons for audio volume, temperature controls and sunroof operation. Functions not controlled via gesture can be accessed via the digital displays, which will sport smartphone-like haptic feedback. We're quite sure that a button-less cabin won't be everyone's cup of tea - it's certainly not for this tech laggard, but how bout you?

Volkswagen Golf R Touch from CES 2015