Volkswagen's seventh-generation Golf is about to receive some updates. The updated car should be on sale in 2017, as a 2018 model.

The German automaker has confirmed that we’ll see the covers come off in early November 2016, although only for the European specification. All VW is willing to say about the car is that it will feature some new safety technologies.

We already know a lot about it, though. For example, the design won’t be changing much. Images leaked in August reveal only tweaks to the headlights and bumpers. Those headlights are expected to be available as LED units across the range.

2018 Volkswagen Golf R Variant spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

2018 Volkswagen Golf R Variant spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

More substantial changes are expected inside including the addition of a new infotainment system with some form of gesture control. The gesture control system, which has already been previewed in concept form, will likely be offered in higher-spec models.

We also know that the electric e-Golf will get a bigger battery for improved range. Meanwhile, the most potent model in the range will remain the Golf R, which has been spied testing in its wagon body style. Sadly, the more extreme version previewed by 2014’s Golf R 400 concept is no longer planned. The project, including the planned 395-hp inline-4, has been shelved due to cost cutting following the Volkswagen Group’s diesel emissions scandal.

Stay tuned for the reveal of the updated 2018 Golf in the coming weeks.