While Volkswagen’s European division is gearing up for the all-important world premiere of the brand-new Golf Mk7 at the Paris Motor Show, half way around the globe, the company’s South American arm lifted the covers of the redesigned Gol hatchback and its sedan sibling named Voyage.

The Gol, which is the Portuguese and Spanish word for ‘goal’, is the best-selling car in South America since the mid-1980s, with more than 5 million units produced and sold in Brazil alone.

The mid-life facelift for both body styles brings Volkswagen’s corporate face as seen on the latest Polo, Jetta and Passat models with a new grille, bumper and headlamp designs. At the back, there are new tail lamps and a restyled tail gate for the hatchback.

Changes inside are limited to the lighting and trim décor on the dashboard such as the chrome rings on the vents, the controls with improved feel and ergonomics plus upgrades to the car’s equipment features.

Under the hood, the main news is the introduction of a new bi-fuel 1.0-liter engine rated at 72hp when using gasoline and 76hp with ethanol.

According to the manufacturer, when fueled with ethanol, the Gol 1.0 accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 12.9 seconds and tops out at 165 km/h (103mph).

Story References: Volkswagen via NovidadesAutomotivas

Hat tip to Henrique R.!

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