2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pros vs Cons
What’s New for 2017?
Volkswagen decided to discontinue the two-door version of the Golf GTI. This year, buyers now have access to a new Sport trim.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI – The Pros
1. Boosted Four-Cylinder Engine
A turbocharged four-cylinder engine motivates the new Golf GTI. It develops 210 horsepower and a stout 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine’s surplus of torque enables the Golf GTI to offer effortless acceleration. When launched from a standstill, the quick hatchback takes only 6.1 seconds to hit 60 mph.
2. Pleasing Gas Mileage
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty ride that doesn’t burn a lot of fuel. Whether you are commuting to work or taking a weekend road trip, the Golf GTI will remain efficient. It is rated to return a pleasing 24 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway.
3. Fun Driving Experience
You can expect the Golf GTI to treat you to a fun driving experience. Upon stepping on the accelerator, you will immediately notice the hatchback’s burly exhaust note. Drivers give the Golf GTI high marks for its agility. In fact, it is among the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars on the market. Both the six-speed manual gearbox and the DSG automatic transmission perform flawlessly.
4. New Sport Trim
In terms of overall driving excitement, the new Sport trim is a step above the base Golf GTI. It comes standard with last year’s optional Performance package. Special engine tuning gives the hatchback an additional 10 horsepower. Meanwhile, a limited-slip front differential helps the Golf GTI to carve corners like a sports car.
5. Iconic Styling
The Golf GTI has always been famous for its boxy styling. In comparison to the regular Golf, the Golf GTI looks a bit more aggressive. A stylish set of 18-inch alloy wheels and an attractive rear spoiler come standard. Twin exhaust tips enhance the hatchback’s athletic character. Carbon Steel Gray and Tornado Red are just a couple of the signature paint colors.
6. Worthy Family Vehicle
Don’t underestimate the Golf GTI’s small stature. It is actually a solid family vehicle that can seat up to five people. A roomy backseat gives the Golf GTI a distinct advantage over the typical coupe. Tall drivers will have no trouble remaining relaxed while behind the wheel. With nearly 23 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, the Golf GTI can easily store a few extra items.
7. Fun & Affordable Base Model
Expect the base Golf GTI to remain a popular choice. It delivers a strong performance without forcing you to fork over extra money. Some of the standard components include a cooled glove compartment, a touch-screen display, and an eight-speaker sound system. Prices for the base S model start at roughly $26,000.
8. High-Quality Cabin
Most cars in this segment fail to match the Golf GTI’s top-notch level of craftsmanship. All of the interior materials have a high-quality appearance. It will feel like you are driving a premium vehicle. Red interior stitching accentuates the car’s sporty theme. While plaid cloth upholstery comes standard, the higher trim levels boast leather upholstery.
9. Well-Designed Infotainment System
All versions of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI come equipped with a touch-screen infotainment system. You will love the interface’s simple menu layout. Even first-time users will find it to be uncomplicated. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included with the system, which will keep smartphone users happy.
10. Safe Ride
An outstanding, five-star safety rating puts the Golf GTI among the most secure hatchbacks on the market. Aside from the Golf GTI’s impressive crash-test scores, it also benefits from a powerful braking system. A standard backup camera makes the compact ride even easier to maneuver in congested areas. High-tech driving aids, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking technology, make the hatchback an even more secure vehicle.Reasons You May Not Like the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI – The Cons
1. Lacks All-Wheel Drive
You can expect the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI to perform well in most weather conditions. However, heavy snowfall may pose a problem. If you need enhanced traction during the winter time, consider the aggressive Golf R. It comes standard with a 4MOTION AWD system.
2. Some Rivals Develop More Power
Very few drivers will complain about the Golf GTI’s overall performance. Nevertheless, it is important to note that some of the hatchback’s competitors come equipped with a more potent engine. For example, the Ford Focus ST develops a healthy 252 horsepower.
3. Autobahn Model Demands Extra Money
If you must have the top-of-the-line Autobahn model, be prepared to pay more than $34,000. Some drivers will not want to fork over the extra money. When comparing the Autobahn model to the high-performance Golf R, you will notice that the Golf GTI Autobahn is only slightly less expensive.
How it stacks up to the competition:
Some of the Golf GTI’s key competitors include the 2017 Ford Focus ST and the 2017 Mini Hatchback. A spacious backseat gives it the upper hand over both of these rival hatchbacks. From a standpoint of interior refinement, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI outclasses the Ford Focus ST.
Conclusion:
If you need more space than a two-door sports car can offer, take a good look at the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI. It enables you to have fun while still providing enough space for your family. While the base Golf GTI is a legitimate bargain, the higher trims offer goodies such as a high-powered Fender sound system.
