The Volkswagen Golf GTI has long been celebrated as the quintessential hot hatch, and after spending time with the 2017 model, it’s easy to see why. Following my drive in the Golf R, I was eager to experience the GTI, and I can confidently say that while the R boasts incredible performance and sophistication, the front-wheel-drive 2017 Volkswagen Golf Gti holds a unique charm that’s hard to resist. With its iconic plaid seats and exhilarating driving dynamics, the GTI isn’t just a car; it’s an experience.
I’ve always harbored a soft spot for the Golf, and the GTI variant has consistently been the hot hatchback I’d proudly introduce to anyone. This Volkswagen marvel is not only incredibly fun to drive on winding roads, but it also effortlessly bridges social divides. Whether you’re pulling up to a country club or a university campus, the Golf GTI fits right in. Most importantly, every drive in this hatchback is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s simply that good.
The Iconic Two-Box Design Continues
Front view of a blue 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI parked on a paved area, showcasing its iconic hatchback design.
The model you see here is the seventh generation Golf, the MK7. Built on Volkswagen’s versatile MQB platform, which also underpins various Audi models, this generation of Golf is, quite simply, one of the best cars available today. From the base Trendline to the sporty Alltrack and the powerful R, the Golf lineup consistently punches above its weight, often outperforming larger, more expensive vehicles.
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is undeniably handsome. For its seventh iteration, the classic two-box design, reminiscent of the original Rabbit from over four decades ago, has been refined and strengthened without losing its appealing proportions. It remains an unassuming yet stylish car, capable of swallowing a mountain bike in the cargo area and comfortably accommodating a child seat in the back. In GTI guise, the Golf sports attractive 18-inch wheels, distinctive GTI badging, unique headlights, and a more aggressive front fascia.
And let’s not overlook that subtle red stripe detail, adding just the right amount of sporty flair.
Side profile of a Night Blue Metallic 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, highlighting its sporty wheels and clean lines.
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is available in both three-door and five-door configurations. However, for Canadian buyers in 2017, the three-door GTI marked its final year of availability, which is a shame for purists. My test vehicle was the five-door model, which proved to be exceptionally practical for everyday use and lent the GTI a more sophisticated appearance, especially in the elegant Night Blue Metallic paint.
Power That’s Just Right
Close-up of the front grille and headlights of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, emphasizing its red GTI badging.
Many argue that the Golf R surpasses the GTI in every aspect due to its higher horsepower and all-wheel-drive system. However, I disagree. When choosing a sports car, factors beyond sheer power are crucial, and the GTI’s performance figures don’t tell the full story.
It’s worth noting that the GTI shares many mechanical components with the Golf R. Under the hood is the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine. In the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, this engine produces a robust 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, according to Volkswagen. Opting for the Performance package boosts power by an additional ten horsepower and adds upgraded brakes and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential. My test GTI was the Autobahn trim, without the Performance package.
Interior shot of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, focusing on the gear shift, steering wheel, and dashboard layout.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or, as in my test car, the superb 6-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic, also found in the Golf R. Interestingly, the GTI is one of the few cars I wouldn’t mind owning with an automatic transmission. The DSG is incredibly responsive in both manual and automatic modes. While the exhaust notes are slightly less aggressive than the R, the overall operation is seamless and efficient, significantly enhancing performance. I believe no other car in this price range can match the precision of this transmission. Perhaps the Acura ILX comes close, but the GTI’s DSG remains a benchmark.
Close-up of the plaid cloth seats in a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a signature design element.
Just like in the Golf R and other Golf models, the initial impression from behind the wheel of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is its solid and planted feel on the road. This is an exceptionally well-built car, and the suspension tuning, while not adjustable like the R’s, is perfectly balanced – never too firm, never too soft. During my time with the GTI, it effortlessly absorbed Quebec’s less-than-perfect roads, without any unwanted chassis noises or cabin rattles. Power delivery is equally impressive; while not as explosive as the Golf R, the 2.0-liter turbo engine is a gem, providing a consistent surge of torque all the way to its 6,000 rpm redline once past the initial turbo lag.
The key takeaway is that the GTI feels considerably more potent than its specifications suggest.
Driver's side view of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI in motion on a scenic road, showcasing its agile handling.
Volkswagen claims a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds with the DSG transmission. Like the Golf R, it features launch control, and in Sport mode, the transmission shifts gears more aggressively, holds revs longer, and the electric power steering firms up, providing a sporty and engaging feel. However, steering feedback could be improved, as it remains somewhat limited.
Front three-quarter view of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI parked in a natural setting, highlighting its sporty stance.
But despite the slight lack of steering feel, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is remarkably quick! And not just in a straight line, but also through corners. It always feels composed and readily tackles any curve. Yes, there is some understeer, but it’s easily managed by slightly lifting off the throttle, and the Golf’s well-tuned chassis quickly brings the rear end back in line, allowing you to maintain your intended course. The GTI feels incredibly refined, and the handling and braking are impeccable. It performs flawlessly, as if expert chassis engineers meticulously tuned every aspect to perfection.
In fact, that’s precisely what happened. The engineer responsible for chassis and suspension tuning for the GTI is the same person who worked on the Porsche 911 GT3. That’s quite a resume!
The Ultimate Daily Driver
Rear view of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI with the hatchback open, demonstrating its cargo capacity.
However, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI’s greatest strength isn’t just its ability to excite on backroads, although it excels at that. It’s how effortlessly it handles the daily grind. Above all, it’s still a Golf, meaning it’s incredibly practical, smooth, comfortable, and quiet during everyday driving. Fold down the rear seats, and the GTI offers a generous 1492 liters (52.7 cubic feet) of cargo space.
That’s more than some compact SUVs.
Interior of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, showcasing the dashboard, infotainment screen, and red ambient lighting.
Stepping inside the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI reveals one of the most refined interiors in its class, rivaling even some luxury sedans. My test car featured the iconic plaid cloth seats, a nod to the original GTI, and I absolutely love them. If plaid isn’t your style, leather upholstery is also available.
Rear seats of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, highlighting the legroom and plaid upholstery.
Regardless of the upholstery, the seats are remarkably comfortable and supportive. The GTI’s instrument cluster is straightforward and well-organized, with traditional analog gauges and a small LCD screen in the center for information like fuel economy and media selection. It’s a functional, no-nonsense interior that maintains an air of sophistication through high-quality materials, excellent build quality, and subtle GTI touches like red stitching and attractive red LED ambient lighting.
Close-up of the steering wheel and instrument cluster of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, showing the GTI badging.
The flat-bottom steering wheel, which is both stylish and comfortable to hold, houses most of the car’s infotainment and driving controls. I appreciate how the GTI’s semi-autonomous technology operates discreetly in the background and is easily accessible via a button on the turn signal stalk. The systems never feel intrusive, and the lane assist is among the best I’ve tested.
Center console and infotainment screen of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, displaying the clean and functional design.
Yes, I’m actually praising the semi-autonomous features in a Golf GTI.
That’s because the GTI is a car that excels in every aspect, making you question why you would need anything else. While the Golf R pushes the boundaries of Golf performance, the GTI delivers a beautifully balanced all-around package that feels more like a precision instrument than just a car.
The Premium Hot Hatch with a Price
As close to perfect as the GTI seems, and it’s genuinely difficult to find significant faults, it does have a few drawbacks. As mentioned in my Golf R review, the simulated engine noise from the Soundaktor is irritating. While less pronounced in the GTI, it still vibrates annoyingly through the cabin. Furthermore, because it’s essentially a large vibrator shaking the windshield in sync with the engine’s sound, it can sound particularly artificial, especially when the windshield is covered in ice on a cold winter day, resembling a malfunctioning digital device.
Then there’s the price of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, which isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Sticking with a base three-door manual model keeps things somewhat reasonable, with GTI prices starting around $29,495 (Canadian dollars in the original article’s context). Adding two more doors and the attractive wheels shown here pushes the price to $34,845. However, to experience the full GTI package, including the Performance package, increased horsepower, and the limited-slip differential, the price climbs to $38,695. At that point, you might start considering an Audi, which, in my opinion, doesn’t make much sense.
The thing is, while the Golf GTI feels premium, if I were Volkswagen, I would reserve the high-end features for the Golf R and keep the GTI’s price more accessible. The original concept of the GTI was to offer affordable performance to the masses, and at nearly $40,000, it starts to lose that appeal. Also, Volkswagen’s maintenance costs tend to be higher than average.
Front view of a Night Blue Metallic 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI parked on a scenic road, capturing its overall aesthetic.
My recommendation is to stick with the base GTI trim levels. You’ll get the same incredibly fun, refined, and practical hatchback experience as the higher trims, but at a more affordable price. Pricing concerns aside, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is an exceptional vehicle in every sense, satisfying both your desire for driving thrills and your practical needs as a responsible adult, all without drawing excessive attention.
Ultimately, aren’t these undeniable qualities worth paying a premium for?
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI by William Clavey
9.8 / 10 Hot Hatchbacks
+ + Impressive performance and handling. + Sophisticated and efficient dual-clutch automatic. + Very practical and comfortable.
– – Soundaktor engine sound amplifier. – Can become expensive with options. – Higher than average maintenance costs.
Clavey’s Corner is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Prices and trim levels discussed in this article reflect the Canadian car market.
Special thanks: Volkswagen Canada
Photography: Appearance
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