Sleek 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI parked showcasing its iconic hot hatch design
Having recently experienced the exhilarating performance of the Golf R, the burning question arose: how does the GTI fare? For those pondering the same dilemma, and echoing the comments asking about my personal preference between the two, let me state it upfront. While the Golf R commands immense respect for its raw power and sophisticated engineering, my heart leans towards the more approachable, quintessentially GTI – the front-wheel-drive hot hatch with its signature plaid seats and an undeniable charm. My enduring affection for the Golf lineage, and particularly for the GTI, stems from its unique ability to blend thrilling performance with everyday usability. The Volkswagen Golf GTI isn’t just a blast on winding roads; it’s a versatile machine that effortlessly transcends social boundaries. From country club parking lots to university campuses, the GTI feels right at home. More importantly, every drive in this spirited hatchback is guaranteed to plaster a wide grin across your face. It’s simply that good.
The Iconic Hatchback Reimagined
Side profile of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI highlighting its two-box design and sporty wheels
The model before you is the seventh generation Golf, the MK7, a testament to Volkswagen’s engineering prowess. Built upon the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, shared with numerous Audi vehicles, this generation of the Golf family stands as a benchmark in the automotive world. From the entry-level Trendline with its efficient 1.8T engine to the adventurous Sportwagen Alltrack, and culminating in the formidable Golf R, the entire Golf range overdelivers. These are small cars that punch above their weight, often challenging larger, more expensive vehicles in terms of performance and overall value. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI specifically, embodies this spirit perfectly.
This iteration of the GTI is visually striking. For its seventh generation, the classic two-box silhouette, a clear nod to the original Rabbit from over four decades prior, has been refined and matured. It’s slightly longer, wider, and more robust in its stance, yet retains the endearing proportions that have made the Golf so iconic. It remains an unpretentious and practical compact car, easily accommodating a mountain bike in the cargo area or a child seat in the back. Dressed in GTI trim, the 2017 model sports stylish 18-inch wheels, distinctive GTI badging, unique headlights, and a more aggressive front fascia, signaling its sporting intentions. The subtle red accent line across the grille adds a touch of flair, further enhancing its visual appeal and hot hatch identity. This red detail is instantly recognizable and a signature GTI styling cue.
Front three quarter view of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI emphasizing its red grille stripe and sporty headlights
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI was available in both three-door and five-door configurations. However, for the Canadian market, 2017 marked the final year for the three-door GTI, a point of disappointment for some enthusiasts. The test vehicle featured here is the five-door variant. Beyond the added practicality for passenger access and daily routines, the five-door configuration lends the GTI a more sophisticated presence, particularly when cloaked in the sophisticated Night Blue Metallic paint. This color option enhances the mature and refined character of the GTI while still hinting at its sporty nature.
Power Precisely Delivered
Engine bay of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI showcasing the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
While some argue that the all-wheel-drive Golf R surpasses the GTI in every metric due to its higher horsepower and superior traction, this perspective overlooks crucial aspects of what makes a truly compelling sports car. Raw power is not the sole determinant of driving enjoyment, and in the case of the GTI, its strengths lie far beyond just engine output. The 2017 Vw Gti masterfully balances power and handling to deliver a rewarding driving experience.
It’s important to note that the GTI and R share significant mechanical DNA. Beneath the hood of the GTI resides the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine found in its more potent sibling. However, in the GTI application, it’s tuned to produce a still-impressive 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, according to Volkswagen’s official figures. For those seeking a bit more zest, the optional Performance package elevates the GTI with an additional ten horsepower, along with upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential to optimize front-wheel traction. The test model reviewed here was equipped in the Autobahn trim level but without the Performance package.
Close up of the DSG gear selector in a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI highlighting its sporty design
Power in the GTI is channeled to the front wheels through either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or, as in this test vehicle, the exceptional 6-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic, the same unit found in the Golf R. Interestingly, the GTI is one of those rare cars where opting for the automatic transmission feels entirely justifiable. The DSG is remarkably responsive in both automatic and manual modes, delivering rapid and seamless shifts. While the exhaust note might be slightly less aggressive compared to the R, with slightly more subdued “fart” sounds between shifts, the overall operation is refined, efficient, and significantly enhances performance. In this price bracket, it’s difficult to find a transmission that matches the precision and responsiveness of the GTI’s DSG.
Perhaps the Acura ILX with its dual-clutch transmission offers a comparable experience, but the GTI’s unit remains a benchmark.
Interior shot of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI dashboard and steering wheel emphasizing the sporty and functional design
Similar to the Golf R and other Golf variants, the initial impression from behind the wheel of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is its remarkable solidity and composed demeanor on the road. This is an exceptionally well-built car, exhibiting a level of refinement and structural integrity often found in higher-priced vehicles. The suspension tuning, while not offering the adjustability of the R’s adaptive dampers, is expertly calibrated, striking a perfect balance between firmness for sporty handling and compliance for comfortable daily driving. Throughout the test period, the GTI adeptly absorbed road imperfections, even on less-than-ideal surfaces, with no unwanted chassis vibrations or cabin rattles. The power delivery from the engine is equally impressive. While not as explosively visceral as the R’s output, the 2.0-liter turbo engine is a true gem, providing a consistently strong and flat torque curve all the way to its 6,000 rpm redline, once past the initial hint of turbo lag.
Crucially, the GTI feels significantly more potent than its official horsepower figures might suggest. It’s a car that rewards spirited driving and feels genuinely quick in real-world conditions.
Angled shot of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI in motion showcasing its handling and sporty stance
Volkswagen claims a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds for the DSG-equipped GTI. Like the R, the GTI features a launch control system. Engaging the Sport mode sharpens the driving dynamics by altering the transmission’s shift points, holding gears for longer, and stiffening the electric power steering. The steering provides just the right amount of weight and resistance, contributing to a sporty and engaging feel. However, it’s worth noting that feedback through the steering wheel is somewhat limited, a common characteristic of modern electric power steering systems.
Rear three quarter view of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI highlighting its sporty rear design and taillights
Despite the limited steering feedback, the 2017 VW GTI is an absolute joy to drive, not just in a straight line, but especially through corners. The chassis feels remarkably composed and planted, confidently tackling bends and curves. Does it exhibit understeer? Yes, as is typical for front-wheel-drive performance cars. However, it’s easily managed with a slight lift off the throttle, allowing the GTI’s well-tuned chassis to tuck the rear end back into line, enabling you to maintain your intended trajectory. The GTI feels meticulously engineered, with impeccable handling and braking capabilities. It never feels out of its depth, as if seasoned chassis engineers dedicated significant time and expertise to fine-tuning every aspect to perfection.
In fact, the individual responsible for chassis and suspension tuning for the GTI is the same engineer who worked on the Porsche 911 GT3. This pedigree speaks volumes about the level of engineering and attention to detail poured into the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The Quintessential Daily Driver
Interior view of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI showcasing the plaid seats and spacious cabin
The most compelling attribute of the GTI isn’t solely its ability to ignite your passion on a back road, although it excels at that. Its true strength lies in its seamless integration into the everyday rhythms of life. First and foremost, it’s a Golf, meaning it offers exceptional practicality, a smooth ride, impressive comfort, and a hushed cabin during normal driving conditions. Fold down the rear seats, and the GTI transforms into a cargo-hauling champion, swallowing up to 1492 liters of volume.
That’s more cargo capacity than some compact crossover SUVs. The versatility is a key strength of the 2017 VW GTI.
Rear cargo space of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI demonstrating its practicality
Stepping inside the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI reveals one of the most refined and aesthetically pleasing interiors in its class, rivaling even some luxury sedans. The test vehicle was equipped with the iconic plaid cloth seats, a direct homage to the original GTI, and they are undeniably appealing. For those preferring a more conventional look, leather upholstery is also available.
Close up of the iconic plaid seats in a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI highlighting the GTI heritage
Regardless of the upholstery choice, the seats themselves are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, providing excellent bolstering during spirited driving and remaining comfortable on longer journeys. The instrument cluster in the GTI is straightforward and logically arranged, featuring traditional analog gauges and a small central LCD screen providing supplementary information such as fuel economy and media selection. The interior prioritizes functionality and avoids unnecessary frills, while maintaining an air of sophistication through the use of high-quality materials, above-average build quality, and subtle GTI-specific touches. These include red stitching accents and attractive red LED ambient lighting that illuminates the cabin at night.
Center console and infotainment system of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI showcasing the functional and elegant design
The flat-bottom steering wheel, which not only looks sporty but also feels fantastic in hand, integrates many of the car’s infotainment and driving controls. The GTI’s semi-autonomous driving assistance features are subtly integrated and easily accessible via a button on the turn signal stalk. These systems operate unobtrusively, and the lane assist system is particularly effective, ranking among the best tested.
It might seem unusual to praise semi-autonomous technology in a hot hatch like the GTI, but it underscores the car’s comprehensive capabilities. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI excels across the board, prompting the question: why would you consider anything else? While the Golf R pushes the performance envelope within the Golf family, the GTI encapsulates everything in a beautifully balanced and refined package. It feels less like a mere car and more like a precision instrument, finely tuned for both exhilarating drives and everyday practicality.
The Premium Hot Hatch Proposition
Despite its near-perfection, and it’s genuinely challenging to find significant faults with the 2017 VW GTI, it does have a few minor shortcomings. As mentioned in the Golf R review, the simulated engine noise generated by the Soundaktor system is still present in the GTI and can be somewhat irritating. While less pronounced than in the R, it still introduces artificial engine sounds into the cabin. Furthermore, during cold winter conditions, if ice accumulates on the windshield, the Soundaktor can produce odd vibrations and noises, detracting from the otherwise refined driving experience.
Then there’s the price point of the GTI, which, while not exorbitant, isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Opting for a base three-door model with a manual transmission keeps the price relatively accessible. However, adding features like the five-door configuration and upgraded wheels quickly pushes the price higher. To fully experience the GTI with the Performance package, including the additional horsepower and limited-slip differential, the cost approaches a level where Audi models start to come into consideration, potentially diluting the GTI’s value proposition for some buyers.
Low angle shot of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI emphasizing its sporty wheels and stance
While the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI exudes a premium feel, it’s arguable that Volkswagen should maintain a clearer price differentiation between the GTI and the more upscale Golf R. The GTI’s historical appeal has always been its ability to deliver accessible performance to a broader audience. As prices climb towards the $40,000 mark with options, it may lose some of its value appeal. Additionally, Volkswagen’s maintenance costs are generally considered to be slightly above average compared to some competitors.
For optimal value, sticking with the base GTI trim levels is advisable. You still get the same exhilarating driving experience, impressive refinement, and exceptional practicality as the higher trims, but at a more affordable price. Pricing considerations aside, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI remains an outstanding vehicle in almost every respect. It effortlessly caters to both the enthusiast driver seeking thrills and individuals needing a practical and versatile daily vehicle, all without drawing undue attention.
Ultimately, these undeniable qualities – the blend of performance, practicality, and understated sophistication – are what make the 2017 VW GTI a truly worthwhile investment.
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
Join the Tribe
Contact the author: [email protected]
Post Views: 107,151
