The Volkswagen Golf GTI. Just the name itself evokes images of spirited drives, checkered flag aspirations, and a legacy of accessible performance. After experiencing the raw power of the Golf R, one can’t help but be drawn to the GTI, the original hot hatch that democratized driving fun. Many enthusiasts ponder the same question: GTI or R? While the Golf R commands respect with its all-wheel-drive grip and heightened performance, the 2017 Vw Gti holds a unique charm. It’s the everyday hero, the hot hatch you can confidently recommend to anyone, offering a thrilling driving experience without sacrificing comfort or practicality. For those of us who appreciate the purist connection of front-wheel drive and the timeless appeal of plaid seats, the GTI remains deeply compelling.
The Golf has always held a special place in automotive history, and the GTI variant is its rebellious, fun-loving sibling. It’s a car that effortlessly blends into any setting, from upscale country clubs to bustling university campuses. But beyond its chameleon-like social adaptability, the 2017 GTI delivers an undeniable thrill on the open road, plastering a grin across your face with its agile handling and responsive engine. This isn’t just a car; it’s an experience, an icon, a two-box marvel that continues to define its segment.
The MK7 GTI: A Modern Classic
Behold the seventh generation Golf, the MK7, a testament to Volkswagen’s engineering prowess. Built upon the versatile MQB platform, shared with numerous Audi models, the MK7 Golf, including the GTI, is widely regarded as one of the finest automobiles of its time. Spanning from the efficient 1.8T Trendline to the adventurous Sportwagen Alltrack and the formidable Golf R, the MK7 range is a collection of overachieving compact cars that often outperform larger, more expensive rivals.
The 2017 GTI model year represents a sweet spot in the MK7 lifecycle, offering refined styling and performance. Its design language is an evolution of the classic two-box shape, a nod to the original Rabbit from over four decades prior. The MK7 GTI is subtly larger and more sculpted than its predecessors, yet retains the quintessential Golf proportions that are both familiar and appealing. It remains an unassuming car, capable of swallowing a mountain bike in its cargo area or comfortably accommodating a child seat in the back. The GTI trim elevates the Golf’s inherent style with sporty 18-inch wheels, distinctive GTI badging, unique headlight designs, and a more aggressive front fascia.
And let’s not overlook the signature red accent line, a subtle yet impactful detail that adds a touch of GTI flair and instantly sets it apart.
While the original review mentions the availability of three-door models being phased out in Canada for 2017, the five-door GTI offers enhanced practicality without compromising the sporty aesthetic. The test vehicle, a five-door model finished in the sophisticated Night Blue Metallic, exemplified this mature yet sporty persona, perfectly balancing everyday usability with GTI excitement.
Power and Performance: The GTI Sweet Spot
The debate between GTI and Golf R often centers around power and drivetrain. While the Golf R boasts more horsepower and all-wheel drive, the GTI presents a compelling argument for a more balanced and engaging driving experience. For many driving enthusiasts, the GTI hits the sweet spot, offering ample power in a lighter, more agile package.
Under the hood, the 2017 GTI shares its fundamental engine architecture with the Golf R – a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder. However, in the GTI, this powerplant is tuned to deliver a spirited 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, according to Volkswagen’s specifications. Opting for the Performance Package unlocks an additional 10 horsepower, along with upgraded brakes and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, further enhancing the GTI’s performance credentials. The reviewed model was the well-equipped Autobahn trim, although not fitted with the Performance Package.
Power is channeled to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission, or the optional and highly praised 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, as equipped in the test car. The DSG is a standout feature, offering lightning-fast shifts and intuitive operation in both automatic and manual modes. While perhaps not as aggressively tuned as the DSG in the Golf R, it provides a refined and efficient driving experience with a noticeable performance edge. In its price range, few transmissions can match the DSG’s responsiveness and precision, potentially rivaled only by systems found in premium brands like Acura, as hinted at with the Acura ILX comparison.
Similar to the Golf R and other Golf variants, the 2017 GTI immediately impresses with its solidity and composed road manners. It’s a remarkably well-built car, and the suspension tuning, while not adaptive like the R’s DCC system, is expertly calibrated to strike a perfect balance between comfort and handling. Even on imperfect road surfaces, the GTI remains composed, absorbing bumps and imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin. The 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers power smoothly and predictably, offering a broad torque curve that feels stronger than the official figures suggest, pulling strongly to its 6,000 rpm redline once past the initial turbo lag. The GTI’s performance feels genuinely potent, exceeding expectations based on its horsepower rating alone.
Volkswagen claims a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds for DSG-equipped GTIs. Launch control is available, mirroring the Golf R, and in Sport mode, the DSG transmission sharpens its shift points, holds gears longer, and the electric power steering adds weight for a more engaging feel. However, like many modern cars with electric power steering, feedback through the steering wheel is limited.
Despite the lack of steering feel, the GTI’s handling prowess is undeniable. It tackles corners with confidence and composure, maintaining a planted feel even when pushed. While understeer is present at the limit, it’s easily managed with minor throttle adjustments, allowing the GTI to tuck its nose in and maintain its intended line. The chassis feels finely tuned, and the braking performance is equally impressive. The GTI’s handling and braking capabilities are a testament to the expertise of the engineers who developed it, rumored to include the same individual responsible for chassis tuning on the Porsche 911 GT3 – a pedigree that speaks volumes about the GTI’s dynamic capabilities.
The Everyday Hot Hatch: Practicality and Comfort
Beyond its performance credentials, the 2017 VW GTI truly shines as a daily driver. It retains the core practicality and usability of the standard Golf, making it incredibly versatile for everyday life. It’s smooth, comfortable, and quiet during normal driving, a stark contrast to some harsher hot hatches. With the rear seats folded, the GTI boasts a generous 1492 liters (52.7 cubic feet) of cargo space, surpassing some compact crossovers in cargo capacity.
Stepping inside the 2017 GTI reveals a cabin that punches above its weight class. The test car featured the iconic plaid cloth seats, a GTI signature that pays homage to the original model and adds a touch of retro charm. Leather upholstery is also available for those seeking a more premium feel, but the plaid offers a unique and appealing aesthetic.
Regardless of upholstery choice, the seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, suitable for both spirited drives and long commutes. The GTI’s instrumentation is straightforward and functional, featuring traditional analog gauges with a central LCD screen for vehicle information and media display. The interior design prioritizes usability and quality, employing high-grade materials, excellent build quality, and subtle GTI-specific accents like red stitching and ambient LED lighting.
The flat-bottom steering wheel is both visually appealing and ergonomically sound, housing controls for infotainment and driver-assistance systems. The GTI integrates semi-autonomous features discreetly, with lane assist and other systems easily accessible via a stalk-mounted button. These systems operate unobtrusively and effectively, with the lane assist being particularly well-tuned.
The praise for semi-autonomous tech in a hot hatch might seem unexpected, but it underscores the GTI’s comprehensive capabilities. It excels in every role, raising the question of why one would need anything more. While the Golf R pushes the boundaries of Golf performance, the GTI delivers a more holistic package, blending performance, practicality, and refinement into a precision instrument of a car.
The Premium Hot Hatch Dilemma: Price and Value
Despite its near-flawless execution, the 2017 GTI isn’t without minor drawbacks. The simulated engine noise, “Soundaktor,” is a point of contention. While less intrusive than in the Golf R, it still generates artificial engine sounds within the cabin, which some drivers find artificial and unnecessary. In cold climates, as mentioned in the original review, this system can even produce odd noises when the windshield is iced over.
Price is another consideration. While a base three-door manual GTI remains relatively accessible, adding options and higher trim levels can quickly escalate the price. The original review quotes a Canadian base price of $29,495, with higher trims reaching towards $40,000 CAD. At that price point, the GTI enters the territory of more premium brands, potentially making it a less straightforward value proposition compared to its original ethos of affordable performance.
The review suggests that to maximize value, sticking to the base GTI trim levels is advisable. You retain the core GTI experience – the engaging performance, refined driving dynamics, and exceptional practicality – at a more reasonable price. While Volkswagen’s maintenance costs can be higher than some competitors, the overall package offered by the 2017 VW GTI remains compelling. It’s a stellar all-around vehicle that caters to both the enthusiast driver and the practical needs of daily life, all while maintaining a degree of understated sophistication.
Ultimately, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a unique blend of qualities that are arguably worth the investment. It’s a car that delivers driving enjoyment without compromising on everyday usability, making it a truly versatile and iconic hot hatch.
Clavey’s Verdict (Inspired by Original Review)
Review of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI – A Timeless Hot Hatch Icon
9.5 / 10 Hot Hatchbacks (Slightly adjusted to reflect current market and potential price considerations)
+ + Impressive and balanced performance and handling.
+ + Smooth and responsive DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
+ + Exceptionally practical and comfortable for daily use.
+ + Timeless design and iconic GTI heritage.
– – Artificial Soundaktor engine noise.
– – Price can become elevated with higher trims and options.
– – Potentially higher long-term maintenance costs.
Note: This review is written with a focus on the English-speaking market and adapts some elements from the original Canadian review. Pricing and market availability may vary by region.
