Smart looks; entertaining driving experience; high-class cabin; hatchback practicality.
DSG automatic transmission a bit slow to respond in stop-go traffic.
In comes a new Sport trim, prompting a some reshuffling of equipment between the trims, and out goes the 2-door body style.
The previously optional Performance Package (electronic limited-slip differential, beefier brakes front and rear, and an extra 10 horsepower) is no longer available in the lowest trim, but has become standard equipment for the rest of the range.
Autobahn trim now has Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive damping as standard, along with some advanced safety features. See the 2017 Volkswagen GTI models for sale near you
The way VW has structured the trim levels means different kinds of GTI. The new Sport version offers pretty much everything a keen driver would need. Or those who want every bell and whistle will prefer the Autobahn. Find a Volkswagen GTI for sale
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI comes as a 4-door hatchback. Trim levels are S, Sport, SE and Autobahn. All-season tires are standard; higher-performance summer tires are a no-cost option. The DSG transmission is an extra $1,100.
The S ($26,415) gets the ball rolling with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, rear spoiler, heated side mirrors, heated front washer nozzles, cruise control, air conditioning, plaid cloth upholstery (a GTI specialty), heated front seats with manual adjustment/power-recline, leather-wrapped tilt/telescope steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats with a central pass-through, trip computer, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, USB port, rearview camera, satellite radio and VW Car-Net telematics (automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geo-fencing -- so parents can establish limits for teen drivers).
Sport ($28,815) has that extra power and equipment of the Performance Package (including stronger brakes from the Golf R and an electronically controlled/torque-sensing/limited-slip differential) plus adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry/ignition and black mirror caps.
SE ($31,710) adds a sunroof, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery and a Fender-branded audio system upgrade. To acquire adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights in the SE, though, means going for the Lighting Package.
Autobahn ($34,915) brings navigation, 12-way power driver's seat (with power lumbar adjustment) and dual-zone automatic climate control, DCC adaptive damping (which includes adjustable shock absorbers and a larger rear anti-roll bar), adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
A Driver Assistance Package for the SE brings adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assistance package for the Autobahn version has a self-dimming rearview mirror, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, plus automated parallel and perpendicular parking.
Behind the rear seats is 22.8 cu ft. of cargo space. Fold them down for a massive 52.7 cu ft., as good as this class gets.
| Hatchback | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI 2.0T 2-Door S DSG | $26,095 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 210 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 2-Door S Manual | $24,995 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 210 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door Autobahn DSG | $35,195 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 220 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door Autobahn Manual | $34,095 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 220 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door S DSG | $26,695 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 210 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door S Manual | $25,595 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 210 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door SE DSG | $31,990 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 220 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door SE Manual | $30,890 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 220 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door Sport DSG | $29,095 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 220 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door Sport Manual | $27,995 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 220 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock disc brakes, automatic hill hold, stability/traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's-side knee airbag.
Volkswagen also includes a post-collision braking feature as standard. After an impact, it automatically applies the brakes to reduce the chances of a secondary accident.
In government crash tests, the GTI earned the maximum five stars overall, with four stars in the front impact test and five stars for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the GTI its highest score of Good in all its major categories and named it a Top Safety Pick.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 12 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
2017 Ford Focus ST -- Not quite the all-rounder the GTI is, but a ton of fun thanks to an exceptional front-drive chassis. Only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
2017 Honda Civic Si -- This is a sedan (no hatchback Si version is planned for the United States). But the regular Civic provides an excellent platform for sportier thrills.
2017 Subaru WRX -- Comes with all-wheel drive as standard, which is useful in bad weather as well as gaining more traction through corners. Lower-rent interior, though, and nothing special from a styling point of view.
Used BMW 3 Series -- It doesn't have quite the same level of practicality, but the always-desirable 3 Series compensates with a great balance between sporty ride and premium equipment.
