TSI Wolfsburg Edition 4-Door 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Hatchback
2017 Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf sets the standard for its class. New to the lengthy lineup is the 2017 Golf Alltrack wagon. Based on the Golf SportWagen, the Alltrack has standard 4Motion all-wheel drive and an extra half-inch of ground clearance. All-wheel drive now is available for the 2017 Golf SportWagen S as well. Also new is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Wolfsburg Edition positioned above the Golf S. Turning to the sporty GTI, entry-level S models now have plaid cloth upholstery rather than imitation leather. Sport trim level is new for 2017. 2017 Golf Sport, Autobahn, and SE versions now include the Performance Package, which boosts engine output to 220 horsepower.
Last redesigned for the 2015 model year, the Golf group consists of two- and four-door hatchbacks, sporty GTIs, and a pair of wagons, plus the battery-powered e-Golf. Diesel-engine models are gone, in the wake of the emissions-testing scandal that was uncovered in 2015.
Base engine is a turbocharged 1.8-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard in some trim levels, with 6-speed automatic transmission optional. All-wheel-drive SportWagens and Alltracks may have either a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual.
In the GTI, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 210 horsepower (220 hp with Performance Package), mating with the 6-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic. We lean toward the dual-clutch unit, which yields precise, crisp shifts. That GTI easily does double-duty, serving well as both a performance car and a daily commuter.
Strongest of all is the 2.0-liter turbo four in the Golf R, generating 292 horsepower, with Haldex all-wheel drive. Golf R and GTI models may be fitted with adjustable dampers, aimed at fine-tuning the car's responses.
Safety is a strong point. In crash-testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Golf earned a five-star overall score, but four-star for frontal collision and rollover protection. When equipped with advanced safety features, the Golf was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with Good scores in every crash-test. Active-safety features are standard on the Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Autobahn, and optional for other upper trim levels.
Full Review
Full Review
Turning to the sporty GTI, entry-level S models now have plaid cloth upholstery rather than imitation leather. Sport trim level is new for 2017. 2017 Golf Sport, Autobahn, and SE versions now include the Performance Package, which boosts engine output to 220 horsepower.
Last redesigned for the 2015 model year, the Golf group consists of two- and four-door hatchbacks, sporty GTIs, and a pair of wagons, plus the battery-powered e-Golf. Diesel-engine models are gone, in the wake of the emissions-testing scandal that was uncovered in 2015.
Base engine is a turbocharged 1.8-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard in some trim levels, with 6-speed automatic transmission optional. All-wheel-drive SportWagens and Alltracks may have either a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual.
In the GTI, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 210 horsepower (220 hp with Performance Package), mating with the 6-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic. We lean toward the dual-clutch unit, which yields precise, crisp shifts. That GTI easily does double-duty, serving well as both a performance car and a daily commuter.
Strongest of all is the 2.0-liter turbo four in the Golf R, generating 292 horsepower, with Haldex all-wheel drive. Golf R and GTI models may be fitted with adjustable dampers, aimed at fine-tuning the car's responses.
Safety is a strong point. In crash-testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Golf earned a five-star overall score, but four-star for frontal collision and rollover protection. When equipped with advanced safety features, the Golf was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with Good scores in every crash-test. Active-safety features are standard on the Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Autobahn, and optional for other upper trim levels.
Hide Full Review
Retail Price
| Engine | 1.8L I-4 |
| MPG | 25 City / 36 Hwy |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 5-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 170 @ 4500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | front-wheel |
