2017 Volkswagen Golf

The popular Volkswagen Golf is offered in both 4-door hatchback form and as a wagon, with 2-door hatchback variants no longer produced. The Golf 1.8T, Sportwagen and Alltrack are all powered by a 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder. In the hatchback, this is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sportwagen S is offered with those same choices, while the Sportwagen S 4Motion, SE and SEL are offered with the automatic only. Meanwhile, the Alltrack S, SE, and SEL all come standard with VW's 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

The Golf GTI comes with a potent turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L 4-cylinder that produces 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and is offered with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. At the top of the Golf hatchback range is the Golf R. The R also sports the turbocharged 2.0L, upped to 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet, with the sure-footedness of VW's 4-Motion all-wheel drive. Power is put to the wheels through either the 6-speed manual or the 6-speed DSG transmission.

The all-electric e-Golf is powered by 24.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that runs a permanent-magnet 85-kW AC electric motor. The output equivalent is 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The car's range is 83 miles when fully charged, and a 240-volt dedicated in-home charger can recharge the battery in four hours. Using household 120-volt current takes 20 hours. The e-Golf offers three selectable driving modes: Normal, Eco and Eco+, which vary regenerative braking and throttle response to either maximize power or range.

Golf 1.8T models are offered in S and Wolfsburg trims. The S trim includes 15-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free connectivity, an 8-speaker stereo with iPod hookup, 6.5-inch touchscreen with satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls, smartphone integration, remote keyless entry and a leather shift knob, as well as cloth seating with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. The Wolfsburg Edition brings 16-inch alloys, a power sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, automatic headlights, heated front seats, and advanced safety features such as blind-sport monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and a forward collision warning with automatic braking.

GTIs come in S, Sport, SE and Autobahn trims. In S trim, the GTI offers LED fog lights, heated mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels, while inside there's plaid cloth upholstery with heated front seats, a cooled glovebox, selectable driving modes, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth, the 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a rearview camera.

GTI Sport models add adaptive xenon headlights and various performance upgrades like a slightly more powerful engine, a limited-slip front differential, and bigger brakes. In the SE, there's a sunroof, leather upholstery, a Fender audio system, and automatic headlights. Finally the GTI Autobahn offers everything from the previous trims plus enhanced handling thanks to adaptive damping and a larger rear stabilizer bar. Dual-zone climate control, navigation, and a 10-way power driver seat round out the selection.

The range-topping Golf R is packed with premium standard …
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