more about this model It is easy to understand the appeal of a compact hatchback. They combine the small footprint and thrifty fuel efficiency of a compact car with cargo capacity to rival some big sedans. Yet that practicality doesn't have to be attached to a car that is boring. The 2017 Volkswagen GTI falls into a sub-genre of the compact hatchbacks once dubbed the "hot hatch." These variants had more gusto under the hood and refined, sport-tuned chassis to enhance athleticism and provide driving thrills. This on top of their versatility.
The GTI represents the latest chapter in a story that dates back to the 1980s, when the GTI first appeared in the U.S. and arguably started the hot hatch era. Through rabid enthusiast clubs and forums the GTI has achieved cult-like status over the past three-plus decades. Spend time behind the wheel of the latest GTI and you'll understand why its fans are so enthusiastic.
Based on VW's Golf, the GTI shares its roomy interior, impressive materials and commendable build quality. From there, the GTI adds sizzle in the form of a feisty turbocharged engine, a taut suspension and sporty cabin upgrades such as heavily bolstered sport seats and a thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel. Visual effects include 18-inch alloy wheels, a unique lower front fascia and chrome-tipped dual exhaust.
Whether you opt for the manual or the dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GTI is both swift (0-60 mph in the mid-6-second range) and fairly fuel efficient. The EPA estimates range from 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway) for the automatic and 28 mpg combined (24 city/34 highway) for the manual. As you might expect, the GTI has a noticeably firmer ride than the standard Golf. But this is the tradeoff for increased athleticism.
The GTI is available in four trim levels ranging from the base S to the loaded Autobahn. The S comes with a generous standard features list, highlighted by heated front seats and a rearview camera. The Autobahn offers features such as an adaptive suspension (allowing both a softer ride for commuting on rough roads and a tighter setting for curvy roads), a navigation system and adaptive cruise control, among others. In between are the Sport and SE trims.
Regardless of how you might want to equip your ideal GTI, you will end up with a car that draws a nice balance between driving enjoyment and everyday practicality. Let Edmunds help you find the perfect GTI for your driveway.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Golf GTI featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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How do people like the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Golf GTI 4.9 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Golf GTI.
Vehicle
Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
Review
I have owned a number of GTIs, but have to say this is probably the best one ever. The sport is a stand alone model that includes the performance pack, Nogaro alloys (Only on Sport model), bi-xenon/LED lighting, keyless entry/ignition, over the base S model. Plus, Apple play is a great feature negating the need for navigation. For me, and I am sure other enthusiasts agree that this is the perfect model - why? The new MQB platform GTI is a an incredibly well-developed car that drives and handles superbly. The Sport has all the essentials needed without the superfluous toys added in the SE and Autobahn models - this is the enthusiasts GTI. The addition of the Performance packs adds some extra horsepower, but the real bonus of the package is the mechanical limited slip differential which takes cornering on a front-drive car to a new level, and the stopping power of the R brake package. The beauty of the GTI has always been the fact that it is such a versatile and well-behaved car when you want it to be, but when you want to push it to it limits it is in an even happier mode. I love the fact that this car is so capable in so many areas - it may well be the perfect car!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI
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Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf-gti safe?
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf-gti earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Available Volkswagen Golf GTI 2017 Submodel Types: Hatchback
Available Trims: S, SE, Sport, Autobahn, Autobahn w/Performance Package, SE w/Performance Package, S w/Performance Package
Exterior Colors: Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, Night Blue Metallic, Tornado Red, Reflex Silver Metallic
Interior Colors: Titan Black w/Clark Plaid cloth, Titan Black w/Red Piping leather, Titan Black leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Post-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Power Driver Seat, Back-up camera, USB Inputs, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Headlights, Leather Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Navigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-collision safety system, Auto Climate Control, Parking sensors
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
