Economically Functional: 2017 Volkswagen Golf hatchback
It has been 41 years since Volkswagen’s iconic hatchback was introduced in the United States, with the seventh-generation Golf bowing in 2015. The Golf continues to represent a great value with loads of interior and cargo space, fuel-efficient engine choices and world-class engineering.
The Golf is wrapped in sheet metal that is modern, yet unmistakable as a Volkswagen Golf. The shape and design elements remain as defined as ever, with a distinctive C-pillar and roofline framing classic Golf side windows, but the striking front end and steeply sloped hood leave no doubt this model is different from previous generations.
The look is further accentuated by the sharper headlight clusters and with a detail line that runs through them, as well as by the narrower grille, which leads to a strong character line that travels along the side and all the way back to the taillight clusters, only breaking for the wheel arches. Just above, another body line can be traced from the rear side window all the way back up to the headlights. These subtle body lines help create a poised yet elegant appearance.
The Golf TSI® S is equipped with 15-inch “Lyon” aluminum-alloy wheels, wrapped in 195/65 all-season tires with 18-inch “Durban” aluminum-alloy wheels are available as an option.
Golf adds a high-value Wolfsburg Edition trim to the lineup for 2017, slotting above the S model. The Wolfsburg Edition adds the following equipment to the S trim: panoramic sunroof; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; KESSY® keyless access with push-button start; heatable front seats; automatic headlights; rain-sensing windshield wipers; 16-inch “Dover” aluminum-alloy wheels; Wolfsburg Edition floormats; a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic halogen headlights.
Base power is generated by a compact turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 1.8L four-cylinder TSI gasoline engine. Torque is communicated to the pavement through the standard five-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® shifting is an available option for both trim levels.
All 2017 Golf models are equipped with the XDS® Cross Differential System, which acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. This not only helps the Golf’s stability, but also helps improve handling and cornering performance.
The A7 Golf is the first U.S.-market vehicle built on Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces “wobble seam” welds in a wave pattern to help maximize strength in a limited space, offering up to four times the strength of a traditional spot weld.
Control hardware for the Golf features a strut-type front suspension. At the rear is a multilink arrangement with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar.
Inside the large, well-appointed cabin is an emphasis on comfort and a substantial features list. In addition to the spacious interior, the driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric design focus is also evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver—a trait frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles. White backlighting for the controls further highlights this upscale ambience, as well as the use of premium materials throughout, such as soft-touch plastics and trim pieces available in chrome, aluminum, and piano-black finishes.
An equal amount of attention has been paid to helping maximize comfort and convenience. The Golf TSI S has standard power windows with one-touch up/down from all window switches, power door locks, and power exterior mirrors, along with Climatic® air conditioning; cruise control; leather-wrapped handbrake, shifter knob and multifunction steering wheel; partial power front seats; Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming for compatible devices; and a MIB II Composition Color 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with USB and Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect smartphone integration, and Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service.
The versatility of the load space is enhanced by a trunk floor that can be moved up or down by 3.9 inches, while the 60:40 split backrest can be folded to give an almost flat cargo area that easily accommodates a full-size bicycle.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 103.8; overall length: 167.5; width: 70.8; height: 57.2
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbo – 170 hp at 4500 rpm and 199 lbs-ft of torque at 1600 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 25 city/36 hwy. (manual); 25 city/35 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 52.7 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual front head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assistant, electronic brake pressure distribution, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, electronic stabilization program, hill-hold assist, anti-intrusion side door beams, daytime running lights, automatic post collision braking system, intelligent crash response system, VW Car-Net Security and Service, alarm system, engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rearview camera, and tire pressure monitor. TSI Wolfsburg adds forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (front-assist), blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, KESSY keyless access with push button engine start.
Optional safety features include navigation system, rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf hatchback starts from $19,895 for the TSI S manual upto $22,695 for the TSI Wolfsburg automatic. Destination charges add $820.
