Volkswagen Golf GTI 2017 review
- Price N/A
- Seats5
- Fuel cons.6.2L/100km (combined)
What we like
- Still the default hot hatch
- Great powertrain
- Terrific practicality
What we don't
- New multimedia screen smudges easily
- No manual in two-door
- Driver aids optional extra
While everyone knows the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been around since 1975, what seems to have slipped away in the mists of time is that between the legendary MkI and the MkV of 2005, the GTI really wasn't taken that seriously.
Thankfully, VW saw the error of its ways and restored the famous badge back to hero status with the three-door MkV GTI of the mid-noughties.
Every since then, the GTI has been tweaked and fettled with every passing generation – and this mid-life freshen-up of the MkVII Golf is no exception.
Volkswagen Australia grabbed the opportunity to whip the covers off an updated version of the Golf GTI and Golf R this week in western NSW, as well as revealing a new, limited edition model known as the Performance Edition 1, or Performance 1 for short.
Verdict
Volkswagen's mid-life facelift for the Golf range will take the company through to 2020 – and the GTI isn't even close to feeling its age yet.
With VW promising a bigger range of performance hatches to come in the next 18 months, the smart money is still on the entry level GTI, especially now it's had a tickle-up.
It's quick, comfortable and more practical than the potent Performance 1, and the physical updates have taken away some of its previously soft demeanour. In short, it's still the hot hatch to beat, no matter where you look.
Also, check out Malcom Flynn's thoughts on the Golf GTI from its international launch.
Do you reckon the GTI is still the hot hatch to beat? Or does your heart yearn for another? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Specifications
- Fuel consumption6.2L/100km (combined) Tank 50L
- Seats5
- Warranty3 years/unlimited km
- Service Interval12 months/15,000km
- Engine2.0 4-cyl 98RON, 169kW/350Nm
- Transmission6-spd manual / 6-spd DSG auto
- PriceN/A
Volkswagen Golf GTI 2017 review
What we like
- Still the default hot hatch
- Great powertrain
- Terrific practicality
What we don't
- New multimedia screen smudges easily
- No manual in two-door
- Driver aids optional extra
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