2017 Volkswagen Golf Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf remains one of the world’s most popular hatchbacks. It promises to reward you with a fun driving experience. Strong fuel economy pushes it further ahead of the competition. While the base model will fulfill most drivers, the Wolfsburg Edition Model comes loaded with an additional number of premium features. Unlike some small cars, the Golf is roomy enough to accommodate a family of five.

What’s New for 2017?

Unfortunately for some Golf fans, the two-door version has been dropped from the lineup. Volkswagen has also reduced the number of available trims. Furthermore, adaptive cruise control is no longer on the hatchback’s list of options.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Volkswagen Golf – The Pros

1. Punchy Performance

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine motivates the 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The boosted engine pumps out a potent 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. You will always have a surplus of power on tap. When tested on the track, the new Golf recorded a brisk 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds. It is clearly among the quickest cars in the segment.

2. Fun Manual Transmission

Although an automatic transmission is optional, true driving enthusiasts will be more than happy with the five-speed manual gearbox. It transforms the 2017 Volkswagen Golf into a more exciting commuter car. You will be able to extract the optimum performance out of the hatchback’s turbocharged engine. Because the manual transmission is so easy to shift, new drivers will not feel intimidated.

3. Impressive Fuel Economy

Given the Golf’s strong performance, some drivers may expect it to return poor fuel economy. Fortunately, the hatchback does a great job of conserving fuel. It is rated to return an impressive 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. You can safely use regular unleaded gas, which reduces the car’s total cost of ownership.

4. Rewarding to Drive

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a very easy car to drive. Whether you are a teenager or a retiree, you can expect the VW Golf to inspire a great deal of confidence. Although there are sportier hatchbacks on the market, the Golf always feels composed on the road. Great outward visibility enables you to remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

5. Smooth Ride

Car reviewers give the VW Golf high marks for its smooth ride. Even when driving on relatively harsh pavement, the hatchback provides outstanding comfort. The Golf’s impressive ride quality is a big advantage for the drivers who do a lot of traveling. You are encouraged to take the Golf on a long-distance road trip.

6. Classic Boxy Shape

Although the 2017 Volkswagen Golf doesn’t look especially aggressive, its refined appearance will win over a lot of drivers. Its boxy body style should age very gracefully. An optional set of 18-inch alloy wheels give the Wolfsburg Edition model an especially sporty stance. Some of the popular paint colors include Silk Blue, Tornado Red, and Platinum Gray.

7. Inexpensive & Well-Equipped Base S Model

The base 2017 Volkswagen Golf is considered to be an outstanding bargain. It has an attractive price tag of slightly less than $20,000. Some of the standard components included heated exterior mirrors, a touch-screen infotainment system, and an eight-speaker sound system. Despite the Golf’s affordability, it has the build quality of a more expensive vehicle.

8. Good Family Vehicle

While the VW Golf is a small vehicle, it still manages to offers a roomy cabin. Up to five people will be able to hop aboard. There is an ample amount of legroom in its rear seat, which is a key advantage for the drivers who have adult-size family members. With more than 22 cubic of cargo space in the back, the Golf can easily accommodate extra gear.

9. User-Friendly Infotainment System

All versions of the Golf now come equipped with a touch-screen infotainment system. The interface is extremely simple to use and responsive. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink technologies make it easy for you to integrate your smarphone.

10. Perfect, Five-Star Safety Rating

Everyone will appreciate the Golf’s top-notch safety scores. In the event of a collision, the hatchback’s post-crash braking system will help minimize further damage. If you desire more protection on the road, step up to the Wolfsburg Edition model. It benefits from blind-spot monitoring and autonomous braking technology.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Volkswagen Golf – The Cons

1. Does Not Offer All-Wheel Drive

If you must travel in wintry weather conditions, the Golf’s standard front-wheel-drive system may cause some concern. An AWD system would make the Golf a better performer in the snow. One of the top AWD hatchbacks is the new Subaru Impreza.

2. No Sports-Tuned Suspension

Unfortunately, the regular Volkswagen Golf does not offer a sports-tuned suspension. A stiffer suspension would give the Golf a more athletic character. If you desire sportier handling, you must step up to the performance-oriented Volkswagen GTI.

3. Automated Parking System Discontinued

You can no longer obtain an automated parking system on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf. This could be a disappointment for the urban dwellers who must deal with crowded parking areas.

How it stacks up to the competition:

The new Honda Civic Hatchback and the Hyundai Elantra GT challenge the 2017 Volkswagen Golf. An upscale interior gives the VW Golf an advantage over these rival hatchbacks. Furthermore, the Golf comes standard with a much more powerful engine.

Conclusion:

It is hard not to mention the 2017 Volkswagen Golf as one of today’s best hatchbacks. You will adore its smooth performance and spacious design. Although the base Golf has a tempting price, the Wolfsburg Edition model rewards you with goodies such as a panoramic sunroof and blind-spot detection. You will certainly appreciate the hatchback's class-leading ride comfort. Excellent crash protection gives drivers yet another reason to choose the VW Golf.