Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI Review: The Ultimate Sports Car for the Everyday Driver
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The smallest car in the Golf line-up is also one of the most exciting. But that’s not to say the Golf GTI isn’t a practical choice for everyday drivers. On the contrary, it’s one of the most sensible high-performance cars today. Why? Because it’s a compact car with plenty of space and standard equipment you won’t find in most rivals from other manufacturers. Even more impressive is how well-rounded this hot hatch is as a daily driver. It has all the practicality of standard Golf with all its frugal diesel engines, but with added features that make it more fun to drive every day, not just on weekends – something no other manufacturer can offer at this price point.
2017 VW Golf 8 GTI Review
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the original hot hatchback. It revolutionized the automotive landscape when it was first introduced in the mid-’70s, and it continues to set the standard for what is possible from a small car with a big engine. The GTI is smaller and less powerful than the Golf R. It can’t be driven on a track because it has a lot of added traction control. But it can be gone faster than the speed limit or into a corner with enough know-how. Like most Volkswagens sold in North America, the Golf GTI is available in S and SE variants. Both use a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. VW says the S will do 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The Golf GTV is a higher-performance version of the GTI with more power, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and many styling tweaks designed to differentiate it from the standard model.
Design of the New VW Golf 8 GTI
The GTI may be an iconic hot hatch, but it gets redesigned every few years. The most recent redesign gives it a more aggressive look, making it stand out from standard Golf. The bold front end features a black grille with red accents, unique LED headlights, and a large lower air intake. The GTI also has a unique rear bumper with a larger diffuser and two exhaust tips. The most significant visual change from the outside is the addition of 19- or 20-inch wheels, depending on the variant. The interior isn’t quite as different as the exterior, but it does have a few unique features, including red stitching and GTI logos on the seats and steering wheel. The infotainment system and overall fit and finish are on par with most Volkswagens, meaning it’s good but not great. There are a few hard plastics and questionable design choices, but it’s generally as premium-feeling as other Golf variants.
Interior of the New VW Golf 8 GTI
The GTI is a particularly compelling choice given how much standard equipment it comes with. All S and SE variants come with VW’s excellent infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated seats, and a large touchscreen. The SE also gets a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and sports suspension. No other hot hatch offers this much standard equipment, making the GTI a compelling choice for those who want a fun car with a lot of functionality. To top it all off, the GTI is also one of the most efficient hot hatches on the market, with fuel economy numbers that are better than some hybrids. What more could you ask for?
Performance of the New VW Golf 8 GTI
The performance of the GTI is on par with other hot hatches. It’s not going to set any lap records or break any speed records, but it’s a fun car to drive every day. One of the reasons for this is that the GTI is a front-wheel drive car with VW’s excellent 4Motion system, which can send all or some of the power to the rear wheels. This adds extra traction in slippery conditions and makes driving the car more fun, especially on a track. The powertrain of the GTI is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. VW’s excellent 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission offered. The GTI is also very efficient and can be had with a hybrid variant that’s more efficient than many previous hybrids.
Verdict: Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Right for You?
The GTI is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a fun car that’s also highly functional. This car you can take just about anywhere and be comfortable and happy. It’s extremely fast and fun to drive, but not so much so that it’s not usable daily. It’s also extremely well-rounded and an excellent option for anyone who wants a sporty car with a bit of character. The GTI has been a favorite among automotive journalists and enthusiasts for decades. And for a good reason — it’s one of the best hot hatchbacks on the market today.
