2017 Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI: What's Changed
CARS.COM
- Most significant changes: Fewer models available in streamlined lineup. New Sport model for Golf GTI.
- Price change: Base price is $280 lower on Golf S four-door and $225 lower on GTI SE four-door; GTI Autobahn is $1,665 more.
- On sale: Early fall
- Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2017
Related: More Volkswagen News
Volkswagen is streamlining its Golf and Golf GTI lines, eliminating several variations and giving most of the survivors more standard features.
For the Golf, the lineup consists of a four-door S hatchback and a new Wolfsburg Edition four-door model. The base and S two-door models are gone, and the SE and SEL four-doors are available only on a pre-sold order basis. Both have a 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine. Don’t look for any diesel models; Volkswagen has stopped offering oil-burners in the wake of its emissions cheating scandal.
The Wolfsburg Edition comes with a standard sunroof, leatherette upholstery, keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and other features in addition to the same equipment as the S model. The $22,415 base price is $1,700 more than the Golf S (all prices include destination).
The Golf GTI lineup returns with two- and four-door S hatchbacks, a four-door SE and a four-door Autobahn model, as well as a new Sport four-door that slots between the S and SE in price (base price is $28,815).
Standard equipment on the new GTI Sport includes the Performance Package: 10 more horsepower (to 220) for the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, brakes from the Golf R and a limited-slip differential. It also has standard 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights and keyless entry with push-button start.
The Performance Package is no longer available on GTI S models, but it is standard instead of optional on the GTI SE and Autobahn trims. The Autobahn also adds as standard forward collision warning, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, bi-xenon headlights and LED running lights.
The all-wheel-drive Golf R performance four-door and all-electric e-Golf return with few changes for 2017.
Volkswagen hopes that fewer models with more standard equipment in the Golf, Golf GTI and other model lines will yield higher sales. The additional features and, in many cases, lower prices, add value and make the 2017 models more appealing.
