AN ADULT APPROACH
Volkswagen’s 2017 Golf GTI displays styling restraint, but its athletic performance and overall refinement elevate it to icon status
The long-running Volkswagen Golf GTI literally created the hothatch sector way back in 1974. Since then, competitors have come and gone. A number of them have eschewed the hatchback format, preferring to pump up small sedans or low-slung two-door coupes. Several have been quicker, more visually exciting, more affordable.
But none of them has offered the combination of refinement, agility, utility and behindthe-wheel gratification that Volkswagen has baked into its iconic performance compact, particularly the current 2017 version.
Its chunky exterior design sports little of the bling many of its competitors flaunt — no rear spoilers, no gaping (often fake) air intakes. Clean and tidy, restraint is just part of what makes the GTI the most adult offering among the rabble-rousers in this segment.
Our Tornado Red tester was a base S model, but it still featured a number of niceties unexpected in this price class, such as one-touch up-and-down windows in all four doors; heated side mirrors and windshield washer nozzles; rearview camera; and heated front seats.
The cabin is a model of design restraint, correct ergonomics and high-grade materials, accented by the iconic tartan plaid sport seats. Those buckets are simply superb, with a generous amount of bolstering and easy adjustability. It’s a snap to dial in a perfect driving position, and all the necessary controls are right where you’d expect.
Sitting rather upright in the tallish hatchback, the large glass area yields excellent visibility, crucial for a performance machine.
The turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine exhibits a touch of lag pulling away from a stop, but the boost builds up quickly and then acceleration is torque-y and smooth, with a pleasant exhaust tone. The selectable-mode, six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers rapid gear swaps, rev-matched in downshifts.
The car’s performance, particularly when Sport mode is selected, is exceptionally athletic, with confident-but-compliant suspension tuning, sharp steering and wellmodulated brakes.
Solid, comfortable and a hoot to drive, the GTI delivers an amazing assemblage of virtues, cementing its icon status among affordable performance compacts.