Having had the chance to push the Golf R to its limits, a question lingered: what about the GTI? For many enthusiasts, the Golf GTI represents the sweet spot in the Volkswagen Golf lineup, blending everyday practicality with exhilarating performance. And indeed, when considering the ideal balance of fun and function, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE emerges as a compelling choice. While the Golf R boasts all-wheel drive and more power, there’s a unique charm and accessibility to the front-wheel-drive GTI, especially the SE trim with its well-rounded features. For those who appreciate the purist hot hatch experience, complete with the iconic plaid seats, the GTI remains deeply appealing.
The Golf has long held a special place in automotive culture, and the GTI variant has consistently been the hot hatch benchmark. It’s a car that effortlessly bridges social divides, equally at home pulling up to a golf club or a college campus. More importantly, the 2017 GTI is guaranteed to deliver a thrilling driving experience on any road, putting a smile on your face with every mile.
The Enduring Appeal of the Two-Box Design
The model we’re examining is the seventh-generation Golf, or MK7, a testament to Volkswagen’s engineering prowess. Built on the versatile MQB platform shared with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the MK7 Golf is widely regarded as one of the best cars in the world in its class. Across its diverse range, from the efficient 1.8T Trendline to the rugged Sportwagen Alltrack and the high-performance R, the Golf family consistently punches above its weight, often outperforming larger, more expensive vehicles.
The 2017 Gti Se model year showcases the timeless two-box design that echoes the original Rabbit from over four decades prior. The MK7 generation refined this iconic shape, making it slightly longer, wider, and more robust, without sacrificing its inherent charm and balanced proportions. It remains an unassuming yet stylish car, capable of swallowing a bicycle in the cargo area or comfortably accommodating a child seat in the back. The GTI trim adds sporty 18-inch wheels, distinctive GTI badging, unique headlights, and a more aggressive front fascia to the Golf’s understated aesthetic.
The subtle red accent line across the grille is a signature GTI touch, adding just the right amount of visual flair.
While the three-door GTI was once available, 2017 marked the final year for this configuration in some markets, making the five-door model the more practical choice for most. Our test car, the five-door 2017 GTI SE, finished in the sophisticated Night Blue Metallic, exuded a mature yet sporty presence, perfect for daily driving and weekend adventures alike.
The Ideal Amount of Power for a Hot Hatch
While some might argue for the Golf R’s superior horsepower and all-wheel-drive system, the GTI presents a compelling case for a different kind of performance. When evaluating a sports-oriented car, raw power figures are not the only metric that matters. The GTI offers a balanced and engaging driving experience that goes beyond simply chasing horsepower numbers.
Notably, the GTI shares key mechanical components with the Golf R, including the acclaimed 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine. In the GTI SE, this engine produces a robust 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque according to Volkswagen. An optional Performance Package was available, boosting output by an additional 10 horsepower and adding upgraded brakes and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential. Our test vehicle was equipped with the well-appointed Autobahn trim but without the Performance Package.
Power in the GTI SE is delivered to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or the exceptional 6-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic, as featured in our test car. The DSG is a standout feature, offering rapid and precise shifts in both automatic and manual modes. While perhaps not as aggressively tuned as in the Golf R, the DSG in the GTI provides seamless and efficient operation, significantly enhancing performance. In its price range, few transmissions can match the responsiveness and refinement of Volkswagen’s DSG.
The initial impression from behind the wheel of the 2017 GTI SE, much like any Golf model, is its remarkable solidity and composure on the road. This is a remarkably well-built car, and the suspension tuning, while not adjustable like the R’s adaptive dampers, is expertly calibrated. It strikes a perfect balance between firmness for sporty driving and compliance for everyday comfort, absorbing road imperfections with ease and without any unwanted chassis flex or cabin noise. The power delivery from the 2.0-liter turbo engine is equally impressive. While turbo lag is present, once the engine is in its stride, it delivers a strong and consistent wave of torque all the way to the 6,000 rpm redline.
The GTI feels more potent than its official horsepower figures might suggest.
Volkswagen claims a 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of around 5.6 seconds for the DSG-equipped GTI. Like the Golf R, the GTI features a launch control system. In Sport mode, the DSG transmission shifts gears more aggressively, holding revs for longer, and the electric power steering firms up, providing a satisfyingly sporty feel. However, steering feedback, while precise, could be more communicative.
Despite the limited steering feedback, the GTI’s cornering ability is truly impressive. It remains composed and planted even when pushed hard. While front-wheel drive cars can exhibit understeer, in the GTI, it’s easily managed with a slight lift of the throttle, allowing the chassis to regain composure and maintain the desired line. The GTI feels meticulously engineered, with exceptional handling and braking capabilities. This level of chassis refinement suggests the involvement of engineers with serious performance car expertise.
Indeed, the chassis and suspension tuning for the GTI were overseen by the same engineer responsible for the Porsche 911 GT3 – a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to driving dynamics.
The Quintessential Daily Driver with a Performance Edge
The true brilliance of the 2017 GTI SE lies not just in its ability to thrill on back roads, but in its seamless integration into everyday life. It excels as a practical, comfortable, and refined daily driver. Being a Golf at its core, it offers excellent practicality, a smooth ride, and a quiet cabin for relaxed cruising. Folding the rear seats flat reveals a generous 52.7 cubic feet (1,492 liters) of cargo space, surpassing some compact crossovers in terms of utility.
Stepping inside the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE reveals an interior that rivals some luxury sedans in terms of design and material quality. Our test car featured the signature plaid cloth seats, a nod to the original GTI, which are both comfortable and visually distinctive. Leather upholstery is also available for those preferring a more traditional look.
Regardless of upholstery choice, the seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive. The GTI’s instrument panel is straightforward and user-friendly, featuring classic analog gauges and a small central LCD screen for essential vehicle information and media display. The interior prioritizes functionality and quality, with premium materials, excellent build quality, and subtle GTI-specific touches like red stitching and ambient red LED lighting.
The flat-bottom steering wheel, both stylish and ergonomic, integrates controls for infotainment and driver-assistance systems. The GTI’s semi-autonomous driving aids are subtly integrated and easily accessible via a stalk-mounted button. These systems operate unobtrusively, with the lane assist system being particularly effective and refined.
The GTI excels at everything it does, raising the question of why one would need anything more. While the Golf R pushes the boundaries of Golf performance, the GTI strikes a perfect balance, offering a meticulously crafted and versatile package that feels more like a precision instrument than just a car.
The Premium Hot Hatch Dilemma
Despite its many virtues, the 2017 GTI SE isn’t without minor drawbacks. The simulated engine noise, channeled through the Soundaktor system, can be somewhat artificial and intrusive. While less pronounced than in the Golf R, it can still be noticeable, especially when the windshield is iced over in winter, creating an odd vibrational noise.
The price point of the GTI SE can also be a point of contention. While a base three-door manual GTI starts at a reasonable price, adding features like the five-door configuration and upgraded wheels quickly increases the cost. Opting for the full GTI experience with the Performance Package further elevates the price. At the higher end of the GTI range, the price approaches Audi territory, potentially making it a less compelling value proposition for some.
Considering the GTI’s historical mission of providing accessible performance, keeping the price competitive is crucial. While the GTI SE offers a premium experience, maintaining a reasonable price point is essential to its core appeal. Additionally, Volkswagen’s maintenance costs can be higher than average, which should be factored into the ownership consideration.
The recommendation would be to consider the base GTI trim levels. They deliver the same exhilarating driving experience, refined nature, and practicality as the higher trims, but at a more accessible price. Pricing considerations aside, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE is an exceptional vehicle in every sense, satisfying both the desire for sporty driving and the demands of daily life without being ostentatious.
Ultimately, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE offers an undeniable blend of qualities that justify its price, making it a truly worthwhile hot hatch.
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI by William Clavey
9.8 / 10 Hot Hatchbacks
+ + Impressive performance and handling. + Sophisticated and efficient dual-clutch automatic. + Very practical and comfortable.
– – Soundaktor engine sound amplifier. – Can become expensive with options. – Higher than average maintenance costs.
