As a model that has been around since the mid-1970s, there’s a certain standard that we’ve all come to expect from the Volkswagen Golf. With the current-gen model being introduced as early as 2012 at the Paris Motor Show we’ve been expecting to see a facelifted model anytime, and sure enough, Volkswagen has made some exciting changes for the 2017 model year. Building on the hatchbacks basic but sporty nature, VW has redesigned the front fascia, restyled the headlight lenses, integrated a whole new generation of infotainment systems, introduced some new engine options and announced a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission that will slowly replace the current six-cog unit. On top of this, the 2017 model year also brings some new safety features, including traffic jam assist, emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, and emergency assist.

For a car that is so widely loved – VW has sold more than 33 million examples since its introduction in the 1970s – the Golf is definitely a fan favorite, but its appearance in standard or non-GTI form has traditionally been somewhat mundane without a whole lot of character compared to models it competes with like the Ford Focus, Mazda 3, and Fiat 500. But all that changes now that the Golf has all these sporty updates, which should be enough to keep the car fresh until the next-gen model debuts sometime toward the end of the decade.

It’s pretty clear that we have a lot to talk about, so let’s dive on in and see what’s up with the 2017 Volkswagen Golf. It’s sure to be the sportiest model that you’ve seen to date.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Golf.

2018 Volkswagen Golf

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Volkswagen Golf
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The heaviest change to the exterior takes place up front where the Golf no has a much sportier front fascia. The air dam is now huge compared to before with the bottom edge of its trim rotating around and doubling back on top of the corner air intakes. Those corner air intakes aren’t necessarily larger, but they are elevated compared to the pre-facelift model. That horizontal louver in each corner vent now looks like a separate unit as opposed to looking like a formed part of the fascia itself. The body line just above and to the outside of the corner vent is now more pronounced than ever. The chrome strip in the grille now extends into the headlights via a sporty LED stripe that surrounds the bottom and outer edges of each headlight bulb. On a side note, models that are equipped with adaptive cruise control or front assist now have the radar sensor hidden behind the VW emblem instead of inside the air dam.

In the rear, not much has changed, but all models now come standard with LED taillights. Higher trim models get the advantage of having animated flowing turn indicators that light up in a bright orange. Range-topping models also have Individual LED’s for the taillights and brake lights – a small feature that helps to differentiate it from the models that sit below it. Everything else has remained the same through the facelift, however, the horizontal body line on the hatch is now much more pronounced than before, and the reflectors in the corner of the rear fascia have also been slightly reshaped. It’s not much, but it’s just enough.

On a side note, take a look at that front end again. Does the design of the front fascia, specifically the air dam and the trim around the corner air intakes, remind you of Mercedes design a little bit? It’s not identical by any means, but if you look at the 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe, the design of the front fascia’s definitely have their similarities. See for yourself:

The Competition

As I mentioned before, the Golf hasn’t exactly competed well in the looks department with competing models like the Mazda 3 and the Ford Focus, among others. In a world where automotive design has shifted toward a more aggressive style, VW has finally gotten on board with the golf.

Granted the Mazda 3 was the sportier of the three, but it and the new Golf are now in a dead heat as far as exterior style goes. The Focus isn’t quite ready to compete in the looks department, but Ford is updating it for the 2018 model year, so it could very well make a late appearance to the party with more aggressive and sporty cues as well. Then again, if you’re someone who likes more traditional and laid back styling, the current Focus might be the best choice for you considering the overall aggressive nature of the new Golf and the Mazda 3.

Volkswagen Golf

Mazda 3

Ford Focus

Wheelbase (inches)

103.8

106.3

104.3

Length (inches)

167.6

175.6

171.7

Height (inches)

57.1

57.3

57.8

Width (inches)

70.8

70.7

71.8


Interior

Inside the facelifted Golf, there aren’t any drastic changes as far as overall design goes, but that doesn’t mean that Volkswagen left it untouched. On the contrary, VW says it’s “Color & Trim” division had come up with new decorative trim panels for the dash, doors, and center console. The seats also get new covers. As you can see from the image above, it looks like this model is sporting a carbon fiber-ish panel in the dash and on the door trim. It’s a little way to keep things fresh without spending tons of money on a complete redesign. More important than things like seat covers and trim inserts is the updated infotainment systems now available in the Golf.


The existing infotainment systems are gone and replaced by the next generation of MIB infotainment systems. This means larger screens and more features than ever. For instance, the Composition and Discover Media systems now have an eight-inch touchscreen – a 1.5-inch jump in size over the outgoing system. The Discover Pro system now boasts a 9.2-inch display (up from eight inches on the outgoing unit) and its resolution has increased from 800x400 to 1280x640. And, believe it or not, gesture control is now available in the Golf – a first for any VW model – but is limited to the Discover Pro system that also offers both touch- and voice-command operation. The gesture control and new proximity sensors that it relies on aren’t only a first for the Golf but a first for any car in the compact segment. On the more basic side of things, the Composition Color system has been updated to a 6.5-inch screen (up from five inches) with a resolution of 800x480 (up from 400x200.) The black-and-white Composition Touch system has been discontinued – it was apparently just too 1950’s.

All of the systems feature an all-new look that brings the golf into the modern age and put it on top of the competition as far as features, design, and functionality go.

VW has actually said very little about connectivity options with most of its infotainment systems, but we know that the Discover Pro comes with everything you could ever want. There’s a small amplifier with a 4x20 Watt output, a DVD drive, two USB ports that are Apple compatible, two SD card slots, and Aux-in socket (for those of you who didn’t update to the new iPhone 7) and 10GB SSD storage built right into the system. System utilities include a movie player, jukebox, podcast player, voice control, and navigation. A rear-view reversing camera, while standard on the Mazda 3, is an optional feature for the Golf. Other options include DAB+, two extra USB sockets, and two mobile phone interfaces. There are two option storage compartments available that allow cell phone integration and inductive charging, and Media Control, a feature that allows you to control the Discover Media and Discover Pro systems from a tablet or a cell phone.

On a side note, the Golf now gets Volkswagen Car-Net, meaning this is the first time the Golf is being offered with the “Security and Service” package. This includes things like automatic accident notification, service scheduling, and breakdown calling. Online monitoring of the vehicle's location, doors, and lighting are all up for grabs. A feature parents will like is that the system can be set to automatically notify you if the vehicle is driven above a certain speed or if it has crossed into pre-defined alert areas.

The images above represent the offerings from the Golf, and two of its competitors: The Mazda 3 (top left) and the Ford Focus (top right.) Obviously, the Golf (bottom) is sporting the Discover Pro infotainment display with its new design and gesture control, but in comparison to the competition, it is wildly more advanced. The Mazda three does have the cool motorized screen that appears to float atop the dash when activated, but it’s small and looks like a tablet from six years ago when they were bulky but offered a small screen. The performance of the Mazda 3’s system isn’t bad in all reality, but I guarantee the Discover Pro system seen in the new Golf is probably smoother and more responsive. Plus, it has gesture control. Take that Mazda and Ford!

In all seriousness, though, the Golf definitely has the best infotainment options available. Just look at how bulky and “last generation” the display is in the Focus. It will be interesting to see how the three compete when we see the next-gen models on the showroom floor, but for now, the Golf is winning hands down. It should also be noted that the Golf can be had with that all-digital instrument cluster – a feature not available on the Mazda 3 or Focus – while the Mazda 3 offers an Active Driving heads-up display which isn’t available in the Golf.

Considering the fact that the VW Golf is now more modern than the competition we’ve discussed here, it’s almost a dead giveaway that it’s the model to go for. But, interior room is important too, so here’s a chart comparing the interior dimensions of each model discussed thus far.

Volkswagen Golf

Mazda 3

Ford Focus

Volkswagen Golf

Mazda 3

Ford Focus

38.4 / 38.1

38.6 / 37.6

38.3 / 38

Headroom, front/rear (in)

55.9 / 53.9

57.2 / 54.4

55.6 / 52.6

Shoulder room, front/rear (in)

55.5 / 53.5

53.9 / 52.8

Hip room, front/rear (in)

41.2 / 35.6

42.2 / 35.8

43.1 / 33.2


Drivetrain

Volkswagen is really aiming to please with the facelifted Golf, so you’ll be happy to know that things are also changing under the hood as well. With the launch of the 2017 model, a new 1.5-liter TSI EVO gasoline engine will initially be available. It delivers 147 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque. It is, as you probably guessed, turbocharged and comes complete with Active Cylinder Management and common-rail direct fuel injection. Fuel economy is said to be 4.9-liters per 100 km or 48 mpg when converted. Following the rollout of the 1.5-liter TSI, a BlueMotion 1.5-liter Diesel will also be offered with an output of 128 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. VW says it will offer 4.6-liters per 100 km or just a hair over 51 mpg.

Oddly enough, the new BlueMotion variant will also make use of a coasting function the shuts down the engine whenever the accelerator is released. This is traditionally found on hybrid vehicles and is included as a standard feature on all models equipped with this engine. According to Volkswagen, this function could increase fuel economy considerably to as much as 1.0-liters per 100 km or 235.21 mpg “depending on driving style.” Now that seems like one hell of a reach for an engine that is rated at about 51 mpg, as this number would top anything on the road today and then some, so take that with a grain of salt – it is clearly PR talk and getting even close to that kind of mileage is highly improbable unless you’re coasting downhill constantly.

Next in line is the Golf GTI. It doesn’t get a new engine of any sort, but VW has tuned it to provide an output increase of 9.8 horsepower which should put it on par with last year’s GTI Performance model. The GTI Performance model now outputs just over 241 horsepower. All models are being offered with a six-speed dual clutch transmission, but a new seven-speed DSG unit is said to gradually replace the six-cog unit over time. Overall performance like acceleration and top speed with the new DSG will likely remain unchanged, but VW has said that it will help cut CO2 output. Expect these new engines to push the Golf to 60 mph in around nine seconds or so.

On a side note, it appears as if the 1.8-liter gasoline engine will carry over from the 2016 model year with 170 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter diesel should also carry over, delivering some 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The 1.8-liter garners some 25 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The Competition

As far as comparing the Golf to the competition, it can certainly hold its own. The Focus is available with a 2.0-liter three-cylinder a 2.0-liter four-banger, or a 2.3-liter EcoBoost that is borrowed from the EcoBoost Mustang exclusively for the RS model. The 1.0-liter is all about economy, giving just 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. This engine is only available in the SE hatch, but does offer stop/start technology and offers 30 mpg in the city, 42 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined when equipped with a six-speed manual or 28, 40, and 32, respectively when equipped with a six-speed automatic. The 2.0-liter offers up 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque and garners 26 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined with a five-speed manual. With the six-speed auto, those figures remain unchanged with the exception of highway mpg, which increases to 38 mpg. The 2.3-liter in the RS pushes out 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque but sucks as far as economy goes, achieving just 19 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.

When it comes to the Mazda 3, it offers some stiffer competition in this department. It can be had with a 2.0-liter four-banger that pumps out 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet for torque. There’s also a 2.5-liter with four sleeves that delivers 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet. Fuel economy isn’t the best, but the 2.0-liter does beat out the Focus with 29 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway and 33 mpg combined. The 2.5-liter offers 25, 37, and 29, respectively. The Mazda 3 can be had with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with manual-shift. Both transmissions offer front-wheel drive only. Mazda has yet to publish performance figures, but it did test a 2017 model with the 2.5-liter and it managed to hit 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and topped out at 132 mph.

Volkswagen Golf TSI

Volkswagen Golf TDI

Mazda 3 2.0

Mazda 3 2.5

Ford Focus 2.0

Ford Focus 1.0

Engine

1.8L, inline four cylinder

2.0L, inline four cylinder

SKYACTIV®-G1 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder with VVT

SKYACTIV®-G1 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder with VVT

2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 Flex Fuel

1.0L Ti-VCT EcoBoost

Horsepower

170 HP @ 4,500 RPM

150 HP @ 3,500 RPM

155 HP @ 6,000 RPM

184 HP @ 5,700 RPM

160 HP @ 6,500 RPM

123 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque

200 LB-FT @ 1,600 RPM

236 LB-FT @ 1,750

150 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM

185 LB-FT @ 3,250 RPM

146 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM

125 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM

0 to 60 mph

7.7 seconds

7.8 seconds

7.5 seconds

7.4 seconds

8.5 seconds

9.4 seconds

Top Speed

124 mph

125 mph

130 mph

132 mph

121 mph

129 mph

Fuel economy city / highway

26 / 37

31 / 42

27 / 37

25 / 33

26 / 36

30 / 42


Pricing

Full pricing details have yet to be released, but VW’s USA website does list the Golf S and Golf Wolfsburg editions for the 2017 model year. Of course, they still reflect last year’s styling, but that should be updated sometime in the near future. They are also only offered with the 1.8-liter at this time. The Golf S looks to start out at $19,895 while the Wolfsburg has a starting ticket price of $21,595. Other pricing details for the 2017 model should be released in the coming months so stay tuned for details on that front.

The Competition

The Mazda 3 is offered in no less than four different trims here in the U.S. The entry-level Sport model comes in at just $20,145. Move up to the Touring model, and you’ll be asked to pay at least $22,245. Those models come equipped with the 2.0-liter, so if you want the 2.5-liter, you’ll have to step up to the Touring 2.5 at $23,445 or the Grand Touring at $24,945. Moving over to the Focus, the entry-level Focus SE hatch starts out at $17,140. Moving up to the Titanium will set you back at least $21,850, the Focus St comes in at $23,050, and the range-topping RS commands a staggering $36,775.

Volkswagen Golf S

$19,895

Volkswagen Golf Wolfsburg

$21,595

Ford Focus SE

$19,015

Ford Focus Titanium

$23,725

Mazda 3 Sport

$20,145

Mazda 3 Touring

$22,245

Mazda 3 Touring 2.5

$23,445

Mazda 3 Grand Touring

$24,945


What others are saying

The Car Connection

Aaron Cole, the Managing Editor over at The Car Connection spent some time with one of the early 2017 Golf models and said: “There's a Golf for nearly every taste and need—Golf, Golf GTI, Golf SportWagen— and don't forget about the EV eGolf, which is very balanced and fun to drive.” He rated the Golf (1.8T S manual transmission) at 6.7 out of 10 with styling getting 5 out of 10, comfort and quality 7.0 out of 10, features 5.0 out of 10, performance 7.0 out of 10, safety 9.0 out of 10, and fuel economy 7.0 out of 10. Of course, he didn’t have his hands on a facelifted model, so it’s quite possible that his ratings for fuel economy, styling, and performance may change with the introduction of the facelift. For what it’s worth, The Car Connection rated the Chevy Cruze hatchback at 6.6 out of 10, the Ford Focus at 6.3 out of 10, and the Mazda 3 at 8.4 out of 10 overall.

Competition

Read more about the Mazda 3 here.0

The Mazda 3 isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore, being introduced back in 2003. Since then it has gone through two generational shifts with 2013 being the most recent. While the current model is rather stylish aggressive and has received great reviews from many reputable sources, it’s almost time for Mazda to usher in a fourth-gen model. But, that won’t happen until 2019, so if you were considering going with the Mazda 3 and waiting until the next-gen model comes out, you might want to second guess that. You’ll be waiting at least a couple more years. Currently priced well to compete, you can get your hands on one for as little as $20,145, while going for a model equipped with the 184-horsepower 2.5-liter you’ll have to pay at least $23, 445.

Find out more about the Ford Focus Hatchback here.

Ford Focus Hatchback

The Focus has been around since 1998, with the third-generation model being introduced back in 2011. For the 2015 model year, it went through a pretty significant facelift, bring the model up to par with the rest of the market. This generation is expected to carry on for at least another year, with a new-gen model likely for 2018. Available with a number of different engines, the Focus is also available as a Sedan. The hatchback is obviously the sportier of the bunch, with the Focus RS and its Mustang engine being the range-topping model everyone wants. Pricing ranges anywhere from $17,000 up to as much as $35,000 for the RS.

Find out more about the Ford Focus Hatchback here.

Conclusion

It’s nice to see that Volkswagen has finally given the Golf a sportier exterior than before. Its new look and the addition of some new fuel efficient engines should give it some major selling points. Of course, a next-gen model is practically around the corner, so hopefully the sporty and aggressive nature of this facelifted model with serve as an excellent canvass for change in the next-gen model. Until this, this model should soldier on rather successfully and as a favorite for those who love hatchbacks. As a model that now has amazing features – think gesture control – and amazing tunability with aftermarket parts and accessories, expect this model to continue in VW’s lineup for a long time to come. Sure, the competition is strong in this segment, but the Gold is widely known for reliability, so you really can’t go wrong with it.