Topic: Test Drive: 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn

[AutoTrader.ca]

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[SKYMTL]

So basically this is 2017's version of the Wolfsburg?  The equipment set seems like a copy / paste of that package. 

[OliverD]

So basically this is 2017's version of the Wolfsburg?  The equipment set seems like a copy / paste of that package.

Which Wolfsburg are you referring to?

[Gurgie]

Still one of the original hot hatches... and would be my go to if I was in the market for something this size 

[Jaeger]

I've always loved those plaid seats.

[SKYMTL]

So basically this is 2017's version of the Wolfsburg?  The equipment set seems like a copy / paste of that package.

Which Wolfsburg are you referring to?

http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2013-volkswagen-golf-gti-wolfsburg-edition/

[OliverD]

So basically this is 2017's version of the Wolfsburg?  The equipment set seems like a copy / paste of that package.

Which Wolfsburg are you referring to?

http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2013-volkswagen-golf-gti-wolfsburg-edition/

Oh gotcha. The 2017 isn't a lot different than the 2015/2016 Autobahn models in terms of packaging. Nav is now standard and I think they added blind spot detection and/or rear cross traffic alert. Other than that and the upgraded infotainment they're pretty much identical.

Should note that the three door is discontinued for 2018, and they've added a base five door model with 17" wheels, no sunroof or leather, no nav, etc.

[OliverD]

I've always loved those plaid seats.

I was tempted to get the plaid seats but my wife absolutely hated them.

[quadzilla]

I've always loved those plaid seats.

I was tempted to get the plaid seats but my wife absolutely hated them.

Same story here. Only bonus for the MKV was the leather seats were the 'upgraded' sport seats so it wasn't all bad. Now I think the cloth and leather seats are the same (could be wrong though).

[OliverD]

I've always loved those plaid seats.

I was tempted to get the plaid seats but my wife absolutely hated them.

Same story here. Only bonus for the MKV was the leather seats were the 'upgraded' sport seats so it wasn't all bad. Now I think the cloth and leather seats are the same (could be wrong though).

I think the seat is largely the same but if you get leather you also get a 12-way power driver's seat.

[Fobroader]

$40K, thats deep into WRX Sport Tech territory and awd>fwd. I'm sure thats its a nice car and all....

[quadzilla]

I've always loved those plaid seats.

I was tempted to get the plaid seats but my wife absolutely hated them.

Same story here. Only bonus for the MKV was the leather seats were the 'upgraded' sport seats so it wasn't all bad. Now I think the cloth and leather seats are the same (could be wrong though).

I think the seat is largely the same but if you get leather you also get a 12-way power driver's seat.

Good to know. I'm happy that my seats are manual except for the power lumbar.  If a car is to have power seats it should also have memory and the GTI/R doesn't.

[OliverD]

Good to know. I'm happy that my seats are manual except for the power lumbar.  If a car is to have power seats it should also have memory and the GTI/R doesn't.

Agreed, the lack of memory is dumb.

[OliverD]

$40K, thats deep into WRX Sport Tech territory and awd>fwd. I'm sure thats its a nice car and all....

The WRX is also much more hard core which not all buyers want. It's certainly a tradeoff.

[Fobroader]

$40K, thats deep into WRX Sport Tech territory and awd>fwd. I'm sure thats its a nice car and all....

The WRX is also much more hard core which not all buyers want. It's certainly a tradeoff.

You are thinking STI, the WRX isn't really that hardcore at all.

[OliverD]

$40K, thats deep into WRX Sport Tech territory and awd>fwd. I'm sure thats its a nice car and all....

The WRX is also much more hard core which not all buyers want. It's certainly a tradeoff.

You are thinking STI, the WRX isn't really that hardcore at all.

The WRX is quite noisy and relatively unrefined compared to the GTI. I've put over 70k on my GTI in 2.5 years, and racking up that kind of mileage I'd rather have something more comfortable/quiet that's still sporty and I think the GTI achieves that better than the WRX.

[Blueprint]

$40K, thats deep into WRX Sport Tech territory and awd>fwd. I'm sure thats its a nice car and all....

The WRX is also much more hard core which not all buyers want. It's certainly a tradeoff.

You are thinking STI, the WRX isn't really that hardcore at all.

The WRX is quite noisy and relatively unrefined compared to the GTI. I've put over 70k on my GTI in 2.5 years, and racking up that kind of mileage I'd rather have something more comfortable/quiet that's still sporty and I think the GTI achieves that better than the WRX.

Indeed, the GTI was a lot more liveable on real streets than what I expected.

[Blueprint]

Guys, I think my review really rocks, but for those who prefer action not words here's the short version:

[evil_twin]

$40K, thats deep into WRX Sport Tech territory and awd>fwd. I'm sure thats its a nice car and all....

The WRX is also much more hard core which not all buyers want. It's certainly a tradeoff.

You are thinking STI, the WRX isn't really that hardcore at all.

The WRX is quite noisy and relatively unrefined compared to the GTI. I've put over 70k on my GTI in 2.5 years, and racking up that kind of mileage I'd rather have something more comfortable/quiet that's still sporty and I think the GTI achieves that better than the WRX.

Agreed (as a WRX owner).   You're definitely trading off a fair bit of day-to-day livability with the Subaru vs the VW.   And it's not just fancier plastics.   The Subaru (at least my 2010) feels like a thin economy car on the highway.   I'd imagine the GTI is a much nicer experience from that perspective.

AWD is a major plus though.  If buying today in this segment, I'd be looking at Golf R or bust.....

[Dante]

So basically this is 2017's version of the Wolfsburg?  The equipment set seems like a copy / paste of that package.

Which Wolfsburg are you referring to?

http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2013-volkswagen-golf-gti-wolfsburg-edition/

Oh gotcha. The 2017 isn't a lot different than the 2015/2016 Autobahn models in terms of packaging. Nav is now standard and I think they added blind spot detection and/or rear cross traffic alert. Other than that and the upgraded infotainment they're pretty much identical.

Should note that the three door is discontinued for 2018, and they've added a base five door model with 17" wheels, no sunroof or leather, no nav, etc.

I think 2016 packaging was better. I got the high beam assist , blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic assist standard with Autobahn trim.

One negative for me is the lack of retained power for any of the power outlets plus there is no 12V outlet in the rear.