Golf GTI 2017 Premium Package: Review & Specs

by Alex Braham 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a fantastic car that blends performance with luxury: the Golf GTI 2017 with the Premium Package. If you're in the market for a hot hatch that offers a thrilling driving experience and a touch of sophistication, this could be the perfect ride for you. Let's get started!

Overview of the Golf GTI 2017

The Golf GTI 2017 is a standout in the hot hatch segment, known for its blend of practicality, performance, and refinement. It carries the torch of the iconic GTI lineage, delivering a sporty driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. The 2017 model year brought some subtle but significant updates, enhancing its appeal to both enthusiasts and casual drivers. Let's explore what makes this car so special.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Golf GTI 2017 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerhouse delivers around 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is responsive and eager, providing plenty of punch in almost any driving situation. Whether you're merging onto the highway or carving through twisty roads, the GTI's engine is always ready to deliver. The turbocharger ensures that power is available across a wide rev range, making the car feel quick and agile.

The GTI comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which is a joy to use. The throws are short and precise, and the clutch is nicely weighted. For those who prefer an automatic, a six-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) is also available. The DSG offers lightning-fast shifts and paddle shifters for manual control, making it a great option for both daily driving and spirited runs. Performance figures are impressive, with the GTI capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds. This makes it one of the quicker cars in its class, offering plenty of thrills for the money.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

Beyond the engine, the Golf GTI 2017 excels in the handling department. It features a sport-tuned suspension that provides a firm but comfortable ride. The car feels planted and stable in corners, inspiring confidence even when pushed hard. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback from the road. This allows you to accurately place the car and feel connected to the driving experience. The GTI also features a standard limited-slip differential, which helps to improve traction and reduce understeer. This is especially noticeable when accelerating out of corners, as the car pulls strongly and predictably.

The GTI's driving dynamics are further enhanced by its well-balanced chassis and responsive brakes. The brakes are strong and provide good pedal feel, allowing you to confidently slow down from high speeds. Overall, the Golf GTI 2017 offers a driving experience that is both engaging and rewarding. It's a car that you can enjoy on your daily commute, but also one that will put a smile on your face on a weekend drive.

Premium Package Features

The Premium Package elevates the Golf GTI 2017 to another level of luxury and convenience. It adds a host of features that enhance the overall driving experience and make the car more enjoyable to live with. Let's take a closer look at what the Premium Package includes.

Leather Upholstery

One of the most noticeable upgrades with the Premium Package is the leather upholstery. The leather seats not only look and feel great, but they also provide added comfort and support. The seats are well-bolstered, keeping you in place during spirited driving, and the leather is soft and supple to the touch. The Premium Package also includes leather trim on the door panels and armrests, adding a touch of luxury to the interior. The leather upholstery is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize the interior to your liking. It's a worthwhile upgrade for those who appreciate a touch of elegance in their hot hatch.

Upgraded Infotainment System

The Premium Package also includes an upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. The upgraded system offers enhanced features such as navigation, voice control, and smartphone integration. The larger display is easier to read and use, and the system is more responsive and intuitive. Navigation is a welcome addition, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates. Voice control allows you to operate certain functions of the system without taking your hands off the wheel, enhancing safety and convenience. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. This makes the infotainment system a central hub for all your entertainment and communication needs.

Driver Assistance Features

In addition to the luxury and convenience features, the Premium Package also includes a suite of driver assistance features. These features help to enhance safety and make driving easier and more enjoyable. Some of the key driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, helping to prevent accidents when changing lanes. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, helping to keep you on course. These driver assistance features add an extra layer of safety and peace of mind, making the Golf GTI 2017 with the Premium Package a well-rounded and technologically advanced hot hatch.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Golf GTI 2017, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable cabin. The interior is typical Volkswagen, with a focus on functionality and quality. The materials used are generally high-quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The layout is clean and straightforward, with all the controls logically placed and easy to use. The GTI also features comfortable and supportive seats, which are great for both short commutes and long road trips. The rear seats offer plenty of space for passengers, and the cargo area is surprisingly large for a compact hatchback.

Design and Layout

The design and layout of the Golf GTI 2017's interior are both functional and stylish. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a large touchscreen display taking center stage. The controls for the climate control and audio system are easy to reach and use, and the instrument cluster is clear and informative. The GTI also features a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, which feels great in your hands and adds to the car's sporty character. The interior is available in a variety of colors and materials, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Overall, the Golf GTI 2017's interior is a comfortable and inviting space that is well-suited for both daily driving and spirited runs.

Technology and Connectivity

The Golf GTI 2017 is packed with technology and connectivity features. The standard infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded infotainment system, which is included with the Premium Package, adds navigation, voice control, and a larger display. The GTI also features a standard rearview camera, which helps to make parking and maneuvering easier. Other available technology features include a premium audio system, a sunroof, and a variety of driver assistance features. The Golf GTI 2017 is a technologically advanced car that offers a wide range of features to enhance your driving experience.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the Golf GTI 2017 is both sporty and understated. It features a number of GTI-specific styling cues, such as a red stripe on the grille, unique front and rear bumpers, and side skirts. The GTI also features a rear spoiler and dual exhaust outlets, which add to its sporty appearance. The overall design is clean and modern, with a focus on aerodynamics and functionality. The Golf GTI 2017 is a stylish and well-designed car that looks great from any angle.

Key Design Elements

Some of the key design elements of the Golf GTI 2017 include its aggressive front fascia, sporty side profile, and distinctive rear end. The front fascia features a honeycomb grille, sharp headlights, and a sporty front bumper. The side profile is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sloping roofline and subtle side skirts. The rear end features a rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and unique taillights. These design elements combine to create a car that is both sporty and stylish.

Available Colors and Options

The Golf GTI 2017 is available in a variety of colors and options. Some of the available colors include Tornado Red, Pure White, and Carbon Steel Gray. The GTI is also available with a number of optional features, such as a sunroof, a premium audio system, and a variety of wheel designs. This allows you to customize the car to your liking and create a unique and personalized hot hatch.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's look at some of the pros and cons of the Golf GTI 2017 with the Premium Package.

Pros

  • Excellent Performance: The GTI's turbocharged engine provides plenty of power and the car handles exceptionally well.
  • Premium Features: The Premium Package adds a touch of luxury and convenience to the GTI, making it more enjoyable to live with.
  • Practicality: The GTI is a hatchback, which means it offers plenty of cargo space and versatility.
  • Refined Interior: The GTI's interior is well-designed and comfortable, with high-quality materials and a focus on functionality.

Cons

  • Price: The GTI with the Premium Package can be a bit expensive compared to other hot hatches.
  • Fuel Economy: While not terrible, the GTI's fuel economy is not as good as some of its competitors.
  • Reliability: Some owners have reported reliability issues with the GTI, although this is not a widespread problem.

Final Verdict

The Golf GTI 2017 with the Premium Package is a fantastic hot hatch that offers a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It's a car that is fun to drive, comfortable to live with, and stylish to look at. While it may be a bit expensive compared to some of its competitors, the GTI offers a unique driving experience that is hard to match. If you're in the market for a hot hatch, the Golf GTI 2017 with the Premium Package is definitely worth a look. It's a car that will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Golf GTI 2017 with the Premium Package. Happy driving, guys!