The Volkswagen Golf is the benchmark when it comes to affordable and practical compacts with a little bit of style. Now in its seventh generation, the once humble hatchback comes with its most diverse range of offerings yet including performance models, wagons and even a battery-powered version.
The seventh-generation Golf was introduced for the 2015 model year. For 2017 the range is being expanded, this time with the Golf Alltrack soft-roader. Utilizing the Golf’s wagon bodystyle, known as the Golf SportWagen, the Golf Alltrack gets a raised ride height, underbody protection and standard all-wheel drive.
There aren’t many changes for the standard Golf since a major update is expected to be introduced for the 2018 model year. The only update worth mentioning for the 2017 Golf is the availability of Wolfsburg Edition trim, which adds a number of extras as standard.
All Golfs, bar the battery-powered e-Golf and sporty GTI and Golf R, come with a turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder good for 170 horsepower. Because of VW’s ongoing diesel emissions scandal, there’s currently no Golf TDI diesel on offer. Instead, eco-minded buyers may be interested in the e-Golf which has an EPA-rated range of 83 miles and 114 hp from its electric motor.
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Performance fans can opt for the GTI and Golf R. For the 2017 model year, the GTI range has been streamlined and a new Sport trim added. The Sport trim includes the GTI’s Performance Package which sees peak output from the car’s turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder bumped to 220 hp. Normally the GTI has 210 hp.
The Golf R continues with its own turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyilnder, rated at 292 hp. The only update worth mentioning is the addition of some new driver assistance features on some trim levels.
The complete 2017 Golf range will be available in showrooms this fall. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.
For more on the VW Golf, read the in-depth reviews over at The Car Connection.
