2017 Volkswagen Golf Review

Detailed Review

The MK1 marked the first generation of the Volkswagen Golf. It launched its production in 1974 and continued up to 1982. The second generation of the VW Golf was designated as MK2 and was in production from 1983 to 1990. From 1991 to 1997, MK3 the third iteration of the VW Golf was manufactured. The fourth generation codenamed MK4 debuted its production in 1998 and continued up to 2002. From 2003 to 2007 the MK5 was in production marking the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf. The sixth iteration of the Golf was manufactured from 2008 to 2011. The Mk7 marked the seventh generation of VW Golf and was in production from 2012 to 2019. The Volkswagen Golf is currently in its eighth iteration designated as MK8.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf comes with three engine options, a 1.2 L TSI Turbocharged inline-four Petrol, a 1.4 L TSI Turbocharged inline-four Petrol, and a 2.0 L TSI Turbocharged inline-four Petrol connected to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Grades

1. Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline- This grade comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, AUX input, parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
2. Volkswagen Golf TSI Comfortline- This grade features Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, Apple Car Play & Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, and rain-sensing wipers.
3. Volkswagen Golf  TSI Highline- This grade comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights & daytime running lights, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, satellite navigation, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system embedded with Apple Car Play & Android Auto, parking assist, and an autonomous emergency brake system.
4. Volkswagen Golf GTI- This grade is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, large disk brakes, dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet, power windows, sport seats with GTI design, sport suspension, and performance-oriented driving modes.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has a minimalistic cabin that is somewhat appealing. The interior is a mixture bag of plastic, soft touches, and leather upholstery. The dashboard layout is ergonomically arranged for ease of access and use. Ambient lighting on higher grades adds more allure to the cabin as the dual-zone climate control ensures room temperature is maintained in the cabin. With a seating arrangement for five, both the first and second rows have ample legroom and headroom. The seats are not only comfy but also supportive.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf incorporates multiple storage compartments that are used to either keep or hold the gears of its occupants for ease of access and reach. The first row has a glove box, a center console, door panel storage, and two cupholders. The second row includes door pockets, two cupholders, and jacket pockets.

Boot Space

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf offers 380 liters of boot space when all the seats are upright. The rear seats can be folded to create more space.

Exterior

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has a conservative appearance yet displays sophistication from the front to the rear. Its exterior styling does not shout but once you spot it, you feel the German engineering prowess it possesses. A wide horizontal grille adorned with the iconic VW emblem distinguishes the front end. LED headlights and daytime running lights inject a contemporary flare as the lower fascia incorporates air intakes that add a touch of aggression to the Golf.

The side profile is quite conservative. Smooth flowing lines and sculpted surfaces enhances the dynamism of the Golf while simultaneously improve aerodynamics. The door handles are body-colored matching the overall appearance of the vehicle. The side mirrors are integrated with auto-dimming lights adding more allure to the vehicle.

The rear encompasses LED taillights and turn signals. The tailgate is electronically actuated as the exhaust outlets are integrated into the rear bumper maintaining a clean and elegant look. The 2017 VW Golf is available in a spectrum of colors to cater to the preferences and desires of its wide fanbase.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Safety Features

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, a lane departure warning, a blind spot monitor, a rearview camera, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Isofix child seat anchors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Fuel Consumption

2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 L Turbocharged Petrol engine consumption- 19.7 km/l on average

2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 L Turbocharged Petrol engine consumption- 19.2km/l on average

2017 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 L Turbocharged Petrol engine consumption- 13.7km/l on average

2017 Volkswagen Golf Acceleration

2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 L Turbocharged Petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs

2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 L Turbocharged Petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.2 secs

2017 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 L Turbocharged Petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.8 secs

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has a ground clearance of 5.4 inches

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires an Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts such as plugs, filters, brake pads, and shocks are widely available in Kenya. Body parts are available in major towns. Its spare parts are somewhat expensive compared to the spare parts of vehicles manufactured by Toyota.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf’s weight is evenly distributed to improve its balance, agility, and composure. Due to its low ground clearance resulting into a low center of gravity, this car experiences minimal or even zero body rolls when cornering at high speed. The suspension system is finely tuned striking a balance between comfort and sportiness. The steering wheel is precise and very responsive thus the vehicle adapts effectively to road curvature.

The driver has excellent visibility and command of the surrounding traffic. The alloy wheels not only improve the overall appearance of the Golf but also have excellent grip on the road hence providing maximum traction especially when cruising on slippery surfaces. Other features encompassed in this car to improve its stability include adaptive cruise control, traction control, and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Reliability

Volkswagen has built a reputable track record of crafting durable, reliable, and high-quality vehicles. The Golf is a beneficiary of the German engineering. The powertrains under the hood have been used by its predecessors hence it is anticipated not to experience any reliability issues. However, due to the complexity of the DSG transmission, it is prone to issues that could sometimes be costly to repair depending on the damaged component. Regular service and maintenance are required to keep this car in optimal condition. Refer to the Volkswagen Golf’s buyer’s guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge you to always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Good

Volkswagen Golf Competitors: Toyota Corolla hatchback, Mazda 3 hatchback, Honda Civic hatchback, Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed, Ford Focus, and Audi A3.

What we like about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf

• Good resale value
• Comfortable ride
• High-quality interior
• Refined driving experience

What we don’t

• High purchase price
• Costly to maintain

Conclusion

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf boasts a conservative yet sophisticated appearance that will be appreciated by urban dwellers looking for a stylish daily driver. The cabin is furnished with high-quality materials and the space inside suits individuals with small households. Under the hood are a range of engine options that strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. However, its service and maintenance are somewhat expensive especially when the car continues to age.

 

To buy/import the 2017 Volkswagen Golf, send your request to EMAIL i[email protected] OR you can CONTACT +254 722 469 360