Test Drive: 2017 Golf Comfortline

Few cars – or people – have aged as well as Volkswagen’s venerable Golf. I know that I haven’t!

The Golf went into production in 1974. Back then it was a boxy three-door hatch intended to combine the utmost in practicality, fun, and fuel-efficiency. Some 42 years later, those guiding principles remain intact, as does the vehicle’s basic shape and clean, uncluttered lines.

This week’s vicariousmag.com tester is the latest iteration of the 5-door Golf. It’s powered by a 1.8L turbocharged gas engine rather than Volkswagen’s former – and now infamous – TDI diesel power plant. Interestingly, the stout little gas-sipper delivers performance reminiscent of the TDI, highlighted by pronounced low-end torque.

Unlike the TDI though, the gas-fired counterpart revs ever so willingly to 6,500 RPM before the Golf’s DSG dual-clutch transmission activates the next in a line of six cogs with lightning precision. Without moving up to the Golf GTI or the Golf R, the 1.8L gas engine is the only power plant available in the 2017 Golf.

In addition to the much-improved DSG transmission over older versions, a true 5-speed manual stick is also available in the Golf, though these days most buyers will likely shell out the extra $1,400 for the performance gain and convenience of the DSG automatic. Doing so will peg the base 5-door Golf, referred to as Trendline, at $22,645.

Mid-level in the 5-door Golf Family is the Comfortline, which starts at $25,345 with the DSG, and is the subject of this week’s review.

A Convenience Package consisting of Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert and a power sunroof added an extra $1,310 to the Comfortline. Nonetheless, the well-equipped tester tallied far below the $30K threshold, including $1,625 for freight and PDI, which is often the line-in-the-sand for many buyers.

The 5-door Golf Highline serves as the VW for fancy-pant people, tallying in the low $30K range with the addition of a couple of option packages. There’s no doubt that most Golf seekers will consider the Comfortline to be their hole-in-one. It’s where my money would go.

In addition to value, the Golf offers a driving experience unmatched by most other modestly-priced compacts. This is where the Golf outshines the competition, and has done for nearly a half-century.

Climbing aboard the Golf, one settles into a most Germanic seat, which is to say substantive and supportive. The next observation is clear. The Golf provides outstanding visibility due to its large slabs of glass and strong horizontal lines.

This is a refreshing experience far too uncommon these days with wedge-shaped compacts suffering from poor rearward visibility. Not the Golf though. Its unimpeded sightlines make it a cinch to park.

Additional “ease of use” is also found in the driver-centric spacious cabin, where exists the most logical and intuitive switchgear setup I’ve come across in some time. Not only is there a volume knob, but a tuning knob as well. Brilliant!

The HVAC setup is also remarkably straightforward, the sum of which allows drivers to concentrate on the road while altering heat/air-conditioning settings. Many other manufacturers could take a lesson here.

The true benefit of the Golf’s German engineering is discovered after the start-button has been pressed. While it’s engine may be a bit on the growly side, it pulls the Golf with more authority than expected, especially in the low RPM range where naturally-aspirated 4-bangers generally show their weakness. Not so here thanks to turbocharging

The Golf is rated at a decent 9.4L/100km in the city and 6.3L/100km on the highway. My observed fuel-economy settled at 9.3L/100km, which isn’t praise-worthy but in-line with the competition, and in some cases better when engine-output is considered.

While fuel-economy isn’t major strength of the Golf, passing power on the highway is, especially for a mill that is rated at 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. But it’s not only the right-foot that finds satisfaction in the Golf; handling dynamics are sure to please those who care about such characteristics, and I’m willing to bet, those who don’t.

The taut-riding Golf is exceptionally nimble and well-mannered when tossed through a series of twists and turns. One can have fun behind the wheel when the environment permits.

In my mind, the latest VW Golf remains the class-leader, especially when driving dynamics are factored into the mix, of modestly-priced compacts. It has aged with grace and dignity, improving with each generation. I only wish I could.

2017 Volkswagen Golf
Trim level: Comfortline
Price as tested (before taxes): $26,655.00
Freight: $1,625.00
Configuration: front engine, front-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 1.8L turbocharged I-4 / 6-speed DSG automatic
Power/torque: 170 hp / 200 lb-ft
Fuel-economy ratings (L/100km): city 9.4, highway 6.3
Observed fuel-economy (L/100km): 9.3
Warranty (basic): 4 years / 80,000 km
Competitors: Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Fiesta, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte5, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza.

Related links:
Volkswagen Canada
Driving.ca