Here’s Good News For VW, Golf Names Car and Driver “10Best”

For the 11th straight year Volkswagen’s Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI and Golf R have been named to Car and Driver magazine’s “10Best” list. The Golfs, which competed against 60 vehicles, were praised for their exceptional versatility, dynamics and value.

Coming off a horrible year, the “10Best” honor is likely to be viewed to some extent, as validation of the automaker and its models named to the list. During the last year, Volkswagen has been involved in one of the largest corporate scandals in history. VW’s self-inflicted diesel cheating scandal is easily the worst business issue the automaker has faced in its 80-plus-year history.

Fantastic News For VW

Thus, to see its gas-engined Golf lineup praised is undoubtedly fantastic news for the automaker. “We are honored that Car and Driver has named the Volkswagen Golf models to its 2017 ’10Best’ list,” Hinrich J. Woebcken, chief executive of Volkswagen of America. “Earning this award for the 11th consecutive year validates the consistency of the Golf family in delivering unmatched quality and performance at a competitive price point.”

To qualify as one of the “10Best,” vehicles are judged on value, performance and the ability to satisfy the comprehensive driving needs of the consumer. All production models, for sale in the current calendar year, are considered. The vehicle must be priced 2.5 times the average car price for the year. The manufacturer must provide a vehicle for testing and only substantially changed vehicles and the past year’s “10Best” winners are nominated.

The Golf lineup consists of the following:

• The Golf S – With a base price of $19,895, the Golf S features interior refinements and nuanced exterior styling. These features, when combined with the wealth of new equipment, make the S a value even though it is the lowest trim member.
• The Golf Alltrack – New for 2017dwith a starting price of $25,850, builds on the popular Golf Sportwagen as it offers raised ground clearance, 4Motion all-wheel-drive and rugged styling into an attractive package that is reminiscent of compact crossovers.
• The Golf GTI – With an S model starting at $25,595, the 2017 GTI is powered by one of VW’s most modern powerplants the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection TSI mill. The engine turns out 210-horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque, using premium fuel. GTI Sport model adds the Performance Package as standard equipment. The engine’s output is up 10 horsepower to 110.
• The Golf R – The most powerful Golf ever sold in the U.S., the R has a starting price of $35,655. Though running a turbocharged four with 292 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque, the R still achieves 31 mpg on the highway, equipped with a six-speed manual.

Five Golf Models Considered

Car and Driver, discussing Golf, said there are “five different versions of the Golf for sale in all 50 states, a sweeping armada of excellence that includes three gas engines, front- or all-wheel-drive and wagon or hatchback styles.” For the enthusiasts at Car and Driver, the Golf has something for everyone. “Attitudes range from the save-some-fuel base Golf to the kill-some-apexes Golf R. Volkswagen manages to imbue every trim level with the same understated feel regardless of specification or price. All Golfs drive with a solid composure and predictability; with controlled body motions, and the ride quality of a far more expensive machine,” the publication emphasized.

The January 2017 Car and Driver will feature the Golf, Golf Alltrak, Golf GTI and Golf R.