The Volkswagen Golf has achieved much success since it debuted in the United States over four decades ago, and the current model — the 7th-generation Golf — is the best version in the model's illustrious history. It offers excellent performance, high fuel economy, plenty of interior and cargo space and world-class German engineering. One of the Golf's compact competitors is the Kia Forte. Let's see how they measure up in this 2017 Volkswagen Golf vs 2017 Kia Forte comparison.
The 2017 Golf has the advantage on the performance front, with its impressive blend of power and efficiency. It comes standard with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower and a highway fuel economy of 35 mpg. In comparison, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the Kia Forte only manages 147 horsepower and a highway fuel economy of 34 mph. Also, further aiding the 2017 Golf's performance is the standard XDS Cross Differential System. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer. This not only helps the Golf’s stability, but also helps improve handling and cornering performance.
2017 Volkswagen Golf | VS | 2017 Kia Forte |
1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
170 | Horsepower | 147 |
35 | Highway Fuel Economy | 34 |
52.7 cu-ft | Max. Cargo Volume | 14.9 cu-ft |
Another advantage of the 2017 Golf is its spacious, high-tech and functional interior. With the seats in the upright position, the Golf offers a cargo area of 22.8 cu-ft, and when you fold the seats down, you'll get an incredible 52.7 cu-ft. In comparison, the 2017 Forte only has 14.9 cu-ft of cargo space. The 2017 Golf also offers excellent value with loads of standard features. Even in the base two-door Golf TSI 2-Door, you'll get standard power windows, door locks and exterior mirrors, along with air conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as the MIB II Composition Color touchscreen radio with USB and a 5-inch display.
You can have the peace of mind for safety in the 2017 Golf, with six standard airbags, along with a number of electronic and mechanical safety systems. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System applies the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage. Also, the Golf also includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Would you like to experience the 2017 Golf? If so, then be sure to get in touch with us at Capistrano Volkswagen!