excellent driving dynamics and a bit of European cachet for the price walk.
All of that didn't mean much until the MINI arrived and coined the term "premium compact." With those two words, suddenly it was okay to be a small car that cost a bit more.
These days, there's even more reason to forgive the Golf's high price, thanks to a fresh redesign for 2010 and the return of the Golf TDI. With diesel power, the Golf adds a significant increase in fuel economy without the usual tradeoffs that come from having a smaller, more efficient gasoline engine. It's also less complex than a hybrid-electric vehicle. The Volkswagen TDI lineup has many loyal owners thanks to its reputation for frugality and reliability. So what's it like going diesel? Pretty much the same as burning gas, actually. The trick of the TDI is, of course, that it drives pretty much like everything else. The 2.0 liter, 140 horsepower direct-injection common-rail engine is a "clean" diesel, so it's emissions compliant in all fifty states.
With 236 pound-feet of torque, the Golf TDI rumbles off the line with considerably more confidence than you'd get from a similarly-sized gasoline engine. On the road, the Golf TDI is somewhat quieter than its gasoline-powered stablemate, and there is no clatter at idle. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and VW's DSG dual-clutch six-speed automatic is also available. Best of all, of course, is the fuel economy. This car gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg in the city and 41 on the freeway (the automatic bumps the freeway number to 42mpg), which puts it on par with several microcars and hybrids. Driven frugally, the Golf TDI can travel 500 miles on a full 14.5-gallon tank. I put that impressive range to the test, as well, and did a lot of driving during the week it spent with me. From Detroit, Michigan, to Kalamazoo, Auburn Hills and Bowling Green, Ohio, the TDI roved the northern Midwest for seven days. Thankfully, the Golf's a good road-tripper in spite of its small size. The suspension is independent front and rear, using MacPherson struts and coil springs. The Golf TDI is tuned a bit sportier than the gasoline-powered version. Golfs are sporty hatchbacks in any case, and it's a pleasure to toss this well-planted little car into a corner. Volkswagen has engineered the Golf TDI to communicate well, and it provides an entertaining driving experience. Though it's not an overtly sporty vehicle, it should be listed in the ranks of distinctly fun-to-drive compacts like the Mazda3 and MINI Cooper. Four-wheel disc brakes with
ABS and electronic power steering are standard equipment. VW's
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) stability control is also tandard.
Interior comfort is a cut above that of the average subcompact. The
layout and switchgear could have been borrowed from an Audi, and this is a good thing. Audi needn't worry; the Golf lacks the leather and real aluminum that set the German luxury cars apart, but the styling, fit and finish are premium-grade. Even the standard cloth upholstery--VW calls it "Me2" is above average. The TDI adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls. The four-door hatchback's rear seats fold down to open up a cargo area big enough to swallow a lawn mower, should you be moved to do so. Heated seats are available, as are satellite radio, a touch-screen navigation system and a sunroof. The Golf TDI is also available with Bluetooth connectivity.
The all-new styling is evolutionary. The familiar black grille with a chrome VW logo flanked by flush-mounted headlights has been
streamlined, and the new Golf appears from some angles to be smirking.
The tall, rounded greenhouse is devoid of chrome trim, and no
moldings clutter the Golf's taut sheetmetal flanks. It's a subtle
change, but overall provides a cleaner, more upscale look.
The new
model may be distinct from its predecessor, but spotting the Golf TDI isn't easy. The diesel is differentiated only by a "TDI" badge on its tail and oval fog lamps up front. The Golf TDI is available as a two-door or four-door hatchback. The all-new Golf remains a cut-above sort of compact car, and the Golf TDI offers outstanding fuel economy as well as big-car comfort and entertaining driving dynamics.
Golf pricing starts at $17,490 for the gasoline-powered version. The frugal Golf TDI commands a small price premium, with stickers starting at $21,990 for the two-door and $22,590 for the four-door. My well-equipped tester featured the DSG automatic transmission, a sunroof, heated seats and a navigation system, and stickered for $27,014.
All specs are for the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI:
Length: 165.4 in.
Width: 70.3 in.
Height: 58.3 in.
Wheelbase: 101.5 in.
Curb weight: 2994 lb.
Cargo space: 15 cu.ft. (all seats up)
Base price: $21,590
Price as tested: $27,014
Engine: 2.0 liter SOHC turbocharged diesel inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain: six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 140 @ 4000
Torque: 236 @ 1750-2500
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gal.
Est. mileage: 30/42
