What’s New:
The sixth-generation Golf, which still retains its compact size, has a redesigned instrument panel and a new front-end design along with updated taillights. Besides the interior and exterior updates, the big news is that the Golf is now available with VW’s TDI (Turbo Diesel Injected) clean diesel engine, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely fuel-efficient.
Must Have Goodies:
The Golf is available as a three-door or five-door hatchback, with either a standard five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Just like with the TDI clean diesel engine, a manual or automatic transmission is available as an option in either model.
To further enhance the driving experience of the Golf, one can opt for the Direct Shift Gearbox, also known as DSG, with the Tiptronic feature, which has the performance of a manual, but the effortless precision of an automatic. With VW’s signature Tiptronic feature, the driver is allowed to shift manually with an up or down push of the gear level or through the use of the shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel… thus eliminating the need for a clutch.
On the inside of the vehicle one can opt for such options as a power sunroof, heated seats, a 300-watt Dynaudio premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a touch-screen navigational system, which includes an integrated 30-GB hard drive and a MP3 audio CD playback.
Outside of the vehicle the Golf can be accessorized with chrome exhaust tips, a protection kit, splash guards and body side moldings. The TDI model is also available with High-Intensity Gas-discharged Xenon headlamps to improve the nighttime driving experience.
What Rocked:
The TDI model is capable of maximizing over 500 miles on one tank of gas. According to the EPA, the Golf TDI can achieve 30-mpg and 41-mpg in city and highway driving, respectively. And although the vehicle is equipped with a 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower engine and 236 lbs-ft torque, it’s a powerhouse at take off, specifically if the vehicle is equipped with the fun-to-drive manual transmission. VW has included three years of free maintenance in the cost of the new Golf, too.
Moreover, unlike most of its compact competitors, the interior is quite roomy and comfortable. It's easy to find a suitable seating position, with the eight-way manually adjustable sport seats, which includes two-way adjustable lumbar support and a height adjustable telescopic steering wheel. Overall the Golf offers an easy-to-read instrument panel and adequate head and leg room to seat two adults in the front or rear of the vehicle.
What We Hated:
Like with some of its compact competitors, don’t expect leather, power seats or back-up sensors.
Any Juice:
The Golf is available with the choice of two engines: a 2.5-lter, five-cylinder gas engine, which pops out 175 horses or the 2.0-liter turbo diesel, which spits out an impressive 140 horses. The horsepower in the TDI is significantly more than what’s offered in the Toyota Prius and Honda Impact.
The Verdict:
If you’re in the market for a reliable, fuel-efficient, roomy compact, the Golf should be high on your shopping list. The Golf is the only vehicle in the compact class to offer a diesel, while other automakers are pushing hybrid technology.
While the non turbo starts out at $18,370 and $20,085 for the three-door and five-door models respectively, there is upwards of a $5,000 premium to step into a TDI model.
In fact, starting prices for the three-door and five-door TDI models are $22,905 and $23,510, respectively. For those looking for a dependable, fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient compact and aren’t quite ready for a hybrid, the Golf TDI is the perfect alternative. Like with most hybrids, the government also offers a tax credit on diesels, too. The VW TDI offers more horses underneath the hood and a more traditional design than its hybrid competitors, the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.
Competition:
Audi A3, Honda Insight and Toyota
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