First it was the Rabbit, then it was the Golf. Then it was the Rabbit again. Now it is the Golf again.
But what it has always been is a fun-to-drive small car that has great fuel economy.
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf has new designs on the interior and exterior and now is available with very fuel-efficient clean diesel engine.
The Golf, formerly known as the Rabbit, comes as a two- or four-door compact hatchback.
The Golf, formerly known as the Rabbit, comes as a two- or four-door compact hatchback.
It has a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
But the test drive car had the new 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel inline-four cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission -- a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is also available.
VW says this TDI diesel emits 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas and achieves more than 30 percent better fuel economy than a similar gasoline engine. This engine, which is also available in VW's Jetta TDI, makes a whopping 236 pounds-feet of torque.
The fuel economy ratings are impressive at 30 mpg in the city, 42 on the highway. In a week of combined driving, we got right around 36 mpg.
Getting that kind of fuel economy and having as much fun driving the Golf as it provides is a winning combination. The only complaint was that the clutch seemed a bit temperamental upon pullback - we had a few stalls as a result.
As for its looks, the Golf has always been kind of "cute," if you will. But now it has a more mature, sporty look. There are new headlights in the wider front grille and a rear spoiler with an integrated third brake light that sits atop the hatch.
As for its looks, the Golf has always been kind of "cute," if you will. But now it has a more mature, sporty look. There are new headlights in the wider front grille and a rear spoiler with an integrated third brake light that sits atop the hatch.
The TDI diesel model sits on 17-inch alloy wheels and has fog lights. A sunroof is optional.
The new look on the inside includes redesigned door interiors, center control panel, steering wheel and gauges. There is a good collection of standard features such as air conditioning, cruise control, eight-way-adjustable front seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seat that helps maximize interior cargo volume.
In the TDI, you can also enjoy the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, touch-screen eight-speaker sound system featuring Sirius satellite radio with in-dash six-disc CD changer and optional heated front seats.
Safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for the front and back rows, an electronic stability program (ESP) and optional side-impact airbags for the outer rear seats.
The Golf ranges in price from around $17,600 to just short of $25,500.
The new look on the inside includes redesigned door interiors, center control panel, steering wheel and gauges. There is a good collection of standard features such as air conditioning, cruise control, eight-way-adjustable front seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seat that helps maximize interior cargo volume.
In the TDI, you can also enjoy the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, touch-screen eight-speaker sound system featuring Sirius satellite radio with in-dash six-disc CD changer and optional heated front seats.
Safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for the front and back rows, an electronic stability program (ESP) and optional side-impact airbags for the outer rear seats.
The Golf ranges in price from around $17,600 to just short of $25,500.
With its new styling touches, great driving quality and terrific fuel economy, the Golf TDI is a strong entrant in the small hatchback market.
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