| Ranking | Details |
|---|---|
| #1 |
2010 volkswagen golf Professional Edmunds ReviewSource: Edmunds...A five-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed automatic optional. EPA estimates for an automatic-equipped Golf are 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined, a competitive rating for compact cars with engines of this size; manual-transmission cars drop to 22/30/25. The Golf TDI features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that puts out a modest 140 hp but an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices consist of a six-speed manual (standard) or VW's DSG (optional), a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual that works like an automatic with manual control. EPA fuel economy... |
| #2 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...The Golf models were no different. -- Anxiety accompanies driving luxury automobiles and high-end sports models. In them, I worry more about theft, ambient traffic and damage via parking. In the Golf, such worries are greatly reduced. It's a good-looking little car with "fun-to-drive" performance that, relatively speaking, comes with a much more affordable insurance penalty. -- Lower anxiety yields more fun and honors common sense. The reality is that there are no known metropolitan motoring districts that will allow you to exploit the power and overall performance capabilities of expensive... |
| #3 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI — Flash DriveSource: MSN Autos...Sure, those seeking the highest possible fuel economy are still better served by a small hybrid or electric vehicle. But the Golf TDI shows that attention-grabbing EPA numbers need not always come at the cost of driving enjoyment. –Kim WolfkillI only wish more automakers brought over clean diesel automobiles to the United States. The new Golf TDI is a perfect example of the joys of the modern diesel engine. The extra torque makes it particularly fun, and fools the driver into thinking that the car has a bigger engine. The Golf TDI we tested came with a smooth 6-speed manual transmission and... |
| #4 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...There were plenty of cleanups with the Titan Black upholstery — as in it shows every spec of dust, dirt, snack remnants and more — that my test car came decked out in; it's also the only interior color for this car. It was a nightmare for a clean freak like myself. At least the standard sunroof helped shine some light on the situation. IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample SAFETY The compact size and limited rear legroom of the Golf is definitely constricting to families with babies in... |
| #5 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf OverviewSource: CarGurus...Two 2.0-liter diesel engines will also be offered, producing 109 and 138 hp. Individual efficiency ratings have not been released, but Volkswagen has estimated lows of 24 mpg for the high-performance 1.4 in the city and a high figure of 64 mpg for the diesel on the highway.While the platform itself is a carryover, the exterior gets a refresh, with a new grille, angled headlamps, and a redesigned rear that follows the flow of the more organic lines throughout the three- or five-door, front- or all-wheel-drive vehicle. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, with a six-speed Tiptronic... |
| #6 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...Standard features include air conditioning, an alarm system, cruise control, a CD stereo and eight-way-adjustable front seats. The TDI get an uplevel stereo that includes a six-CD changer, as well as a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and a leather shift knob. Heated front seats are optional. Under the Hood The front-wheel-drive Golf 2.5 is powered by a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine. It can pair with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder in the TDI makes less power — 140 hp — but produces a... |
| #7 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...The steering, an electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion system, is ideal. It's quick through turns but easy to keep on a steady track on the highway. Both driver's and passenger's seats are manually adjustable. I found it easy to find a comfortable driving position with good legroom and visibility. Mrs. G, in the midst of a bout with the shingles while undergoing other daily hospital treatments, is wont to ride with her seatback in a reclining position. She wasn't pleased at having a difficult-to-turn wheel to achieve that spot. She did appreciate the sunroof during this warmer-than-normal spring... |
| #8 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...It seems VW views the diesel model as the choice for enthusiast buyers, but I'm not convinced that's why average consumers will be attracted to it; I think the diesel's efficiency will hold more sway. There's a risk that the Golf's firm ride could be a negative for buyers despite any handling benefits it provides. The TDI does handle well. It's quick to change its path, which is helpful when making your way through urban traffic, and it also feels planted when pushing through tight corners. There's definitely something there for the enthusiast buyer who likes the concept of the GTI or Subaru... |
| #9 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...Even if you consider them premium vehicles, their interior design, ergonomics and especially materials quality have been better than those of other premium vehicles — except for that whole missing-armrest thing. The Golf's interior is still exceptional, but I see a storm gathering ....Exhibit A is the addition of silvery plastic trim, which VW had avoided in favor of more interesting and rich surfaces. It's now prominent on the Golf's doors, dash and stereo buttons. Exhibit B is the changing landscape: Car interiors are improving across the market. Toyota, which had a reputation similar to... |
The eagerly-anticipated 2012 Volkswagen Golf R is finally beginning to trickle into dealer showrooms. Packing a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 256 horsepower... January 18, 2012 by Kurt Ernst
As we reported late last year, the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R will be headed to the U.S., and it should arrive sometime early in 2012. Today, VW released the official U.S... October 4, 2011 by Nelson Ireson
Today we bring you a melange of news from the weekend, including Sebastian Vettel's continued dominance in F1, our first drive impressions of the 2012 MINI Cooper Coupe, and... September 26, 2011 by Nelson Ireson
Cylinder deactivation has been with us for several years in big V8 engines. Both GM and Chrysler have used it and Audi now offers it on its S range. Rather firing on all... September 2, 2011 by Antony Ingram
If you're in the U.K. and don't have a rabid case of royal fever lingering after Kate Middleton's April wedding to Prince William, you're probably not breathing. Now you have... July 19, 2011 by Nelson Ireson 1
On fuel economy alone, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf/TDI makes a strong case to compact-car buyers.
There are many engaging competitors, though.
The Honda Civic is a perennial favorite here, though its latest design isn't a favorite.
The Hybrid version has TDI-trumping fuel economy.
The latest Ford Focus matches the Golf with two body styles, and buyers tend to be attracted to its powerful SYNC entertainment system, but it's styled poorly.
The Mazda3 is the perennial favorite for handling, but it can't match the VW's solid feel, even after a full redesign this year that thoroughly upgrades the interior.
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