The
2010 Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback available as a three- or five-door vehicle in either the Base or TDI trims. Offering a 2.5-liter I-5 engine or a 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged direct injection diesel motor, the Volkswagen Golf Base trim provides a choice of a five speed manual or six speed automatic transmission, while the TDI trim sports a six-speed manual or a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) dual-clutch automated manual transmission.
Delivering exception of fuel efficiency of 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, the Volkswagen Golf offers quite a bit of low-end torque. The Golf is recognized as a competent achiever, boasting a diverse range, perfect safety scores, and hatchback versatility. A green partial-zero-emissions vehicle (PZEV) version is also available.
New for 2010
Redesigned for 2010, the Volkswagen Golf received new exterior and interior styling, higher quality materials, improved efficiency and refinement, and an optional turbo-diesel engine. In addition, the TDI trim received touch-screen controls for both audio and Bluetooth.
Essentials
Engines: 2.5L I-5, 2.0L I-4 diesel
Transmissions: Five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, six-speed twin-clutch automatic (DSG)
Body Style: Hatchback
Trims: Base Hatchback, TDI Hatchback
On the Outside
With new styling that is sleeker and less frilly than previously, the Volkswagen Golf's front end features a new grille and a cleaner appearance, while the rear end sports a cool roof spoiler and diffuser-type rear valence.
From the Inside
Inside the cabin, the Volkswagen Golf changed little from previous models, exhibiting a clean, simple layout of instruments and controls. Relatively high-quality materials are on display, and standard features include a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and an auxiliary input jack.
Driving Performance
Comfortable and composed on the road, while offering quality ride dynamics, the Volkswagen Golf belies its low price tag; however, the TDI trim is substantially more expensive than the Base trim. With 236 pound-feet of torque and optional DSG transmission, the Golf TDI is capable, both on the highway and on the nether roads.
Safety Equipment
Among the Volkswagen Golf's safety features are front, side curtain and side thorax airbags for the driver and front passenger, while side thorax airbags are optional for rear passengers. Also standard are traction and stability control.
Gas Mileage
2.5: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway (manual); 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway (automatic)
TDI: 30 mpg city/41 mpg highway (manual); 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway (automatic)
Plusses
- Versatile and trendy
- Premium quality materials
- Refined driving dynamics
- Good gas mileage
Minuses
- Base trim is a bit Spartan
- High TDI trim is a bit pricey
Rating
A refined versatile hatchback sporting style and grace
People Who Like the 2010 Volkswagen Golf Also Like
- Mazda3
- Nissan Versa
- Toyota Matrix