Pros and Cons*
Pros
The VW Golf 3-door hatchback is generally considered to be of a better construction than the brand’s sedan siblings. Furthermore, its excellent handling, driver positioning and quiet ride are all positives for this model.
Cons
Hard-to-access rear seating, high running cost and expensive options make the final bill a pain in the wallet.
Price
The base model Golf Trendline starts at $19,975. Heatable exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights, climate control, 8-way adjustable front seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and central locking system are all standard features.
You can get yourself the 6-speed automatic transmission for an additional $1,400. Also optional, heated front seats and heatable windshield washer nozzles for $275 more.
The GTI’s asking price is $29,375. It comes with cloth sport seats and 17-inch wheels. Its 2.0-litre turbo can be matched with either manual or automatic transmission. Three option packages are available: Sport for $2,500, Leather at $4,000 and the Tech package at $5,800.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, the Golf rates 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway. The automatic means you save a few litres in town with an average 9.1 L/100 km, but turns out to be slightly greedier on the highway (compared to the manual/highway) with a consumption rate of 6.5 L/100 km.
The Golf GTI runs at 9.9 L/100 km for city driving and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway when coupled with a manual transmission. As an automatic, consumption rates drop to 8.7 L/100 km in town and 6.3 L/100 km on the highway.
Coming soon…
The seventh generation of Volkswagen Golf, already available in Europe, makes its debut in North America in 2014.
Exterior Styling
This sporty version is especially compact. The 3-door Golf’s double exhaust and 15-inch wheels differentiate it from the GTI which features 17-inch wheels and red accent strip on the radiator grille.
Powertrain
The 2013 VW 2-door Golf is powered by a 5-cylinder, 2.5 L engine producing 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque with 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.
Under the hood of the GTI is a 4-cylinder, 2 L turbo direct fuel-injected engine which produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque coupled with a 6-speed manual or optional DSG automatic transmission.
Cargo Capacity
The Golf’s trunk will accommodate 410 litres of storage. With the seats lowered, the load volume increases to 1,300 litres.
Safety
Both Golf 3-door hatchback models come with six airbags. Accident-sensing response system, anti-skid, stability and traction control and front-collision optimization system are just a few of the standard safety features.
Comparable Models
Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Forte 5, Mazda 3, MINI Cooper, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Scion tC, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix
*References
Aubé Vincent, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.602
Guay Jean-Samuel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.566
www.vw.ca
Pros
The VW Golf 3-door hatchback is generally considered to be of a better construction than the brand’s sedan siblings. Furthermore, its excellent handling, driver positioning and quiet ride are all positives for this model.
Cons
Hard-to-access rear seating, high running cost and expensive options make the final bill a pain in the wallet.
 |
| (Photo: Volkswagen) |
Price
The base model Golf Trendline starts at $19,975. Heatable exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights, climate control, 8-way adjustable front seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and central locking system are all standard features.
You can get yourself the 6-speed automatic transmission for an additional $1,400. Also optional, heated front seats and heatable windshield washer nozzles for $275 more.
The GTI’s asking price is $29,375. It comes with cloth sport seats and 17-inch wheels. Its 2.0-litre turbo can be matched with either manual or automatic transmission. Three option packages are available: Sport for $2,500, Leather at $4,000 and the Tech package at $5,800.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, the Golf rates 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway. The automatic means you save a few litres in town with an average 9.1 L/100 km, but turns out to be slightly greedier on the highway (compared to the manual/highway) with a consumption rate of 6.5 L/100 km.
The Golf GTI runs at 9.9 L/100 km for city driving and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway when coupled with a manual transmission. As an automatic, consumption rates drop to 8.7 L/100 km in town and 6.3 L/100 km on the highway.
Coming soon…
The seventh generation of Volkswagen Golf, already available in Europe, makes its debut in North America in 2014.
Exterior Styling
This sporty version is especially compact. The 3-door Golf’s double exhaust and 15-inch wheels differentiate it from the GTI which features 17-inch wheels and red accent strip on the radiator grille.
Powertrain
The 2013 VW 2-door Golf is powered by a 5-cylinder, 2.5 L engine producing 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque with 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.
Under the hood of the GTI is a 4-cylinder, 2 L turbo direct fuel-injected engine which produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque coupled with a 6-speed manual or optional DSG automatic transmission.
Cargo Capacity
The Golf’s trunk will accommodate 410 litres of storage. With the seats lowered, the load volume increases to 1,300 litres.
Safety
Both Golf 3-door hatchback models come with six airbags. Accident-sensing response system, anti-skid, stability and traction control and front-collision optimization system are just a few of the standard safety features.
Comparable Models
Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Forte 5, Mazda 3, MINI Cooper, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Scion tC, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix
*References
Aubé Vincent, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.602
Guay Jean-Samuel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.566
www.vw.ca