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2008 Volkswagen City Golf Road Test

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Justin Pritchard
A German car you can afford
A German car you can afford

Can't afford a German car, huh?

Bummer.

Those Audi's, BMW's and Benz's sure are a bit pricy- especially if you've, say, just finished school or are looking for your first new ride.

The City lineup has received an update for 2008.

But there's one German brand from the other side of the alphabet that's not to be forgotten: Volkswagen. Remember, that translates from German to "The Peoples Car". Notice the exclusion of the word 'wealthy' from the translation.

Inexpensive, not cheap
City Golf starts at $15,300, and even loaded with options, it's hard to get it to head above twenty grand. You could do worse for the money.

In some areas, the City Golf imparts a quality feel uncharacteristic of its price. Fabric covered A-Pillars and door-panel accent upholstery are typical in more expensive products, and some satin-finished trim pieces are installed around the stereo and door- controls for good measure. There's a tight, premium feel to most of the knobs and switches too. Simply put, the City Golf feels like Germans made it.

It'd prove a nice place to unwind after a day of work or classes- especially behind the fantastic electric-blue illuminated controls and instruments which present themselves at night. If there's a sub-twenty-thousand dollar machine that creates a nicer after-dark ambiance, I haven't seen it.

Interior space
A height-adjustable driver's seat helps ensure a proper seating position and excellent visibility. Getting into and out of the City Golf posed no problems, and front seat passengers are treated to adequate space. Seats are a touch on the hard side, and the large plastic knob used to recline the seatbacks is hard to reach and hard to operate while sitting, unless you're double-jointed or very strong.

Rear seats can be folded out of the way with relative ease to accept larger items, and the trunk is surprisingly deep too. Though City Golf doesn't offer the largest cargo hold in its class, you'll still find adequate space for most camping, hiking or travelling gear. Unfortunately, there's no courtesy light installed to illuminate the cargo hold at night.

The electric-blue lighting offers a great effect.
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
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