Upping the Ante at the Econo-Box Poker Table
In an effort to regain its reputation for frugality, Volkswagen Canada chose to retain its older generation Golf and Jetta models as affordable entry-level econo-boxes within its lineup of more sophisticated vehicles. Doing so enables the "peoples car" company to compete in this burgeoning, profitable segment of the auto industry.
Frugality Reprise
$15,300. That's all it takes to own a four-door 2008 City Golf with a height adjustable driver's seat and tilt/telescopic steering. Sure, adding air conditioning, cruise control and power windows will dull some of the base-price luster but audiophiles will appreciate the eight-speaker, MP3-readable audio system provided as standard equipment.
My nicely packaged tester tallied $18,624, and included all the above-noted accessories plus 15-inch alloy wheels, power locks, heated power exterior mirrors, keyless entry, centre-armrest and side curtain protection. A six-speed automatic transmission featuring Volkswagen's Tiptronic manual-mode technology will add $1,400 to the above-mentioned pricing. This week's ride housed a five-speed manual stick, which I was happy to find.
What's old is new again
The City Golf is a German-engineered built in Brazil front-wheel-drive, five-passenger hatchback. Despite its new sheet metal and redesigned interior, it clearly exhibits its older (1999-2006) Golf DNA, but that's not a bad thing. The City Golf retains the original Golf's balanced proportioning and clean lines along with its broad slabs of glass while looking fresher and more up to date thanks to a sleeker nose softer angles.
The City Golf delivers interior quality consistent with vehicles costing substantially more. Cabin construction is solid and accurate while materials in use are easy on the eye and pleasing to touch. Long stretches of hard plastic, typical of this segment, are non-existent.
In an effort to regain its reputation for frugality, Volkswagen Canada chose to retain its older generation Golf and Jetta models as affordable entry-level econo-boxes within its lineup of more sophisticated vehicles. Doing so enables the "peoples car" company to compete in this burgeoning, profitable segment of the auto industry.
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| The City is a Canadian exclusivity. |
Frugality Reprise
$15,300. That's all it takes to own a four-door 2008 City Golf with a height adjustable driver's seat and tilt/telescopic steering. Sure, adding air conditioning, cruise control and power windows will dull some of the base-price luster but audiophiles will appreciate the eight-speaker, MP3-readable audio system provided as standard equipment.
My nicely packaged tester tallied $18,624, and included all the above-noted accessories plus 15-inch alloy wheels, power locks, heated power exterior mirrors, keyless entry, centre-armrest and side curtain protection. A six-speed automatic transmission featuring Volkswagen's Tiptronic manual-mode technology will add $1,400 to the above-mentioned pricing. This week's ride housed a five-speed manual stick, which I was happy to find.
What's old is new again
The City Golf is a German-engineered built in Brazil front-wheel-drive, five-passenger hatchback. Despite its new sheet metal and redesigned interior, it clearly exhibits its older (1999-2006) Golf DNA, but that's not a bad thing. The City Golf retains the original Golf's balanced proportioning and clean lines along with its broad slabs of glass while looking fresher and more up to date thanks to a sleeker nose softer angles.
The City Golf delivers interior quality consistent with vehicles costing substantially more. Cabin construction is solid and accurate while materials in use are easy on the eye and pleasing to touch. Long stretches of hard plastic, typical of this segment, are non-existent.
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| Fit and finish is above average and materials are quite nice. |