Aiding in its stability was a set of standard P195/65R15 all-season tires with the optional 15-inch alloy wheels (part of the
Luxury Package that also features a power sunroof for an additional $1,440). Also standard are 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel ABS. The ground-hugging rubber and disc brakes with ABS definitely allowed for effective braking in both dry and wet weather.
I found the TDI to deliver a lot of get-up-and-go. Due much to its turbocharger the engine's strong torque makes acceleration quite good at 11.5 seconds to 100 km/h. It feels faster off the line than a lot of its rivals, such as the Honda Civic, Dodge SX 2.0, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda3. In addition, the power is harnessed lower in the rev range than its competitors, so it feels quicker at takeoff but unfortunately redlines much sooner.
I also found that the TDI's fuel consumption was a great asset to an already great car: 6.2 L/100 km in the city and 4.6 L/100 km on the highway. I drove over 600 kilometers and still had a little over a quarter of a tank of diesel left. And for the amount of driving I do on a weekly basis, the TDI became my best and most cost efficient friend. Although diesel fuel prices
were about the same as gas the week I filled up, I received more kilometers for my currency.
As mentioned in my recent Passat review, I enjoy the simplicity of VW interiors. The Golf's cabin is almost identical to the Passat's, but a little cozier due to its smaller size. In addition, the front standard bucket heated seats upholstered in premium cloth were sporty enough to hold me in place while pushing the-little-diesel-that-could, but flexible enough not to compromise my comfort. The rear seats also proved to be backseat driver friendly, but legroom, not so much. It's a compact car, however, so rear seat legroom is not necessarily a big issue with most buyers. Standard features, just the same, are in abundance.
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| A set of standard P195/65R15 all-season tires with optional 15-inch alloy wheels increased stability. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I found the TDI to deliver a lot of get-up-and-go. Due much to its turbocharger the engine's strong torque makes acceleration quite good at 11.5 seconds to 100 km/h. It feels faster off the line than a lot of its rivals, such as the Honda Civic, Dodge SX 2.0, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda3. In addition, the power is harnessed lower in the rev range than its competitors, so it feels quicker at takeoff but unfortunately redlines much sooner.
I also found that the TDI's fuel consumption was a great asset to an already great car: 6.2 L/100 km in the city and 4.6 L/100 km on the highway. I drove over 600 kilometers and still had a little over a quarter of a tank of diesel left. And for the amount of driving I do on a weekly basis, the TDI became my best and most cost efficient friend. Although diesel fuel prices
 |
| I drove over 600 kilometers and still had a little over a quarter of a tank of diesel left. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
As mentioned in my recent Passat review, I enjoy the simplicity of VW interiors. The Golf's cabin is almost identical to the Passat's, but a little cozier due to its smaller size. In addition, the front standard bucket heated seats upholstered in premium cloth were sporty enough to hold me in place while pushing the-little-diesel-that-could, but flexible enough not to compromise my comfort. The rear seats also proved to be backseat driver friendly, but legroom, not so much. It's a compact car, however, so rear seat legroom is not necessarily a big issue with most buyers. Standard features, just the same, are in abundance.