It was nice to have the sunroof open with the windows partially rolled down while listening to my eclectic mix of hip hop and soft
rock on the standard 8-speaker AM/FM/CD player. The sun was shining for the better part of my test week, but when the temperature sank the multi-temperature bun warmers were appreciated. Along with the CD player and heated seats, air conditioning, power windows, power remote door locks, dual front impact airbags and much more are among the standard features the VW Gold TDI GLS trim offers. Other optional equipment besides the luxury package on my test TDI GLS included electronic stabilization program (ESP) for $430 and side curtain airbags for $220.
With all the commendable attributes that the Golf TDI GLS has, why then wouldn't there be a stronger demand for diesels? Well, other than the fact that I had trouble
finding a refueling station that offered diesel close by my home, I found the price of the TDI was quite high; $24,720 base and $26,810 with all the options my tester featured. A Honda Civic Si sedan, for instance, has an MSRP of about $21,500, the Hyundai Elantra GT starts at $18,995 and Mazda3 GT begins at $21,345.
While the initial price of the TDI is more than most, its superb fuel economy could really add up in the end. Diesels also tend to last longer, and need less regular maintenance than gasoline engines. And then there's the power. Yeah, I think I could be converted Volkswagen.
Specifications (TDI GLS):
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| The high sticker price, and the fact that not every gas station carries diesel are two negatives of the little car. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
With all the commendable attributes that the Golf TDI GLS has, why then wouldn't there be a stronger demand for diesels? Well, other than the fact that I had trouble
 |
| The TDI offers superb fuel economy, less regular maintenance and more power than its gasoline counterpart. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the initial price of the TDI is more than most, its superb fuel economy could really add up in the end. Diesels also tend to last longer, and need less regular maintenance than gasoline engines. And then there's the power. Yeah, I think I could be converted Volkswagen.
Specifications (TDI GLS):
- Price Range (MSRP): $24,720 - $26,810
- Body Type: 5-door hatchback
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 100 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque, 1.9-L, 8-valve, SOHC I-4
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 11.5 seconds
- Brakes (front/rear): disc / disc
- Curb Weight: 1,348 kg (2,972 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume: 509 L (18 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 6.2 / 4.6 L/100 km (26 / 35 mpg) (manual)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Dodge SX 2.0, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac Sunfire, Saturn ION, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Corolla
- Web site: www.vw.ca
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