Golfing safely
The basic City Golf provides "basic" occupant protection as standard equipment, that being front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger. Side airbags will add $160 to the sticker while side curtain protection will add another $410; money well spent in my view, as is the extra $450 VW will ding buyers for an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), which I recommend for Canadian usage.
City Golf antes-up with value
The City Golf may not benefit from the latest engine technology or the most inspirational styling. Nevertheless, it's surprisingly satisfying. For well under $20K, buyers net themselves a well stocked, enviable cabin and a European driving experience along with reasonably decent fuel economy of 9.8 and 7.0L/100km of city and highway driving respectively.
Overall, the fun little City Golf raises the stakes significantly at the econo-box poker table.
Low $15,300 entry
High quality cabin materials
Fun to drive
Awkward fold down of split bench rear seat
Even more awkward front seat recline mechanism
Tepid passing performance at best
2-valve per cylinder SOHC engine
photo:Rob Rothwell
The basic City Golf provides "basic" occupant protection as standard equipment, that being front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger. Side airbags will add $160 to the sticker while side curtain protection will add another $410; money well spent in my view, as is the extra $450 VW will ding buyers for an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), which I recommend for Canadian usage.
 |
| Enginewise, the competition is way ahead. |
City Golf antes-up with value
The City Golf may not benefit from the latest engine technology or the most inspirational styling. Nevertheless, it's surprisingly satisfying. For well under $20K, buyers net themselves a well stocked, enviable cabin and a European driving experience along with reasonably decent fuel economy of 9.8 and 7.0L/100km of city and highway driving respectively.
Overall, the fun little City Golf raises the stakes significantly at the econo-box poker table.
 |
High quality cabin materials
Fun to drive
 |
Even more awkward front seat recline mechanism
Tepid passing performance at best
 |
2-valve per cylinder SOHC engine
photo:Rob Rothwell
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