Prius vs. Golf TDI
Toyota often compares the new Prius to other hybrids like the Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid. In my opinion, though, the VW Golf TDI seems like a more logical comparison. Despite being 25-centimetre shorter, the latter is nearly as roomy (-23 litres). Four adults can comfortably sit in both the Golf and Prius.
Cargo capacity is also pretty similar. With the rear seat up, the Prius will swallow up to 445 litres of gear, or 8 percent more than the Golf. Once you fold the seat down, however, the Prius can barely hold 1,121 litres whereas the Golf is capable of 1,300.
Very different powertains
Obviously, you can’t mistake the two when you pop the hood. The 134-horsepower hybrid system of the Prius is designed with maximum efficiency in mind, while the 140-horsepower turbodiesel of its German rival adds an impressive 236 pounds-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm for outstanding driving performance and some serious "oomph." Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h take 9.1 seconds with the Golf TDI. Add a full second with the Toyota.
I know, I know, driving a Prius is really not about breaking speed records. But who said that you can’t have fun, at a lower price, while saving fuel and cutting emissions? The transmissions available with the Golf (6-speed manual and DSG automatic) offer a lot more freedom to the driver than a CVT, which merely works toward optimum fuel economy and a smooth ride.
The reality
For many consumers, scores are settled at the pump. First, let’s play myth-busters with the Prius. There is absolutely no way to achieve the combined rating of 3.5 L/100 km announced by Toyota… unless you keep driving at ridiculously-slow speeds every time you roll out of your driveway.
Toyota often compares the new Prius to other hybrids like the Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid. In my opinion, though, the VW Golf TDI seems like a more logical comparison. Despite being 25-centimetre shorter, the latter is nearly as roomy (-23 litres). Four adults can comfortably sit in both the Golf and Prius.
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| With the rear seat up, the Prius will swallow up to 445 litres of gear, or 8 percent more than the Golf. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Cargo capacity is also pretty similar. With the rear seat up, the Prius will swallow up to 445 litres of gear, or 8 percent more than the Golf. Once you fold the seat down, however, the Prius can barely hold 1,121 litres whereas the Golf is capable of 1,300.
Very different powertains
Obviously, you can’t mistake the two when you pop the hood. The 134-horsepower hybrid system of the Prius is designed with maximum efficiency in mind, while the 140-horsepower turbodiesel of its German rival adds an impressive 236 pounds-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm for outstanding driving performance and some serious "oomph." Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h take 9.1 seconds with the Golf TDI. Add a full second with the Toyota.
I know, I know, driving a Prius is really not about breaking speed records. But who said that you can’t have fun, at a lower price, while saving fuel and cutting emissions? The transmissions available with the Golf (6-speed manual and DSG automatic) offer a lot more freedom to the driver than a CVT, which merely works toward optimum fuel economy and a smooth ride.
The reality
For many consumers, scores are settled at the pump. First, let’s play myth-busters with the Prius. There is absolutely no way to achieve the combined rating of 3.5 L/100 km announced by Toyota… unless you keep driving at ridiculously-slow speeds every time you roll out of your driveway.
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| The continuous variation transmission of the Prius offer optimum fuel economy and a smooth ride. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |