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2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door Hatchback Preview

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Marie-Laurence Paquin
Pros and Cons*
Pros

Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility.

Cons
However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers.

Photo: Volkswagen

Price
The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats and 16-inch alloy wheels by upgrading to the Comfortline model. The Highline model features leather sport seats and a sunroof for $27,095.

The Volkswagen Golf 5-door is equipped with a 5-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine along with 5-speed manual transmission or, for an extra $1,400, 6-speed automatic transmission.

A diesel engine is also available on the compact. The Comfortline TDI starts at $25,425 while the Highline TDI starts at $29,395.

The 2013 Golf GTI is available from $30,375, with an extra $1,400 for an automatic, 6-speed DSG transmission.

Cloth sport seats and 17-inch wheels come standard.

Three option packages are available:
  • The Sport package for $2,500
  • The Leather package for $4,000
  • The Tech package for $5,800
The four-wheel drive 2013 Golf R starts at $49,675. Only the fully equipped model is available in Canada.

La Golf R 2013 à traction intégrale se vend à partir de 39 675 $. Seule la version toute équipée est distribuée au Canada.

Fuel economy
Golf 5-door

With the manual transmission, the car is rated at 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway. With an automatic transmission, fuel consumption tops out at around 9.1 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

Golf TDI

Fuel consumption is estimated at 6.7 L/100 km in the city and 4.6 L/100 km on the highway.

Golf GTI

With a manual transmission, the GTI is rated at 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway. With an automatic transmission, fuel consumption hovers around 8.7 L/100 km in the city and can go as low as 6.3 L/100 km on the highway.

Golf R
With its turbo engine, the R runs on 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.5 L/100 km on the highway.

To come
The seventh generation of the Golf 5-door is already on the market in Europe and will make its North American debut in 2014.

Exterior Styling
Sporty and then some, the Golf 5-door needs no introduction. It has become an iconic presence on our roads. The GTI stands out from lesser Golfs with a red accent line on the grille and red brake calipers. As for the Golf R, it too features an exclusive grille and front bumper as well as black calipers inscribed with the R logo.

Powertrain
The basic engine outfitted on the Golf 5 has a volume of 2.5 litres, delivering 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque and is coupled with either a 5-speed manual transmission or, as an option, a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Golf diesel is equipped with a 5-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo engine with 140 hp and an outstanding torque of 236 lb-ft, coupled with an either a 6-peed manual or automatic dual-clutch transmission.

Photo: Volkswagen

Under the hood of the Golf GTI, you’ll find a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre direct injection turbo engine with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, along with a manual transmission, or, as an option, a DSG automatic transmission, both 6-speed.

The all-wheel drive Golf R is, without doubt, the more powerful of all the Golfs with its 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo engine which can unleash 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.

Cargo Capacity
For all models, storage space varies between 420 litres and 1,300 litres, depending on seat configuration.

Safety
The Golf 5-door is secured by six airbags and various active safety systems.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte 5, Mazda 3, Mazda Speed3, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Subaru Impreza WRX, Scion tC, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix

*References
Aubé Vincent, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.602
Charrette Benoit, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.604
Guay Jean-François, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.552
www.vw.ca


Marie-Laurence Paquin
Marie-Laurence Paquin
Automotive expert
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