2013 Volkswagen Golf TDI
There’s something to be said for German refinement. From the way the Golf’s doors “thunk” shut, to the tight-fitting, hugging seats, the Golf offered up a level of sophistication and build quality we just didn’t see in the Chevy. This alone put the Golf that much higher up the ladder than the Chevrolet, but there’s more to a diesel than a comfortable seat.
Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L diesel engine, the Volkswagen Golf TDI also sported the uber efficient 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. Quick to change gears (and off the line, thanks to 236 lb-ft of torque), the Golf TDI was a blast on wide-open stretches of country highway, and just as pleasant to pilot in the bustling city as well.
Driving position in the 2013 Golf TDI is sublime. Comfortable seats, a thick sporty steering wheel and plenty of visibility mean this hatch isn’t just fun to drive it’s also practical and functional. The Jetta is all that with a larger enclosed boot.
The exterior look of both the VW Golf and Jetta could be described as drab by some, and classic by others. We think it strikes a pleasant balance between the two, offering up modern touches here and there while maintaining a look that’s true to Volkswagen’s heritage and lineage.
Now, we touched on refinement inside the Golf’s cabin, however, engine refinement is just as important (if not more) when it comes to diesel. Perhaps one of the biggest “complaints” with diesel is the harshness and tractor-like sound of the powerplant. Knocking, clunking and generally making a racket, diesel engines can be unpleasant.
Here’s where Volkswagen truly shines: The 2013 VW Golf TDI practically purrs to life. There’s a faint hint of diesel rattle, but it’s barely there. The gentle rumble is almost pleasant to listen to. And once inside the cabin, windows up, you’d be hard pressed to know you were in a diesel.
On the open highway, cruising at 110 km/hr, the Volkswagen Golf TDI is just as classy. Road noise is kept to a minimum, and even when pushed at speed the diesel engine behaves and keeps the noise down. Perhaps this is testament to Volkswagen’s years of practice engineering diesel vehicles and cars.
On the first leg of our journey, the 2013 Golf TDI was pulling in 5.5L/100km fuel consumption numbers. Pretty impressive, but not as impressive as its American counterpart.
There’s something to be said for German refinement. From the way the Golf’s doors “thunk” shut, to the tight-fitting, hugging seats, the Golf offered up a level of sophistication and build quality we just didn’t see in the Chevy. This alone put the Golf that much higher up the ladder than the Chevrolet, but there’s more to a diesel than a comfortable seat.
Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L diesel engine, the Volkswagen Golf TDI also sported the uber efficient 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. Quick to change gears (and off the line, thanks to 236 lb-ft of torque), the Golf TDI was a blast on wide-open stretches of country highway, and just as pleasant to pilot in the bustling city as well.
 |
| There’s a faint hint of diesel rattle, but it’s barely there. The gentle rumble is almost pleasant to listen to. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Driving position in the 2013 Golf TDI is sublime. Comfortable seats, a thick sporty steering wheel and plenty of visibility mean this hatch isn’t just fun to drive it’s also practical and functional. The Jetta is all that with a larger enclosed boot.
The exterior look of both the VW Golf and Jetta could be described as drab by some, and classic by others. We think it strikes a pleasant balance between the two, offering up modern touches here and there while maintaining a look that’s true to Volkswagen’s heritage and lineage.
Now, we touched on refinement inside the Golf’s cabin, however, engine refinement is just as important (if not more) when it comes to diesel. Perhaps one of the biggest “complaints” with diesel is the harshness and tractor-like sound of the powerplant. Knocking, clunking and generally making a racket, diesel engines can be unpleasant.
Here’s where Volkswagen truly shines: The 2013 VW Golf TDI practically purrs to life. There’s a faint hint of diesel rattle, but it’s barely there. The gentle rumble is almost pleasant to listen to. And once inside the cabin, windows up, you’d be hard pressed to know you were in a diesel.
On the open highway, cruising at 110 km/hr, the Volkswagen Golf TDI is just as classy. Road noise is kept to a minimum, and even when pushed at speed the diesel engine behaves and keeps the noise down. Perhaps this is testament to Volkswagen’s years of practice engineering diesel vehicles and cars.
On the first leg of our journey, the 2013 Golf TDI was pulling in 5.5L/100km fuel consumption numbers. Pretty impressive, but not as impressive as its American counterpart.
 |
| It strikes a pleasant balance between the two, offering up modern touches here and there while maintaining a look that’s true to Volkswagen’s heritage and lineage. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |