The 2010 Volkswagen Golf/TDI feels more upscale than its competitors, and the diesel’s exceptional fuel economy is an unexpected bonus in the class.

Overview of 2010 Volkswagen Golf
The 2010 Golf is a 2- or 4-door, 5-passenger family coupe, available in 6 trims and MSRP as following:
2.5L 2 Door PZEV — $17,490
2.5L 2 Door — $17,490
2.5L 4 Door PZEV — $19,190
2.5L 4 Door — $19,190
2.0L 2 Door TDI — $21,990
2.0L 4 Door TDI — $22,590
Upon introduction, the 2.5L 2 Door is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I5, 170-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2.0L 4 Door TDI is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 140-horsepower, diesel engine that achieves 30-mpg in the city and 41-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2010 Golf is all-new for 2010.

Index of 2010 Volkswagen Golf Expert Reviews

• thecarconnection—STYLING:The 2010 Volkswagen Golf irons a few more creases in its sheetmetal, but it’s the standout interior that gets TheCarConnection.com’s attention;PERFORMANCE:The 2010 VW Golf performs mildly; the Golf TDI is a cut above with its sport tuning, DSG paddle shifting, and awesome fuel economy;QUALITY:The 2010 Volkswagen Golf seats four adults in a comfortable, high-quality cabin-but three-door models have somewhat skimpy backseat space;SAFETY:The 2010 Volkswagen Golf hasn’t been crash-tested, but it’s expected to be a strong performer;FEATURES:It’s on par with other compact hatchbacks in terms of features, though the 2010 VW Golf’s base prices are a steep step up from the likes of Forte, Soul, and Focus.

• Edmunds—”The new sixth-generation 2010 Volkswagen Golf will cost you a pretty penny compared to typical compact cars, but its refinement makes it worth the stretch. Pros: Stylish look inside and out, excellent interior materials, available diesel engine, versatile hatchback body style, refined driving dynamics. Cons:High price relative to segment rivals, some desirable features unavailable on base model.”

Buying Tips:
The Golf TDI and its paddle-shifted gearbox comprise the most entertaining green car yet driven by TheCarConnection.com’s editors. It’s well worth a test drive against gas-powered competitors-but for real performance, check out the 2010 VW GTI.

Competitors Box
* Mazda3
* Honda Civic
* Kia Forte/Soul