Test Driving the 2010 VW Golf TDI

By Chris Trout

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Favorably intrigued by Volkswagen’s recent product lineup, I was delighted to test drive the new 2010 VW Golf.  Just last year, the hatchback small car in the VW portfolio was called the Rabbit.  Along with light redesign in 2010, VW ditched the fluffy moniker in favor of the Golf nameplate.

The turbo diesel technology especially captured my interest.  I was pleased to discover that the TDI badge is now available on the redesigned 2010 Golf.  New TDIs boast an updated turbo diesel displacing 2.0 liters to replace the previous 1.9 liter version.  Valvetrain is in SOHC configuration with four valves per cylinder.  Updates include superior fuel mileage and rumors of a more performance-oriented drive.  As a fan of both white-knuckled performance and miserly spending, I targeted a four door 2010 Golf TDI for my enjoyment.  My goal was to locate a TDI and a stick shift but sadly ended up with an automatic.

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The one I found was very handsomely optioned, with a touch screen stereo entertainment center, Dynaudio sound system, sunroof, sport styling kit featuring twin tip exhaust outlets, and xenon headlights.  This astounding bundle of luxury options for a seemingly entry-level vehicle, as well as the optional TDI drivetrain, boosted the base sticker price from the $22,789 four door TDI entry price to an oppressively high $27,255.

The Drive

The practical fuel-sipper proved to be very comfortable and accommodating.  Despite having never driven a Golf or Rabbit, and it being more than a year since I remember piloting a Jetta, the controls, despite revision, are logical and familiar.  The first striking thing inside the cabin is the redesigned steering wheel.  Wrapped in a sticky but not ostentatious leather, the wheel feels also very inviting and crisp.

I start it up and let my foot off the brake for that moment of truth.  One of my pet peeves with the 2006 TDI Jetta is the lethargic response time between throttle blips with your foot and their corresponding surges in the engine bay.  I am happy to report that problem is solved.  The diesel is very responsive and turbo lag is almost negligible, which makes it very easy to forget you are driving an earth-saving, turbo-wielding diesel vehicle.

Volkswagen claims just 140 horses but a stump-pulling 236 lb-ft for its TDI, which becomes immediately apparent.  As with most diesels, you can feel the torque all through the power band and the aid of a turbo in this case makes this car extremely fun to drive.  One romp to speed and return to a standstill at a traffic light immediately taught me to love this automatic transmission, though I was initially apprehensive.  The automatic Golf TDI totes the VW famed DSG transmission (Direct Shift Gearbox).  Essentially, it is an automated manual with two clutches so gearshifts are terrifyingly quick.  I will vouch for that.  The transmission is also geared very close, so the TDI feels a great deal faster than specifications would suggest.  This of course is advantageous for the RPM-limitations of a diesel.  In addition, the DSG is intuitive on downshifts and requires little heavy foot braking to bring the Golf down even from speeds uncomfortably over the speed limit.  The brakes are sharp and confidence- inspiring but not touchy.

Another high point for the 2010 Golf is the handling.  Of course, Golf shares the platform with Jetta and GTI, both known to be impressive handling cars for their sticker price.  The Golf’s suspension is obviously not as tight and performance-oriented as that of the GTI.  However, independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, and telescopic shocks up front and a multilink rear configuration with gas-pressurized shocks out back welcome spirited driving.  During my drive, I did not autocross the Golf, but I did venture some full throttle corners that I entered a little hot.  The Golf was predictable and up to the task.  The Golf’s comparably wide track and low center of gravity lend to more fighting with wheel spin than gravitational forces during moderately hard cornering.  Despite feeling very connected with the road, the vehicle was not harsh or abrasive to ride in as some stiff suspension vehicles can be.

During my drive, utilizing the mileage tracker, located centrally on the main gauges, I averaged almost 28 mpg despite a significant amount of time stopped in traffic and a great deal of the time spent moving under heavy acceleration.  EPA estimates conservatively 30 city/42 highway for the TDI Golf.  My data seems to confirm the rumors that 2009 and 2010 TDI Golf and Jetta are both capable of more than 50 mpg.  I am confident that had I driven this vehicle similar to my typical habits, I would have been well above 30 mpg in city driving and could only guess how much better I would do on interstates.

The Judgment

I am very impressed with this little car.  Acceleration, cornering, braking, and feel all exceeded my expectations.  In addition, in the four-door hatchback segment, I do not think any vehicle looks as sharp as the Golf or GTI.  The blend of the hatched rear into the rest of the vehicle is complimentary and even exudes a muscular stance.  Nothing falls victim to the practicality of this vehicle.  Handsome appearance, crisp handling, great ride comfort, impressive performance, and astounding fuel economy are all packed into this easy to drive and park hatchback.

My only concern is the price.  For an entry level hatchback there is no reason, even loaded with options, it should near the $30K mark.  For the same price point ($27-28K), you could get the screaming fast Mazdaspeed3, the go-kart-like Mini Cooper Clubman S, or even in VW’s own lineup, a moderately optioned Tiguan SUV or an Autobahn Package endowed GTI.  Do not misunderstand me; I know that the fuel mileage and longevity of a diesel adds value, but for my money, I am more inclined to get a manual transmission TDI four door with no options for a much lower $23,539.  If they ever bring an AWD option over that might be worth $27,255 to me.