2010 Volkswagen Golf: Redefining the Game - By: Gary Witzenburg

Like the game of golf, Volkswagen's Golf has a long and popular history with those who love to drive. While its U.S.-market demand for the sporty, economical performer has ebbed and flowed since its first 1977 model (named Rabbit, the Golf has always been an annual favorite in Europe and most other markets.

The 6th-generation Golf, introduced in Europe for 2009 and arriving stateside for 2010 will start at $17,490. Available in 3- and 5-door hatchback models (VW prefers to call them 2- and 4-doors), with a choice of eager 5-cylinder gas or peppy, fuel-frugal, turbocharged "clean diesel" TDI 4-cylinder engines, it is easily the best and most refined Golf ever. As a result, a jury of international auto writers named it the 2009 "World Car of the Year."

The 2010 Golf wears a new "face" for the Volkswagen brand (good news, since not everyone was fond of the old one) with a wide, double-bar grille that blends smoothly into angled halogen headlamps. Black window trim with no side moldings keeps the side appearance clean and simple. Around back, a subtle, body color spoiler with integrated high brake light extends beyond the rear hatch. Running lights blended into the lower bumper flank a black lower-fascia insert with cutouts for twin exhaust tips.

Like its upscale division Audi, Volkswagen does finely crafted interiors. Brushed metallic inserts embellish the instrument panel, door panels and center console, while bright chrome rings surround the instruments. Between the major gauges is a multi-function onboard computer display that provides key information on the selected gear, fuel economy, odometer and more.

All 2010 Golfs offer 8-way manually adjustable front sport seats with adjustable head rests and lumbar support. The rear seats also have adjustable head restraints, plus a center armrest and 60/40 split folding capability to maximize cargo space when needed. Heated seats are available with an optional cold weather package that also adds heated windshield washer nozzles.

An 8-speaker AM/FM radio with single-disc CD player, MP3 CD readability and an auxiliary input jack comes standard on gas-engine models, while the pricier TDI cars come with a touch-screen 8-speaker system with Sirius satellite radio, in-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 readability, theft deterrence and an auxiliary input jack.

The standard 16-valve twin-cam 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine pumps out a respectable 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, while the smooth and quiet 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TDI turbodiesel—the same one available in VW's notch-up Jetta sedan and coming soon in the midsize Passat—generates a more reserved 140 horses and a hearty 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the base 3-door, while the 5-door gets a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic control, which enables manual shifting with a tap of the shifter. The manual-shift car scoots from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and delivers 22 mpg city/30 highway EPA economy. The automatic does 0-60 in 8.1-seconds with 23/30 mpg ratings.

The 16-valve SOHC TDI direct-fuel-injected turbodiesel four, starting at $21,990 in the 3-door, offers some 30 percent better fuel efficiency than comparable gasoline engines. Coupled to its standard 6-speed manual gearbox, it's good for 8.6-seconds 0-60 and 30/41 EPA economy. With the optional 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic with Tiptronic, it delivers identical 0-60 performance and similar economy at 30 mpg city and 42 highway.

We sampled a variety of U.S.-spec 2010 Golfs on twisty two-lanes and high-speed autobahns in their home country of Germany and found its base McPherson strut front and independent four-link rear suspensions excellent, and the TDI models' somewhat stiffer sport suspension even better. Rough-road ride was comfortably compliant, the power 4-wheel disc brakes were strong and fade free, and the typically crisp electro-mechanical, variable-assist, quick-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering gave us spot-on feel, feedback and accuracy.

Both engines offered more than adequate performance, but, because it is torque that gets you launched and accelerating from a stop, the amazingly quiet and civilized turbodiesel feels stronger most of the time. We look forward to extended time on U.S. roads, but we could not have been more impressed during our 2-day Teutonic test drive in Germany.

Yes, German-car parts and service can be pricey, but VW's warranty covers pretty much everything, including all scheduled maintenance, for the first three years or 36,000 miles, and the powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles. If you're thinking fuel-thrifty compact and looking at the wide selection of excellent Asian and U.S. models on the market, we suggest you widen your view to include VW's new 2010 gas or diesel Golf.

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