2010 Volkswagen Golf

Review

The 2010 Volkswagen Golf is the sixth in its generation since the car was first introduced in 2010 as a replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle. In the U.S. the GTI version of the Golf will be sold in addition to the standard model. The auto reviews for the 2010 golf cannot seem to make up their mind between calling the vehicle a Golf or a Rabbit.

The Golf has always been a quality vehicle with special emphasis on style and refinement. As a luxury sedan, the Golf has never performed very well in the U.S. market, but that is not due to a lack of quality or affordability, but primarily due to Volkswagen's shortcomings in properly advertising the excellent features of this impressive car.

While the Golf VI went on sale here in the U.S. this past October, the TDI wasn't made available until December and will likely carry a slightly higher price tag putting it in the mid 20s price range for a base model.

Improvements from 2009 Golf

The general platform from the earlier version of the Golf is the same in the 2010 model, and there is a 0.7-inch wider frame to the 2010. There is a significantly greater number of engines and gasoline types including diesel for the Golf VI. The styling of the new car will help to further distinguish it from other sedans on the market, carving a new look that will be distinctly Golf's for the future. The car has a new front end, halogen headlamps and a wider grille with a spoiler on the hatchback. The TDI Golf models have oval fog laps as well as xenon headlights as optional additions.

Performance

The 2010 Golf is using basically the same engine as the one found in their Jetta TDI model; a 2.0-liter turbo which can throw out 236 lb-ft of torque and 140hp. With an EPA rating of 31 mpg for the city and a very respectable 41 mpg highway in their diesel models, one can purchase a Golf safe that their wallet won't later pay the price for the decision when it comes to the base car pricing.

With a quiet all around drive during a road test, the Golf was not shy about punching the gas to rev up and go. Using the six-speed manual transmission, getting from zero to sixty In short order didn't seem to be a problem. The suspension was tight which can be nice for those impressive maneuvers, but a bit jarring if you are going over potholes. So for the family driver or the single adventurer alike, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf has a lot to offer.

Exterior Features

Even though the Golf VI is basically the same as the old Rabbit or Golf underneath the hood, according to the car's photos, the Golf VI has a new level of class and style to its completely revamped exterior and interior features. The exterior lines of the car say "style" with the heated folding mirrors, parallel-parking sensors, 18-inch Vancouver wheels, optional 4Motion all-wheel drive and even an auto parking feature.

The Golf is standard with Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization program (ESP), all season tires, and daytime running lights as well. One final nicety for the Golf VI that sets it apart from our ordinary ho hum sedan are the heated windshield washer nozzles to keep them from freezing shut during the winter.

Interior Features

Volkswagen seems to have cut very few corners when designing the interior of their new Golf VI sedan. Optional heated front seats for comfort, a Touchscreen Premium VIII radio with optional RNS-510 navigation panel is reminiscent of what you would expect to find in a $40,000 luxury vehicle. The multi-function steering wheel allows for adjustment to practically any direction, and telescopes in during an impact to help prevent injury to the driver.

As is standard on most cars sold today, Volkswagen has embedded a computer chip in the keys of the car which, if not detected when someone tries to start the car with the wrong key, will cause the car to disable itself. Other optional security and convenience features are available as well including keyless entry.

Safety & Specifications

The NHTSA rates the 2010 Golf with 4 out of 5 stars for front crash tests and with 5 out of 5 stars for side crashes. The increased safety specs for the side crash tests is no doubt partially due to the side-curtain airbags available on the Golf which help protect passengers. The pinch protection is available on most of Volkswagen's 2010 vehicles is standard for the windows, in addition to the Engine Braking Assist, and Anti-Lock Braking System and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. All of these combine to keep the cost of car insurance for the Golf at reasonable levels. If you are interested in seeing precisely what the cost of insurance will be, check out how to get free car insurance quotes.

Upgrade Options

The TDI Clean Diesel engine is the most notable of upgrade options available with the Golf VI. It decreases up to 95 percent of certain emissions and is a fuel-efficient machine sure to impress even the most green-minded of drivers. This turbocharged engine sacrifices nothing in power and speed when it comes to offering this fuel economy and cleanliness as well. The heated front seats and the Navigation system are impressive upgrades to consider on the Golf as well.

How the New Golf Compares to Other Midsize Cars

According to many car reviews, compared to other midsize cars, the Golf may cost a little more on the invoice, but it certainly delivers for that extra cost. The vehicle design and safety and performance are all areas where an owner can feel proud of their purchase rather than thinking that they were taken for the price they paid. The Volkswagen Golf comes with a standard 3-year, 36,000 warranty which is not the best in the industry (that usually falls to Hyundai and their 6-year warranty, but should be sufficient for this class of vehicle. In the past, Intellichoice has consistently ranked the Golf/Rabbit highly on their 5 year cost of ownership.

Conclusion

There is no reason to believe that the Volkswagen Golf cannot finally take its place in the annals of American Sedan greats along with Honda's Accord or Toyota's Camry, but that decision will be entirely up to Volkswagen and their advertising of this impeccable piece of machinery. The new car guides for the Golf are firmly impressed with its capability, so it is up to Volkswagen to make it work. That, and making up their mind (hopefully) to stick with the Golf name rather than continuing the confusing jump back and forth between Golf and Rabbit.