World Car of the Year
The Volkswagen Golf took the title of 2009 World Car of the Year. The award was given earlier this year in Manhatten, New York. This honor has gone to such prestigious vehicles as the Lexus LS460, the BMW 3-series, and Audi’s A6 in the last few years. Jurors said the Golf “felt more expensive than other family hatches”, due mainly, to the solid build and high quality interior. The Golf is Volkswagen’s top selling vehicle with over 26 million sold in 120 countries. The new 2010 model includes a TDI clean burning diesel with over a 30% increase in fuel efficiency. A factor sure to raise the judge’s eyebrows again this year.
Standard Features – Outstanding Features
The new 2010 Golf is hitting the dealership lots this month. The TDI comes with an impressive standard feature package, including 17” alloy wheels with all season tires, 4 link independent rear suspension, fog lights, dual exhaust tips, power heated ext. mirrors, a notable touchscreen premium sound system that includes GPS with a 30GB hard drive, and air bags all the way round.
Clean Diesel Fuel Efficiency
The turbocharged 2.0L TDI, available in 2 or 4 door trims, delivers an inspiring fuel efficiency rating over the 2.5L gas engine. City driving is estimated at 30mpg (Gas = 22mpg), Highway estimates are 42mpg (Gas = 30mpg). These numbers seem to be consistent with most road test reviews.
The 16 valve, inline 4 integrates direct injection technology and an EGR system to deliver a super efficient emissions system, while still producing 140hp and 236lb-ft of torque. That’s a significant increase over the 2.5 liter’s 177 lb-ft of torque. Both the gas and diesel top out at an electronically limited 125mph.
Value
The 2010 Golf starts at $17,490 for the 2.5L gas motor, $22,189 for the 2.0L TDI. The $4500 price difference to opt for the diesel may sound a bit much initially, but consider the upgraded standard options the TDI offers over the gas version, combined with the fuel efficiency and you’ll realize quickly the TDI is the better deal. This same engine qualified for a $1300 federal clean diesel incentive tax credit in the Jetta, we expect the same to apply to the Golf.
