It is also know as Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).The nameplate Golf derives from the German word for Gulf Stream.
Volkswagen Golf 2010 SPECIFICATIONS:
Body style(s): 2- 4- Door Coupe/HatchbackComplete specifications of Volkswagen Golf 2010 US
Overview of Volkswagen Golf 2010 UK
Colors: Black,Blue Graphite Metallic,Candy White,Reflex Silver Metallic,
Shark Blue Metallic,Tornado Red,United Gray Metallic
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 14.5
Mileage(est)(city/highway): 22/30
Price Onwards: $17,620
Volkswagen Golf 2010 Website
Volkswagen Golf 2010 UK
Volkswagen Golf 2010 US
Volkswagen Golf 2010 REVIEW:
One of the pioneers in the small hatchback segment, the Volkswagen Golf has had a bit of a roller-coaster ride throughout its life. Debuting in Europe in 1974, it came to the U.S. a year later wearing the Rabbit nameplate. Ten years later and coinciding with a redesign, VW shifted the North American version to the official "Golf" name. But even that did not last. In 2006, after selling three generations of the Golf to American buyers, Volkswagen had a nostalgic feeling and renamed its economy car the Rabbit for the U.S. market.
But guess what? Volkswagen has had yet another change of heart and has reverted back to the Golf name for 2010. Yep, it's confusing. Hopefully, VW's Golf name is back for good this time.
Current Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback available in a two- or four-door body style. Regardless of body style, the base Golf is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower. A five-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Golf TDI model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that produces 140 hp and a robust 236 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard and VW's six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG) is optional. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy is an impressive 34 mpg. The TDI trim also adds alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, Bluetooth and an upgraded stereo with touchscreen interface and an iPod interface. A navigation system and xenon headlamps are optional.
Like the Rabbit before it and the Golf before that, the current Volkswagen Golf stands apart in the compact class with an overall level of refinement that simply can't be matched. The near-luxury quality of the cabin, the European blend of smooth ride and driving involvement, and the subdued yet classy styling make the Golf's price premium worth it. Regarding the Golf's current lineup, we strongly recommend the TDI model because of its higher level of equipment, strong engine and superior fuel economy. The base engine is powerful for the class, but fuel economy suffers for it.
There is also a high-performance version of the Golf known as the GTI and a closely related sedan known as the Jetta.
Used Volkswagen Golf Models
The Volkswagen Golf name returned for 2010, marking the first year for the redesigned sixth-generation model. Previous to this for a few years, there was the VW Rabbit. Should you be interested in a used Golf, it's important to keep this in mind.
Introduced midway through the 1999 model year and sold up until mid-2006, the fourth-generation Golf sported clean lines, an impressive standard features roster and the availability of turbodiesel power -- a rarity in any segment, let alone the economy car sector. In keeping with tradition, three body styles were available: a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback and a convertible (sold as a separate model under the Cabrio name).
Enjoyable to drive thanks to its responsive chassis, this Golf also offered a variety of engines. The GTI could be had with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder "VR6" engine (a compact, narrow-angle V6, which made up to 200 hp) or a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbo-4, or 1.8T, as it was called, made either 150 or 180 hp, depending on the year; the 150-horse version was available on the standard four-door Golf in 2000 and 2001.
Known as the TDI, the Golf's diesel offering consisted of a 1.9-liter turbodiesel inline-4, initially rated for 90 hp and capable of returning nearly 50 mpg on the highway. Golf TDI models sold from 2004-'06 had an updated version of the 1.9-liter that delivered 100 hp. Late in the model run, the limited-edition high-performance R32 was offered, sporting a 3.2-liter 240-hp VR6, all-wheel drive and tasteful body accents; it was sold only as a 2004 model.
Most folks shopping the used Volkswagen Golf market within these years, however, will probably be looking at the volume-seller Golfs (the GL and GLS trim levels), most of which were powered by an outdated two-valves-per-cylinder 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With just 115 hp -- compared to the 125-150-hp ratings of most peers -- and below-average fuel mileage, this power plant offered the worst of both worlds. Buyers looking at '99 models should note that both third- and fourth-generation Golfs were sold that year. Horsepower is the same, but the engines in the new Golfs had an upgraded cylinder head design for better low-end response.
If possible, we suggest looking for a fourth-gen Golf with either the 1.9-liter TDI or the 1.8-liter turbo instead. Note that Golf TDIs are relatively easy to find on the used car market, while four-door Golf 1.8T models may be hard to come by because of their short, two-year run. If you want the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, you're more likely to find it in the two-door GTI.
Generally, our editors found this Golf to be a likable vehicle to drive. Compared to other economy cars or hatchbacks of the time, the VW Golf stood out because of its long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials and generally fun-to-drive nature. Downsides included a high price when new (now largely negated by depreciation), the aforementioned 2.0-liter engine and mediocre reliability.
The third generation of the VW Golf ran from 1993 to mid-1999 and sported a more cohesive design than past models, with monochromatic bumpers that blended into the body and a strong character line chiseled into the profile. The 115-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 was the volume engine, while the GTI offered the VR6, a narrow-angle 2.8-liter V6 that provided a thrilling 172 hp. Golf TDI models were offered intermittently during this generation, as VW had difficulty getting its 90-hp turbodiesel four-cylinder to meet U.S. emissions regulations. Although fun to drive, this generation of the Volkswagen Golf was notorious for spotty electrical problems. Notably, '93 Golfs can be hard to find, as a strike at the assembly plant limited sales to California and the New England states.
Spanning the years 1985-'92, the second generation of Volkswagen's Beetle replacement had a busier version of the previous Golf/Rabbit's basic styling. Power ranged from a 1.6-liter, 52-hp diesel to a 2.0-liter, 131-hp 16-valve inline-4 as seen in the GTI. Most Golfs from this era had a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Initially, the 1.8-liter was listed at 85 hp, but it was later re-rated for 100. As this generation generally wasn't known for ultimate longevity, chances are slim of finding a choice example in the used car market.
By James Tate of MSN Autos
Bottom Line:
Though technically new, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf retains much of what made last year�s car so great. A new Clean Diesel engine option means a new level of efficiency � significantly better than that of its competitors � and it�s still a blast to drive.
Pros:
- Great gear ratios in the 5-speed manual
- Logical interior
- Gobs of space inside
Cons:
- Europe gets even better engines
- Diesel commands a sizable premium
- DSG transmission available only with the diesel
What makes a small car great? Is it good looks? A high fun-to-drive factor? Awesome fuel economy?
Well, the new 2010 Volkswagen Golf hits the mark on all accounts, thanks to the addition of a frugal but torquey diesel engine that bumps fuel economy to 41 mpg on the highway.
Even more importantly in these financially trying times, you get it all at a price about the same as the previous model. Now that's a deal, no?
Model Lineup
The 2010 Golf wears a number of suits to fit buyers' needs. Both the gasoline and diesel versions are available in 3-door and 5-door hatchback configurations. While both cars share a wheelbase and a rather spacious back seat, it goes without saying that getting in and out of the 5-door is much easier.
The base Golf packs a surprising amount of standard features, including cruise control and power locks and windows. Base wheels are 15-inch steel with all-season tires, but for a little extra coin Volkswagen has much sharper 17-inch alloy wheels available. Standard safety equipment includes daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Volkswagen has positioned the Golf TDI (the diesel) as more of a premium model. It comes with a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel instead of the plastic unit found on the base car, as well as the touch-screen sound system and 17-inch alloy wheels. Navigation and adaptive xenon headlights are available for the TDI as options.
Under the Hood
The base Golf gets its power from the same 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder found in last year's model. That means there's 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque on tap � big numbers for such a small car. Buyers can choose between two gearboxes: a 6-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. In manual trim, the smart gear ratios make the car feel peppy and light on its feet, making the most of the available torque for plenty of low-end grunt.
The big news this year is the Golf TDI's 4-cylinder 2.0-liter Clean Diesel engine. The engine is a jewel in the Jetta TDI, and being wedged into the Golf hasn't dulled it at all. With 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the Golf TDI is a blast to drive. Bolted to the engine is your choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox, and while the DSG offers slightly better fuel economy, either choice nets you hybrid-rivaling efficiency numbers at the pump.
Inner Space
Both the base 2010 Volkswagen Golf and its diesel counterpart offer an uncluttered cabin. The dash is simple, with subtle brushed metal accents. The one real detraction is the polished black plastic climate control; it feels cheap compared with the quality of the rest of the interior. While the base Golf's plastic steering wheel is a bit disappointing, it's par for the segment; the only reason you notice it in the Golf is because the rest of the materials are so upscale. Still, we prefer the leather-wrapped unit in the TDI.
Up front, the driver gets a clear display with easy-to-read gauges, including a plate-sized tachometer and equally epic speedometer. The front seats serve up hefty bolsters, but are wide enough to accommodate even the broad backside of the average automotive writer. Behind the rear seats you'll find plenty of storage space for groceries and even small furniture items. Despite this, the rear seat is bit tight for a most adults. If you plan on cramming two friends back there on a regular basis, we'd recommend opting for the 5-door.
On the Road
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf is an excellent driver. In gasoline-powered, 5-speed trim, the car feels as if it has more power than it actually does, thanks to perfect gear ratios. There's an impressive well of torque to draw from when going for a tight pass or frolicking up a steep incline. And while there's nothing outright wrong with the 6-speed automatic available in the gasoline Golf, it's simply overshadowed by the solid 6-speed dual-clutch unit found in the diesel.
The Golf TDI's boundless torque instantly does away with any worries about the lack of horsepower compared with the larger gasoline engine. Inside the cabin it is so quiet you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two engines at idle � the purring diesel is that smooth. Really stomp on the throttle and you're given a heady chorus from the engine bay and heaps of grin-worthy thrust. All this from a 41 mpg car? It's almost too good to believe. The 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox is a marvel, allowing the driver to quickly select gears with steering-wheel-mounted paddles while providing near seamless shifts � good enough that we would almost have it over the excellent 6-speed manual.
Diesel fanaticism aside, both cars manage to return some pretty impressive fuel economy numbers. When equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, the base Golf returns 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway, while the 6-speed automatic delivers 23/30 mpg. Of course, the real star of the show is the Golf TDI, with 30/41 mpg with the DSG.
Right for You?
If you're after a daily driver that won't drain your bank account or lull you to sleep when you're behind the wheel, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is the way to go. With an interior well ahead of the competition, smart exterior styling and one of the most efficient diesel engines on the market, it's hard to fault.