2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI: Fast, Frugal Golf Turbodiesel Returns

By Denis Flierl

Denis Flierl

Contributing Writer BIO

Denis Flierl is a Denver native and has a passion for automobiles. His extensive automotive background includes racing, 13 years in automotive... More

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2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI: Fast, Frugal Golf Turbodiesel Returns
This is the way Europe drives: Compact, maneuverable, roomy enough for the average family. They... Read More

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4,408 views Jan 30, 2010

This is the way Europe drives: Compact, maneuverable, roomy enough for the average family.

They drive diesels.  More than half of all new cars sold in Europe are diesels. The reason is because of the excellent fuel mileage and great performance that comes from these engines.

The negative perception is beginning to change here, too, as we get farther away from the old GM diesels of the '70s. After much anticipation from car enthusiasts, VW is now selling the Golf turbodiesel in the U.S.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

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2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

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Euro-spec Volkswagen Golf TDI - 5/09

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2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

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I test-drove the base two-door model ($21,990) with the addition of Navigation, ($1,750), the cold weather package with heated seats and washer nozzles ($225), and Bluetooth ($199).  The six-speed manual transmission was a no-charge option, and is the only way to go if you are any kind of driving enthusiast.

The interior of the Golf initially looks a little sparse, but all the black plastic is very high quality and the fit and finish is excellent. The sport seats are firm, supportive, and comfortable. The high side bolsters are nice for driving fast around tight corners as they hold you firmly in place.

The touch screen with navigation helps with the overall impression of quality.  I prefer the two-door model for its sharp looks, but rear seat accommodation will be noticeably tighter than in the four-door.

The new 2010 Golf TDI gets 30mpg city, 41mpg highway, which is better than some hybrids without all the mechanical complexity. In comparison, the smaller 2010 Honda Insight hybrid gets 40/43 city/highway.

Unlike the Honda Insight, the VW Golf TDI is fast, going 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds and topping out around 130 mph. I was able to go 400 miles on one tank of fuel.

The Golf TDI doesnt rattle at idle, or emit clouds of black smoke, and doesn't crawl like a turtle when you put your foot into the throttle.  In fact, the TDI utterly destroys any negative images that diesels have.  It is clean, quiet, and quick enough to outrun many sports sedans.

Check the Golf TDI's 140-horsepower output, and you think it's not going to be able to get out of its own way. But diesels are motivated by torque, which they possess in massive numbers: 236 foot-pounds at 1800 rpm in the Golf's case.

There is loads of acceleration when you need it, and the Golf is a sporty and fun car to drive.

And all this comes from a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The TDI marks the return of Golf diesels to the U.S. This four, shared with the Jetta TDI, is a derivative of the best-selling diesel in Volkswagens and Audis sold in Germany--where they demand performance and fuel economy.