2011 Volkswagen Golf
by Jim Prueter -01/2011

Golf a bit pricey but, boy, is it loveable

“It’s a Rabbit. No, it’s a Golf. No, let’s try Rabbit again. Nope. Definitely a Golf.”
 That’s how we imagine the conversation goes over at Volkswagen when discussing the sporty, compact car, which was called the Rabbit from 2006-09, but re-christened the Golf for its sixth-generation 2010 version.

No matter what you call it, this vehicle is all Volkswagen; meaning that it’s sporty, refined, maybe a little pricier than the competition, but worth it in terms of performance, fit and finish. It was slightly redesigned last year, most notably with a new, wider two-bar grille that encompasses the angled halogen headlamps. Inside, you’ll find VW’s signature upscale look, with brushed metallic trim inserts accenting the dash, door panels, console and instrument panel. It is one of the best looking interiors that you’ll find on any sub-compact.

For 2011 there’s nothing different mechanically nor visually from 2010 and the vehicle remains unchanged.  However, due to a new round of EPA tests for the 2011 model, both diesel and gasoline engines improved this year.

The Golf is available in two trim levels — base or TDI — with a choice of two or four doors in each. The standard engine on the base model is a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder gasoline engine; the TDI is equipped with a 140-horsepower, four-cylinder clean diesel.

Two- and four-door models have the same wheelbase and comparable interior volume, but those needing to transport passengers on a regular basis will obviously want to opt for the four-door version. However, seats on the two-door slide forward easily for rear-seat access. Eight-way adjustable seats and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position for any size driver.

Both models are well equipped with full power accessories, cruise control, eight-way manually adjustable sport seats, a steering wheel that both tilts and telescopes and an eight-speaker sound system with auxiliary audio jack. The TDI adds 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth (optional on the base model), iPod interface, satellite radio and a touch-screen sound system. Options include a sunroof and heated front seats. TDI-only options include a premium sound system and a hard-drive based navigation system with digital music storage.

We drove both the base model, equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission and the TDI with the standard six-speed manual (a five-speed manual is standard on the base). Both have a sporty drive character that is fun, but refined enough for everyday driving. It is quiet and responsive at highway speeds, with precise and supremely responsive steering. The Golf begs to be taken out on curvy, undulating roads to show off its stuff, particularly the TDI, with its impressive 236 pound-feet of torque and sport-tuned suspension. The Golf is solid and confident, the steering precise and tight.

In terms of safety, it is equipped with standard stability control and a full complement of airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional but recommended on four-door models, but unavailable on two-door versions. With the side airbags, the Golf earned four out of five stars in front impacts and five stars in side impacts in government crash tests.

You may find a cheaper compact car elsewhere for less money, but it won’t come close to matching the design and performance refinement of the Golf.