Hatchbacks

Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI delivers potent one-two punch of efficiency and entertainment

It’s time for American consumers to stop being scared of small diesel cars. Currently, we can’t think of a single automaker that isn’t shelling out bags of money to research and develop new hybrid powertrains – cars that are efficient first and fun-to-drive second (or third, or fourth). Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, offer a different sort of solution. Gobs of torque delivered at low revs and impressive fuel economy work together without sacrificing too much in the way of driving pleasure. Besides, does anyone really want to live in “One Nation Under Prius?”

Volkswagen introduced us to its new Jetta TDI a little over a year ago, proving that clean diesel technology offers a way forward for anyone who gives a hoot about driver involvement. Now, the automaker has fitted its well-received 2.0-liter diesel engine in the all-new sixth-generation Golf. Can this hatch prove to America that it’s possible to fuse efficiency and enthusiasm together in a high-quality package? Can you really have your cake and eat it, too?

Visually, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is simple yet stylish. Gone is the chrome-heavy nose of the last-generation car, and while the overall shape hasn’t changed a whole lot, it’s important to note that the MkVI Golf doesn’t share a single piece of bodywork with the MkV Rabbit (yes, we’re glad the name has been changed back, too). What Volkswagen has done is something that’s really underappreciated – make a car that’s visually appealing while not being over the top. These days, it seems that some automakers put too much effort into creating bold design for little more than shock value, and it’s refreshing to see that Volkswagen stands by its core goal of attractive simplicity.

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