2010 Volkswagen Golf - US version

Press release

For 2010, the venerable Volkswagen Golf is ready to stand out yet again—sporting fresh, dynamic styling inside and out. The Golf, now in its sixth generation, will be available with the highly anticipated, athletic yet extremely fuel efficient, TDI clean diesel engine. Available in both two and four-door models, the new Golf carries the Volkswagen brand heritage into overdrive with proven, German-engineered performance and refinement at affordable starting prices. The new Golf starts at $17,490 for the two-door model, and $19,190 for the four-door version. Several options are available to make the 2010 Golf a perfect choice for those consumers who demand a compact car that is equipped to not only be functional when called upon, but also looks, drives, and feels fun at the same time. Having already been honored as the “World Car of the Year,” the latestgeneration Golf promises more vigor, better usability and the best fuel economy of any Golf to date.

Exterior

From the first glance, the 2010 Golf proudly shows off the new “face” of the Volkswagen brand with an all-new front end design that includes a wider, doublebar grille that blends into angled halogen headlamps for a sportier visage (High Intensity Gas-discharged Xenon headlamps are available as an option on the TDI model). The body-colored bumper sits above a revised lower front fascia featuring a wide-mouthed cooling duct. Crystalline oval fog lamps complete the front fascia on TDI models. These elements, combined with the Golf’s wider appearance give the hatchback a more commanding road presence.

Black window trim and the absence of side moldings keep things simple along the sides, for a cleaner look that remains pleasing to the eye. Heading to the rear, a hatch spoiler with integrated third brake light sits atop the hatch and is painted to match the rest of the body while touching on the Golf’s sporty capabilities. Updated taillights mimic their counterparts from up front, and feature integrated clear turn signal and reverse indicators along the bottom edge. Running lights are blended into the lower rear bumper which adds a blacked out insert and a cutout for a pair of exhaust tips.

Engine and Transmission

The 2010 Golf will be available with the choice of two engines, customers can choose a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine, or the 50-state compliant, 2.0-liter four-cylinder clean diesel TDI engine. The standard 2.5L engine puts out a very usable 170 horsepower at 5,700 rpm, and a potent 177 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The 2.5L features an aluminum alloy cross flow head with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts, maintenance-free hydraulic lifters, and Motronic® sequential multi-port fuel injection.

A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on the two-door model, and a six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic® control is standard on the four-door, which allows drivers to shift manually with an up or down push of the gear lever. The manual transmission with the 2.5L engine results in a quick zero to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, and rewards drivers with a return of 22 mpg in the city, and 30 mpg on the highway. Drivers who option their Golf with the six-speed automatic transmission can enjoy 23 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg for highway travel, and an 8.1 second run to 60 mph from a standstill.

For drivers that desire a fuel-sipping compact that emits 25 percent less greenhouse gas and achieves more than 30 percent better fuel economy compared to a similar gasoline engine, the 2010 Golf equipped with the 2.0L clean diesel TDI engine is more than up to the task. Available in both two-door and four-door models, the Golf TDI is marked by its fusion of German-tuned performance and impressive fuel economy – compliments of an advanced electronically-controlled turbocharger and the electronically-controlled direct injection fuel system. The valve train consists of a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters for added piece of mind. All combined, the 2.0L powerhouse produces 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm, and an impressive 236 lbs.-ft. of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.

To deliver all that power to the road smoothly, a traditional six-speed manual transmission comes standard on the clean diesel TDI, and is good for an EPA-estimated 30 mpg during city travel, 41 mpg on the highway, and zero to 60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. Drivers can also go for the optional six-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) transmission with Tiptronic, and have the performance of a manual gearbox with the effortless precision of an automatic transmission. The DSG uses an automated dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a driver-activated clutch pedal. A computer engages one clutch on the next gear needed, just as the clutch from the previous gear is released. Each resulting shift is quick yet smooth, and lacks the power loss that occurs when using a traditional manual transmission. Tiptronic mode stops the transmission’s automated shifting and instead lets the driver control gear changes by either tapping the gearshift lever up or down, or using the shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel. With the DSG transmission, the Golf clean diesel TDI models provide 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway, as well as an 8.6 second sprint from zero to 60 mph.

Chassis and Suspension

The new Golf yearns to be driven and inspires drivers with the confidence to do so with the utmost of ease and comfort, whether cruising along the highways, or taking on the twists and turns of country roads. At its core is a laserwelded unibody construction that remains stiff and helps keep everything in line as the Golf zips along. At the front, a fully independent suspension with McPherson struts and an anti-roll bar comes standard on the 2.5L models, while the TDI models include an updated sport suspension for improved road-hugging dynamics. Moving to the rear, a fully independent four-link arrangement with coil springs, telescopic shocks and another stabilizer bar keep the Golf agile yet rider-friendly in most any driving situation.

Steering is enhanced with an electro-mechanical, variably-assisted, power rack-and-pinion system that, when combined with a quick ratio, gives an unprecedented level of control and accuracy in the corners and out on the straights. Bringing the Golf to a halt are power assisted four wheel disc brakes, with vented rotors at the front and solid rotors at the rear and the safety of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The advanced braking system works seamlessly with the car’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) that includes a collection of traction and safety features such as Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD).

Interior

On the inside, the latest Golf carries its refinement throughout with a variety of stylish additions that will aim to keep drivers and passengers comfortable and pleased. All models start out with eight-way manually adjustable sports seats at the front, which include two-way adjustable lumbar support, and adjustable head restraints. The rear seats include adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, a center armrest, and have 60/40 split folding capability for maximizing cargo space when needed. Both the front and rear seats come standard with Volkswagen’s “Me2” cloth fabric. Heated seats are available as an option on all 2010 Golf models with the cold weather package, which also adds convenient heated windshield washer nozzles. At the helm, the updated three-spoke steering wheel features an embossed center section, and is upgraded to a leather-wrapped version with multifunction controls on TDI models.

Brushed metallic appearance trim inserts are standard on the dash and in the door panels of all Golf models, and accent the redesigned instrument panel and center console. Chrome trim surrounds the tachometer on the left side, which incorporates an integrated temperature gauge, and the speedometer on the right, has an integrated fuel gauge. Located between the black analog gauges is a multi-function onboard computer display that provides the driver with key information regarding the selected gear, fuel mileage, odometer, and more. Up top, a full power sunroof can be ordered on all Golf models.

The HVAC system controls are handled by a more ergonomic arrangement of knobs and buttons versus the more traditional dial and button layout, complimenting the different stereo and navigation systems available. Standard on the 2.5L models is an eight-speaker AM/FM radio system with single-disc CD player, MP3 CD readability, and an auxiliary input jack for connecting portable media players. All TDI models come standard with a touch-screen 8-speaker sound system featuring an AM/FM/Sirius™ satellite radio, in-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 CD readability, theft deterrence, and an auxiliary input jack. Mobile Device Interface (MDI) is also standard with the TDI model.

For audiophiles, the crystal clear 300W Dynaudio Lite premium sound system is available as an option for TDI models, while Bluetooth™ connectivity, for handsfree calling with a paired mobile phone, is an option on all 2010 Golf models. The Golf TDI can be ordered with the new touch-screen navigation system with a 6.5” high resolution display, integrated 30GB hard drive (10GB for navigation, 20GB for audio), WMA / MP3 audio CD playback, DVD playback, an SD memory card slot and a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack in the center console. The system provides both visual and audible commands through the center console display, as well as the digital display located in the instrument cluster.

Active and Passive Safety

The new Golf upholds Volkswagen’s full-line promise of riding protection for drivers and passengers alike, and includes the Prevent and Preserve Safety System with 40 different standard features that all work together to help avoid accidents whenever possible and help protect occupants when an accident is unavoidable. These include six airbags (dual front, dual front side thorax, and side curtains), optimized front head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, three-point safety belts in all five seating positions (two front and three rear) with emergency locking retractors, and more. Four-door Golf models also offer the option of having rear side thorax airbags for outboard passengers.

In addition to the above standout safety items, the 2010 Golf, like all 2010 Volkswagen models, comes with the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®) as standard equipment, ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) mandate that by 2012, all vehicles produced will need to include some form of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). According to NHTSA, having ESC in a vehicle results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars. Volkswagen’s ESP compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual direction. If a discrepancy is detected, ESP automatically brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed to help maintain directional control.

 ----

Specifications

Performance

Engine Design

Electrical System

Steering

Body, Chassis and Suspension

Dimensions

Interior Volume - SAE

• EPA Class Compact 
• Seating Capacity Five 
• Passenger Volume 93 ft3 (2.63 m3) 
• Cargo Volume 12.4 ft3 (0.35 m3) 
• Volume (Front / Rear) 51.20 ft3 (1.45 m3) / 41.7 ft3 (1.18 m3) 
• Head Room (Front / Rear) 39.3 in (998 mm) / 38.5 in (979 mm) 
• Shoulder Room (Front / Rear) 54.7 in (1,389 mm) / 52.8 in (1,341 mm) 
• Leg Room (Front / Rear) 41.2 in (1,050 mm) / 35.5 in (901 mm) 

Exterior Dimensions

• Wheelbase 101.5 in (2,578 mm) 
• Front Track 60.7 in (1,541 mm) 
• Rear Track 59.6 in (1,514 mm) 
• Length 165.4 in (4,201 mm) 
• Width 70.3 in (1,786 mm) 
• Height 58.3 in (1,479 mm) 
• Ground Clearance 5.4 in (137 mm)

Prices and options

Options

 ----

Competitors and press reviews

"As for the driving experience, well, while I was doing over 120 MPH, I casually asked my passenger how fast he thought we were going. His honest answer was 80 MPH. Equipped with the sports suspension the MK VI Golf is rock solid at speed, corners with a near complete absence of body roll, changes direction quickly and has very communicative steering for a front-wheel drive car. All that, but it still manages to absorb bumps and ruts like a luxury car. Thank the stiffened body structure for a lot of that. It’s also very quiet at speed, with wind noise around the mirrors only becoming noticeable above 110 MPH. You can carry on a normal volume conversation even while maxed out. Thanks to the insulated firewall and hood liner, you never detect in aural sign that you’re driving a diesel." (Jalopnik)

"However, both models exhibit the solid composure that we’ve come to expect from German-bred vehicles, a fact clearly demonstrated when we passed large trucks on the autobahn at triple digit speeds and felt nary a shudder or wiggle in their wake. One might expect a suspension capable of keeping body motions in check on smooth German highways would come across as stiff when road quality deteriorates, but that’s not the case with the Golf. When we encountered stretches of bumpy cobblestones in Dresden, even the sport suspension setup on the TDI proved to be well behaved and comfortable, which bodes well for some of the neglected roads the TDI will have to endure Stateside." (AutoBlog)

"Romp on the throttle nearly anywhere in the torque band and you’re greeted with ample passing power. Inside, both cars make use of a simple, logical interior that’s easy to live with. Though we’d like the great leather-wrapped steering wheel from the TDI on the Golf 2.5, at just $17,490, the base Golf is well-equipped. Still, the Golf we’d choose would have to be the 2.0 TDI. You simply don’t miss those 30 horses, especially when they’ve been replaced with an extra 59 lb-ft of torque. The car’s a blast to drive, and the great fuel economy means you’re as close to guilt-free as you can get behind the wheel. As with the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel, the six-speed dual-clutch transmission is smooth and accurate, and the six-speed row-your-own is entertaining—despite the lower revs of a diesel engine." (Popular Mechanics)

Competitors

The 2010 Mazda3 comes with a choice of two engines. Mazda3i models will be powered by a 2.0 Liter engine that makes 144 HP and 132 lb-ft of torque, while Mazda3s models will receive a larger 2.5 Liter power plant with 167 HP and 168 lb-ft of torque. Prices are ranging from $19,230 to $22,300.

Subaru Impreza 5-door hatchback

The 2010 Subaru Impreza is being offered in two body versions: four-door sedan and five-door hatchback and four distinct output levels: 2.5i 170 hp; 2.5GT 224 hp; WRX 265 hp; and STI 305 hp. Prices for the 5-door version start at $17,995 for the 2.5i version and go up to $27,495 for the 2.5GT version.

Toyota Matrix

The 2010 Matrix is offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Prices for the 2010 Matrix start at $16,700.

Conclusion

Ever since the ’70s the Volkswagen Golf its an iconic car on the European market. It represents a practical car, fun to drive but in the same time an economical one. Here in USA it was called Rabbit until recently, but starting 2010 Volkswagen decided to carry over the European name. And they also added a diesel version. So, the car has simply become a serious competitors for anything in the segment.

It has a nice exterior look, the interior is built with good taste and easily combines high tech materials with all the latest navigation technologies. Not to mention the car offers an extraordinary experience behind the wheel; and yes, try to give the DSG transmission a chance even if you are a fan of the three-pedals car. If you add a fuel economy of up to 42 MPG you will see why the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is a car that worth all its money.