The Golf hatchback--including the sporty GTI and high-performance Golf R models--is instantly identifiable, with almost four decades of Golfs having evolved in a recognizable progression to the current model. It retains a somewhat more premium look and feel than other compact hatchbacks, a segment that's growing as a new generation of U.S. buyers warm up to the benefits of five doors and a shorter but more flexible configuration. Now the Golf competes with the Ford Focus, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza, as well as newer entries from Korea, the Hyundai Elantra GT and Kia Forte.
The downside of the premium positioning and materials, along with its German manufacture, means it's one of the more expensive compact hatchbacks. Fitted with the TDI diesel and dual-clutch automatic transmission, plus a handful of options, you'll see sticker prices closing in on $30,000. Entry Golfs start below $20,000, but that only gets you a 170-hp five-cylinder engine that's neither fuel-efficient nor refined. The TDI diesel sits at the top model in the Golf line--it's a whopping $6,000 more than the base car--though the 140-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel comes with either a six-speed manual or the DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic, which shifts more quickly and crisply than a conventional automatic and is paired well with the efficient diesel.
The sporty GTI model, in fact, has a lower base price than the Golf TDI, along with the much smoother and more rewarding 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline four, putting out 200 hp. But the TDI diesel is the fuel-efficiency champ, with a combined 34 mpg (30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway)--and most owners report that the car handily exceeds its EPA ratings in real-world driving. The base five-cylinder only returns 26 mpg combined with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic--far below most other compacts. Even the sporty GTI model does better than that (27 mpg combined) when fitted with the DSG automatic, though it falls to 25 mpg combined with the six-speed manual.
Across the range, the Golf remains a pleasure to drive, with a ride that's firm but compliant and quiet, taut cornering, and electric power steering that's responsive and conveys enough road feel to make the car feel sporty and connected to the road. The brakes are strong, and dynamically the Golf simply outguns the Korean competition--though the Ford Focus is within shouting distance. The higher price shows up in the ride and refinement, which are qualitatively and obviously better than cheaper and more mass-market competitors.
The GTI ramps those qualities up slightly, along with sportier design touches and the more powerful engine, but the interior fit, finish, and materials of every Golf are a cut above other compacts. Interior space is ample in the front, though tight in back, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive--with the GTI's sport seats the best of the bunch. The rear-seat disadvantage is particularly pronounced in the three-door model--it's the only three-door hatchback offered in the compact class that's not a specially styled variation--and that model sells in relatively small numbers against the more practical five-door version.
Even in its last year, the Golf range is fairly well equipped. It's not as plush or feature-rich as high-end models from some competitors, but you'll never mistake it for an economy model. Its one drawback is the lack of standard Bluetooth pairing, though these days the high-end models might also be expected to offer added safety features--from adaptive cruise control to lane-departure warning--that are moving quickly down from luxury models into more modest segments.
Touchscreen navigation and a sunroof are options across most trim levels, and the TDI versions add steering-wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a multi-disc CD changer (remember those?), and an LCD audio interface. The GTI hot-hatch version ups the spec again, adding 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport steering wheel, heated side mirrors, the characteristic checked seat upholstery, and various other appearance upgrades.
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