2010 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen can’t seem to settle on an American name for its iconic compact hatchback. With the Rabbit’s three year run at a close, the German automaker is going Golf-ing here again.

The Mark 6 2010 Volkswagen Golf is available as a three or five-door. While built on a carryover platform, fresh and clean design language flows the length of both forms.

Initially two familiar engines are available-a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and the Jetta TDI’s excellent 140-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel four, rated at 30 mpg city/41 mpg highway.

We sampled the Golf and Golf TDI on the Autobahn in northern Germany, and found both to be extremely solid and well-planted, even at maximum speeds. For a small car, the Golf inspires a lot of confidence.

The TDI’s wall of torque and sportier suspension tune elicited quick turn-ins, sharp cornering, and fast exits.

Volkswagen’s winning formula for a simple, comfortable interior has evolved. The classier-looking center console gets new switchgear, and TDIs come with an eight-inch touch screen.

Available now, prices start just over $18,000, while the more upscale TDI starts just under $23,000.

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"The Vue Two-Mode Hybrid proves that power and efficiency can coexist, and in a modern crossover you can have them both without skimping on any ability." – Ben Davis

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