The Volkswagen Golf has been around for so long and been recognized so often for its excellence, let’s just call it the automotive equivalent of Pete Carroll.
For 2015 the five-passenger, compact Golf hatchback has been enlarged a bit but lost some weight, gained some upscale features as standard equipment, had its front wheels moved forward a touch, and been given engine upgrades.
There’s a choice between two Golf versions, defined by their turbocharged engines: The TSI, powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, and the TDI, with a 2.0-liter Clean Diesel four-cylinder. Horsepower and torque ratings for the TSI are 170 and 199 lb-ft; and for the TDI, 150 and 236 lb-ft.
My tester, the Golf TDI, is the high miles per gallon champion of the two, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. Real-world driving validates and even exceeds those numbers. After putting 420 miles on the odometer, my mpg average was 44. Most of those were freeway miles, but it wasn’t right-lane driving, hunched over with mouth slightly ajar. It was left-lane driving and not blocking any traffic, if you get my drift. Stories from other auto writers who drove the TDI less formidably have reported averages as high as 49 mpg.
Except for the TDI badge at the back of the car, you wouldn’t know it’s a diesel, because there’s none of the noise or smell most people associate with diesel engines.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Golf TDI. A six-speed automatic is available for an extra $1,100. My tester had the manual gearbox, a work of art with perfect shifting and a light clutch. However, for the best fuel efficiency, the TDI’s gearshift instruction feature (in the gauge cluster) gives an “eco tip” notice to up-shift when revs get to a point I don’t consider anywhere near high. The recommended up-shifts result in low rpm numbers, of course, but the engine must be OK with that if VW is encouraging it.
The new Golf’s exterior styling has been modified enough to update the car’s looks without completely destroying the trademark boxiness millions of buyers have embraced. Horizontal and vertical lines are still there, a successful formula that has kept old Golfs looking great when other old cars are generating jokes.
Space inside the new passenger cabin is bountiful and build quality is fantastic. The overall look is clean and uncluttered (a Volkswagen trademark) and cheap materials were boycotted. A hallelujah moment happened when I discovered power adjustment for the driver’s seat back instead of the big manual knob that has also been a VW trademark, beloved by no one.
Standard equipment highlights of my tester, the mid-range SE trim level (S and SEL are the others), included a power panoramic sunroof, Fender premium audio system, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, heated front seats, and fog lights.
The one optional item was a Driver Assistance Package ($695) adding park distance control and a forward collision warning system.
2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI SE
Base price, including destination charge: $26,315
Price as driven: $27,010
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who has been reviewing cars for more than 20 years. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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