2010 Volkswagen Golf / TDI

The editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2010 Volkswagen Golf to bring you this hands-on review of its styling, performance, features, safety and comfort. Along with the road test, editors researched opinions from other respected Web sites to bring you a comprehensive full review of the new Golf for 2010.

Likes
Built solidly
Cabin feels rich and upscale
Well-damped ride in most conditions
Newly available diesel option
Great visibility

Dislikes
Frumpy styling
Gas engine's fuel economy isn't great
Less passenger and cargo room than expected

The 2010 Volkswagen Golf returns with some styling changes and a name change. For the last few years, Volkswagen experimented with the old Rabbit nameplate in the United States, but it's abandoned that badge with the new model, reverting to Golf for both the three-door and five-door hatchbacks. The compact Golf comes in either body style, and with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. Manual and automatic gearboxes are offered, along with a dual-clutch transmission in the TDI diesel. The new Golf starts from $17,490 for the two-door, with the four-door starting at $19,190, and the TDI diesel beginning at $21,990. Its primary competition? The Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Kia Soul, Mazda3, and Ford Focus.Performance enthusiasts will instead want to check out the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, which pairs the Golf's hatchback body style with more satisfying hardware and extroverted cues. TheCarConnection.com reviews the 2010 VW GTI separately.