New 2010 Volkswagen Golf

For 2010, the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf receives fresh, new styling inside and out and a new, fuel-efficient TDI clean diesel engine.

The 2010 Volkswagen Golf two- or four-door compact hatchback replaces the Rabbit and is equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine coupled to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A brand-new 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel inline-four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is now available and emits 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas and achieves more than 30 percent better fuel economy than a similar gasoline engine. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are impressive ranging from 22-30 mpg in the city and 30-42 mpg on the highway.

Facing competition from Mazda3 hatchback, Honda Fit and Mini Cooper in the compact hatchback segment, the Volkswagen Golf receives interior and exterior revisions for 2010. New headlights are more integrated into a wider front grille and a rear spoiler with an integrated third brake light sits atop the hatch. The base 2.5 trim rests atop 15-inch steel wheels, while the TDI diesel models sit on 17-inch alloys and receive fog lights. A sunroof is optional on both models.

New features inside the cabin include door interiors, center control panel, steering wheel and gauges. Standard interior features include air conditioning, an alarm system, cruise control, eight-way-adjustable front seats, an eight-speaker AM/FM sound system with single-disc CD player with MP3 capability and a 60/40-split folding rear seat that helps maximize interior cargo volume.

The TDI adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, touch-screen eight-speaker sound system featuring Sirius satellite radio with in-dash six-disc CD changer and optional heated front seats.

Safety comes standard in the 2010 Volkswagen Golf, including antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for the front and back rows, an electronic stability program (ESP) and optional side-impact airbags for the outer rear seats. ESP alone includes such safety technologies as anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

The 2010 Volkswagen Golf hatchback is back, sporting a freshly redesigned interior and exterior, a host of standard safety technologies and a brand-new fuel-efficient TDI clean diesel engine.