This five-passenger compact hatchback made by Volkswagen is now in its final production year. This year, you will only find the Golf in a four-door model, as opposed to being able to get a two-door model in previous years. Buyers can choose from two trim levels: 2.5L (gas) and TDI (turbo-diesel). The base model includes 15” steel wheels, power accessories, heated mirrors, powered front seats, 60/40-split rear bench, and an eight-speaker audio system with CD player. Upgrades will add nifty features like a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity with iPod/USB ports, larger 17” alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler, sports-tuning, and a GPS navigation system with touchscreen. The 2.5L model offers a competent 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The TDI model features a less powerful yet turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. You’ll get a standard 36-month/36,000-mile warranty that you can upgrade to a longer term for enhanced coverage.
2015 model year changes
The Volkswagen Golf enters its seventh generation for 2015 and is completely redesigned, though the changes are subtle, beginning at the front with revised headlights and bumper, moving along to creased sides, with new taillights in the rear. It is the first U.S.-market VW to utilize the company's Modular Transverse Matrix platform, which other VW Group vehicles worldwide share. Overall, VW claims the new Golf is bigger, lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient than the car it replaces. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder, which takes the place of the previous generation's 2.5L 5-cylinder. A 2.0L turbo direct-injection clean diesel is also available, offering an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg when equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the new Golf starts at $17,995.
Competitive comparison
Straightforward, practical, and spacious hatchback layout; sharp steering and handling; impressive fuel economy; affordable performance
Special features for 2015
Few cars have the staying power or instant recognition of the Volkswagen Golf, and the all-new Golf picks up right where its predecessor left off -- with even more to like. As a leader in the busy hatchback segment, the Golf is loaded with standard features, excellent ergonomics and plenty of practical space for passengers and cargo. Turbocharged power gives the Golf 1.8T plenty of pep, while the TDI clean diesel is a champion of efficiency in the city and on the highway.
The Volkswagen Golf enters its seventh generation for 2015 and is completely redesigned, though the changes are subtle, beginning at the front with revised headlights and bumper, moving along to creased sides, with new taillights in the rear. It is the first U.S.-market VW to utilize the company's Modular Transverse Matrix platform, which other VW Group vehicles worldwide share. Overall, VW claims the new Golf is bigger, lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient than the car it replaces. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder, which takes the place of the previous generation's 2.5L 5-cylinder. A 2.0L turbo direct-injection clean diesel is also available, offering an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg when equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the new Golf starts at $17,995.
Competitive comparison
Straightforward, practical, and spacious hatchback layout; sharp steering and handling; impressive fuel economy; affordable performance
Special features for 2015
Few cars have the staying power or instant recognition of the Volkswagen Golf, and the all-new Golf picks up right where its predecessor left off -- with even more to like. As a leader in the busy hatchback segment, the Golf is loaded with standard features, excellent ergonomics and plenty of practical space for passengers and cargo. Turbocharged power gives the Golf 1.8T plenty of pep, while the TDI clean diesel is a champion of efficiency in the city and on the highway.
