The Volkswagen Golf TSI: Wolfsburg gains the middle ground

Better cabins, safety systems, and electronics make it a player in the small car game.


Read the whole story

 

[jbee]

sporkme[/url]":2ebusuez]

Tuco[/url]":2ebusuez]Is $30K for a Golf is that in the same price range of Civic, Elantra, Focus, etc. or is it much higher?

Me personally was mainly interested in the Golf because I could get it in a diesel.

It's quite a bit higher. I was auto shopping just over a year ago and there are more than a few sub-$20K hatchbacks out there. I'd almost call $30K for a Golf "ludicrous".

FWIW, my old 2007 Golf ("Rabbit" that year) was $16K. Nice enough car (had lots of things other econboxes lacked at the time), but holy shit are their dealerships terrible. Pray you never need a warranty repair...

Well, the $30K Golf is the fully optioned out SEL model (GTI starts at $24,995). It's not as if that is the only one available. The Golf 1.8T S starts at $18,495.

 

[sporkme]

metarugia[/url]":4uy7z96m]

It replaces the gravelly, old, inefficient 2.5L five-cylinder.

As a driver of that gravelly, old, inefficient 2.5L I find this offensive.

Chain-Driven FTW!

Be aware that some of the 2.5L have an issue that's a $2500 repair (at the low end). There's an issue with the chain tensioner which can cause it to, well, not tension the chain. Then the chain slips. Then bad things happen. VW refuses to do a recall on this (gee, maybe because they don't want to pull a bunch of engines?)...

Thanks to German Engineering™, you must remove the engine to replace the tensioner and chain.

 

[Danrarbc]

foetusinc[/url]":2zcjus77]

jbee[/url]":2zcjus77]

Snark218[/url]":2zcjus77]

Tuco[/url]":2zcjus77]Is $30K for a Golf is that in the same price range of Civic, Elantra, Focus, etc. or is it much higher?

Me personally was mainly interested in the Golf because I could get it in a diesel.

For this level of equipment in one of those cars, you'd be spending more like $24-26k. I think it's pretty expensive for what you get.

Yes, the Golf is more expensive than e.g. the Focus or the CIvic. In Europe, this is accepted, because the Golf is considered a more "premium" car than the others (reviews usually point out the more premium interior, the better resale value etc.). Not sure how the Golf is seen in the US (I am from Europe).

Americans as a rule do not understand this concept at all. Either it's an economy car and must be as cheap as possible, or it's a luxury car and must be faultless. "Premium" middle tier does not compute.

See also; the tendency of Americans to put fake premium badging on their cars, vs the tendency for Europeans to debadge everything.

Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

 

[THavoc]

Danrarbc[/url]":1u6hcljz]Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

That's the first thing I remove. It is quickly followed up by the license plate frame.

 

[Buran]

Still loving my used Escape Limited. VW is off my list for the foreseeable future, and I keep my cars for a very long time.

 

[kuschku]

foetusinc[/url]":1496p3xz]

sapphir8[/url]":1496p3xz]And of course the legendary German reliability....

/s

Our '12 Golf has been utterly troublefree over 50k miles. Zero warranty claims.

We’ve had 150'000km on our VWs each without requiring warranty claims yet – but they’re the models for the German market.

 

[ebeshore]

"Taken together, this car has nearly enough to make you forget some recent history"

Not nearly enough. I have always liked V-dubs, but the hubris that caused them to systematically bypass emissions standards in pursuit of selling "clean" diesel has put me off their cars for good.

 

[searaydriver]

Snark218[/url]":26qkukg7]

jbee[/url]":26qkukg7]

afidel[/url]":26qkukg7]

Tuco[/url]":26qkukg7]Is $30K for a Golf is that in the same price range of Civic, Elantra, Focus, etc. or is it much higher?

Me personally was mainly interested in the Golf because I could get it in a diesel.

You can get a Subraru Crosstrek Premium with EyeSight (best ACC in a sub $60k car) for $26k so I'm not sure why you'd go with the Golf unless you live in a city where the 7 inches saved make enough difference to you.

The Subaru is a SUV, the Golf is not. Some do not like SUV. Also, the Golf has the better interior.

No, it's not. The Crosstrek is nothing more than an Impreza hatch with a slight suspension lift and some black plastic trim.

And yeah, sure, better interior. Fine. I owned a Jetta Sportwagon and it had a very nice interior. It also had more rattles, squeaks, and buzzes at 30,000 miles than any other car I've ever had. And the soft-touch material was peeling off the knobs. But yeah, it looked great for a few years there.

I always hate these anecdotal missives, but I'll join in: My old Subaru Outback blew an engine well before 100K, while on vacation of all places. The second Outback was probably the best car I ever owned. My wife's then new 2012 Imprezza was part of the oil burning engine recall and also had the fun of leaving her stranded at the airport, twice, due to some phantom current leak. She ditched that POS for a Golf TDI (sigh) and has loved it ever since. Yeah, I get that VW's can have spotty services records. As the owner of a new body 99 TDI Jetta BOY HOWDY I know that. But as a former Subaru owner and reader of their forums, they have their warts too. BTW: The interior of my 99 TDI still looked great after 280K miles. Mass air flow sensors did not last long till they worked the bugs out, but the interior was very sturdy.

 

[CraigJ ✅]

jbee[/url]":9on9f7yx]

Snark218[/url]":9on9f7yx]

Tuco[/url]":9on9f7yx]Is $30K for a Golf is that in the same price range of Civic, Elantra, Focus, etc. or is it much higher?

Me personally was mainly interested in the Golf because I could get it in a diesel.

For this level of equipment in one of those cars, you'd be spending more like $24-26k. I think it's pretty expensive for what you get.

Yes, the Golf is more expensive than e.g. the Focus or the CIvic. In Europe, this is accepted, because the Golf is considered a more "premium" car than the others (reviews usually point out the more premium interior, the better resale value etc.). Not sure how the Golf is seen in the US (I am from Europe).

Most Americans think anything with a hatchback is an econobox that should be dirt cheap. They also hate wagons. I have a Sportwagen, so I have both points covered. I've driven plenty of civics and toyotas and Mazdas. I test drove a couple of Mazdas befor buying my car. There is no comparison. Build, fit, finish, materials, handling. The Golf is superior to every other car in its class, and why my next gas burner will be a Volkswagen.

 

[BulkyZ]

peipas[/url]":1tgco265]

Spoiling that performance somewhat is the 6-speed automatic transmission fitted to our test car. It's a traditional automatic with a torque converter, yet it suffers a bit from the same problem as VW's DSG twin-clutch transmission—laggardly throttle response in transitions, especially noticeable during high-traffic situations. It somehow knows when you're waiting to turn left across oncoming traffic (into a driveway, across a busy intersection), because that's when the transmission's balkiness is at its worst.

Is it really the transmission that is the culprit or might it be turbo lag?

My leased 2015 Subaru WRX is the first turbo-equipped car I've had, and while I've appreciated being able to easily enjoy 30+-mpg tooling around with its four-banger, it takes some getting used to for there to be a slight delay when you want some extra pep.

For normal driving it is not a huge issue, but with the A/C on it really takes its power toll from the four cylinders. Fortunately I have a manual transmission so I can allocate some elevated RPMs to spool up the turbo before launch for a left-turn-from-stop situation, but that may not be so easy to counteract with an automatic. Starting from a dead stop with the A/C running without accounting for the turbo lag can result in an excruciatingly slow launch.

You sure of isn't the throttle by wire system being its slow... Carb approved for emissions slowness? (Yes to pass emissions car manufacturer s have resorted to slowly opening throttles to keep engines in their "clean burn" zones since 2005)

 

[CraigJ ✅]

THavoc[/url]":2cz986vl]

Danrarbc[/url]":2cz986vl]Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

That's the first thing I remove. It is quickly followed up by the license plate frame.

I tell the dealer straightaway, no badges or stickers - you can remove them. And if you drill holes in my front bumper you can keep the car. I don't care if the law says I need a front license plate.

 

[THavoc]

CraigJ[/url]":4mlykxyb]

THavoc[/url]":4mlykxyb]

Danrarbc[/url]":4mlykxyb]Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

That's the first thing I remove. It is quickly followed up by the license plate frame.

I tell the dealer straightaway, no badges or stickers - you can remove them. And if you drill holes in my front bumper you can keep the car. I don't care if the law says I need a front license plate.

I don't believe we have that law here in Arizona, do we?

I know California does but I don't think it is an issue here.

 

[foetusinc]

THavoc[/url]":3vcrb7uq]

Danrarbc[/url]":3vcrb7uq]Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

That's the first thing I remove. It is quickly followed up by the license plate frame.

Bought an out-of-state car a while back, and needed to take it to the local dealer for something. I hadn't had a chance to remove the license plate frame yet. They spotted the promo frame and it bugged them, so they swapped it out for a generic black one without asking or charging. #NotAllDealers

 

[spune]

foetusinc[/url]":mniz4i08]

sapphir8[/url]":mniz4i08]And of course the legendary German reliability....

/s

Our '12 Golf has been utterly troublefree over 50k miles. Zero warranty claims.

My '11 GTI has been trouble free as well for 60k miles. I had to replace the usb dongle and get a wheel alignment and thats it.

 

[CraigJ ✅]

THavoc[/url]":26a0xqyu]

CraigJ[/url]":26a0xqyu]

THavoc[/url]":26a0xqyu]

Danrarbc[/url]":26a0xqyu]Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

That's the first thing I remove. It is quickly followed up by the license plate frame.

I tell the dealer straightaway, no badges or stickers - you can remove them. And if you drill holes in my front bumper you can keep the car. I don't care if the law says I need a front license plate.

I don't believe we have that law here in Arizona, do we?

I know California does but I don't think it is an issue here.

it's not here. It was a problem in California. I used paint friendly velcro.

 

[CraigJ ✅]

Where are those pictures taken? Looks like the McDowell Mountains in the background...

 

[continuum]

Only 36mpg highway? That seems a bit disappointing compared to some of its competitors. (Honda Civic gets 41mpg)

 

[Rrr7]

MedicinalGoat[/url]":1xxkatqj]Dear Mazda/Santa,

Please stop Ze Germans: Take the current Mazda3 SGT with AWD from Japan and slap the new Skyactiv 2.5L Turbo from the new CX-9 into it and then sell it in North America. I promise us filthy American pig dogs will buy lots of them.

- A Mazda enthusiast who is either too big and/or embarrassed to be rolling around in a Miata

I would like to add that, after having tried the current (2016) Mazda3 a few times, albeit with the auto box (rentals don't get manuals), I found that despite the great handling, steering, brakes, seats, ergos, the base engine is beyond terrible. It really sucks all the fun out of the car. VW's 1.8 TSI, which I have also tried a few times in Jettas and a Beetle, is miiiles better and really makes up for everything the VWs lack compared to the Mazda3. Based on the comically underpowered mill in the Mazda I'd have to choose th VW any day, which is a shame since the '3' has everything else going for it..

 

[Rrr7]

sporkme[/url]":1x7ax1wz]

metarugia[/url]":1x7ax1wz]

It replaces the gravelly, old, inefficient 2.5L five-cylinder.

As a driver of that gravelly, old, inefficient 2.5L I find this offensive.

Chain-Driven FTW!

Be aware that some of the 2.5L have an issue that's a $2500 repair (at the low end). There's an issue with the chain tensioner which can cause it to, well, not tension the chain. Then the chain slips. Then bad things happen. VW refuses to do a recall on this (gee, maybe because they don't want to pull a bunch of engines?)...

Thanks to German Engineering™, you must remove the engine to replace the tensioner and chain.

Not sure about the 'German Engineering' when talking about an engine built exclusively in North America for that particular market, that is well-known to be a flaming pile of shit that nobody else in the world would ever consider buying

 

[evan_s]

CraigJ[/url]":447o405u]
Most Americans think anything with a hatchback is an econobox that should be dirt cheap. They also hate wagons.

This certainly seems to be the case and I'm not really sure why. Personally I expect a SUV to be based on a truck with a body on frame construction but pretty much everything in the Compact SUV/ Crossover and even mid sized SUV at this point is a unibody design based on a car platform. Heck my insurance company classifies my Kia Soul a Station Wagon while Kia groups in SUVs/Minivans.

I think it goes back to what used to be popular in those categories. For Station wagons it was the boring family vehicle back before Minivans became popular and for hatchbacks it was the cheap econoboxes as we never really got premium ones from the US mfgs and the only imports that sold well were the econoboxes.

 

[baobrain]

foetusinc[/url]":2qaae17t]

UnnDunn[/url]":2qaae17t]

foetusinc[/url]":2qaae17t]

sapphir8[/url]":2qaae17t]And of course the legendary German reliability....

/s

Our '12 Golf has been utterly troublefree over 50k miles. Zero warranty claims.

50k miles of trouble-free driving isn't much to brag about, TBH.

It's more than any of my friends with Subarus or GM products can say.

GM is fair...but Subaru? They're definitely not the most reliable but they don't have issues at 50k...

Anecdotal, but I own a 2012 Subaru Impreza with ~90k on the odometer with no service other than the regular recommended maintenance. My friend's 01 Forester didn't crap out until it hit 210k miles.

 

[foetusinc]

baobrain[/url]":lpd1yni7]

foetusinc[/url]":lpd1yni7]

UnnDunn[/url]":lpd1yni7]

foetusinc[/url]":lpd1yni7]

sapphir8[/url]":lpd1yni7]And of course the legendary German reliability....

/s

Our '12 Golf has been utterly troublefree over 50k miles. Zero warranty claims.

50k miles of trouble-free driving isn't much to brag about, TBH.

It's more than any of my friends with Subarus or GM products can say.

GM is fair...but Subaru? They're definitely not the most reliable but they don't have issues at 50k...

Anecdotal, but I own a 2012 Subaru Impreza with ~90k on the odometer with no service other than the regular recommended maintenance. My friend's 01 Forester didn't crap out until it hit 210k miles.

I mostly just can't help a little mild Subie trolling from time to time. And I really enjoy the utter lack of anybody rushing to GM's defense.

 

[McFool]

Just bought a new R two months ago. No problems with lag there ...mInd you, it's about twice the price of the base car. On the up side, it still puts a smile on my face every time I take off from the lights.

I tested a lot of cars, and remain convinced that the only better finished hatch is the A3/S3.

 

[Deleted member 80270]

My time to shine!

Just bought a 2016 TSI Gold (4 Door) in Texas. Is this the 2016 or 2017 they are reviewing? Will have to go back and see if it was in there. Guessing 2017.

So after purchase in Central Texas (in 03, 2016) of about 17,200 USD (before Taxes, delivery fee) it was an easy decision (at least for me anyway). Having test drove almost the whole class (Mazda3, Focus, Civic and Cruz) I must say I was blown away by the quality of the car. Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter are really the first thing you notice when getting in. Plus the piano black trim seems a lot more high class against a flat black. Ford please learn something about interior design. It's been 20+ years!

The Mazda3 road noise was unbearable however I did drive the VW right before it. Focus was almost as bad and everything inside felt very cheap. Cheap as I could break off the turn signal easily in a rush to put it on (not that it would break off, just felt very cheap). Civic was certainly the quality of the VW but not very peppy. Cruz was smooth at low speeds but at highway it got to be loud and seemed to "sloppy" in steering.

The VW I got was the manual for the exact reason they saw. Lagging on the step into first even into second gear makes you want to say "umm go!". Manual all but eliminates that (Turbo lag is still there but dang does it come on quick) and while the computer is off in it's mpg calculations (likely because I coast somewhat more than the average person due to hills) I get about 42 on the highway (at the pump).

I had initial troubles of "whinny" noises at between 25-45 but after some foot stomping and 3 visits back to the dealer it was found to literally be "squeaky" wheel. They told me "What do you want us to do about it put it up on the rack and spend hours trying to find it"? Uh...yea, that's kinda of your job. Chalk that up to just "people".

Overall very happy with it and I am certainly not regretting the purchase over anyone else in the class. It's ride is by far at the low end of luxury rides (think almost Camry with a touch more road noise). The suspension is tight so some rough roads will make you feel in that lower economy class but certainly nothing that aftermarket can't fix if you see a lot of rough roads. If you do this car may not be the best for you.

Of all the base models VW streamed higher quality with more features for the money along with a peppy ride. The VW base model has a backup camera, AppleCar, Android, MirrorLink and power locks/windows. Felt lined glove box is actually kinda of cool too. The Focus at only 600.00 less had none of these things. Others were hit and miss on the features and quality.

Edit: Was reviewing the base models of all the cars. 4 Doors if they had them. Edit: spelling, clean up.

 

[Magnus Dredd]

Captainpuke[/url]":3m2jgzfn]
If you have the automatic in the Subaru, it's actually a CVT. CVT's are pretty famous for superb mpg but notorious for being completely absent of fun.

Tell that to my Nissan Versa.

I don't think we've ever gotten 30mpg out of the POS. The average fuel economy has been a couple of mpg better than my 2001 Saturn L200 (manual).

Further, it's really inconsistent with how it responds to pushing down on the pedal as if the shifting algorithms are badly written. Sometimes it "downshifts" until it's screaming at 5000 rpms and other times it doesn't shift low enough to get moving. Regardless, the shifter is laggy.

The worst part is that we bought this car because it was an economy car (Read: high mpg rating).

At this point, I'm pretty sure that the car is a lemon or that CVT is overhyped/sh*tty.

 

[Magnus Dredd]

THavoc[/url]":8ie472vx]

CraigJ[/url]":8ie472vx]
I tell the dealer straightaway, no badges or stickers - you can remove them. And if you drill holes in my front bumper you can keep the car. I don't care if the law says I need a front license plate.

I don't believe we have that law here in Arizona, do we?

Arizona does not require license plates to be on the front of the car.

That requirement of course varies by state.

 

[BiochemAnthony]

30K for a TSI? I Didn't even pay that much for my GTI last year...

 

[Thorzdad]

You guys bragging about such low mileage cars. Wake me when you get them into the 300-400,000 mile range, like I got with my two Maximas.

 

[AnchorClanker]

Thorzdad[/url]":dnc80w26]You guys bragging about such low mileage cars. Wake me when you get them into the 300-400,000 mile range, like I got with my two Maximas.

'99 Miata, 264,000 miles. Have replaced everything but the lug bolts.

 

[Malth]

Magnus Dredd[/url]":28s1josj]

Captainpuke[/url]":28s1josj]
If you have the automatic in the Subaru, it's actually a CVT. CVT's are pretty famous for superb mpg but notorious for being completely absent of fun.

Tell that to my Nissan Versa.

I don't think we've ever gotten 30mpg out of the POS. The average fuel economy has been a couple of mpg better than my 2001 Saturn L200 (manual).

Further, it's really inconsistent with how it responds to pushing down on the pedal as if the shifting algorithms are badly written. Sometimes it "downshifts" until it's screaming at 5000 rpms and other times it doesn't shift low enough to get moving. Regardless, the shifter is laggy.

The worst part is that we bought this car because it was an economy car (Read: high mpg rating).

At this point, I'm pretty sure that the car is a lemon or that CVT is overhyped/sh*tty.

It's probably the CVT. I have a '15 Sentra with a CVT, and while it's not as bad as you're describing, it does leave a bit to be desired. Not sure what's up with your MPG though, I'm heavy on the pedal and get 27-30 city, 45 highway with cruise (1.8L)

 

[lunix]

UnnDunn[/url]":5c2548nk]

VW's $1,495 Driver Assistance package—our car's sole option aside from the no-cost automatic transmission—is surprisingly comprehensive for a sub-$30,000 small car ($29,740 as tested).

Almost $30 grand for a Golf? And it isn't a GTI? Ha hahahaha!

Oh wait, they're serious. Let me laugh harder. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Show me a loaded Passat for that price and maybe--maybe--we'll talk.

Maybe ve don't want to talk to you?

 

[petey53]

Blind Spot Monitoring should be standard to make up for the massive Golf C-pillar. The 2017 base Prius comes with a full set of driver assistance technologies standard. Compared to a 5-door automatic Golf S, the Prius will save money every month including fuel (@$2/gal), maintenance if both are financed over 7 years @3.26% if you drive at least the US average (13476) miles/year (using US MSRP and fuelly.com reports for non-R automatic 2016 1.8l Golfs). The Prius has lag-free electric torque off the line and has significantly more cargo space. According to statistics on powertrain problems in over 1M US trade-ins, the Prius has had better long term reliability than any other compact car http://longtermqualityindex.com/vehicle ... assQIR.png while the Golf has been "Below Average". Oh and the Prius is not made by a cheating, lying, polluting criminal corporation.

 

[CraigJ ✅]

petey53[/url]":9p98nmpt]Blind Spot Monitoring should be standard to make up for the massive Golf C-pillar. The 2017 base Prius comes with a full set of driver assistance technologies standard. Compared to a 5-door automatic Golf S, the Prius will save money every month including fuel (@$2/gal), maintenance if both are financed over 7 years @3.26% if you drive at least the US average (13476) miles/year (using US MSRP and fuelly.com reports for non-R automatic 2016 1.8l Golfs). The Prius has lag-free electric torque off the line and has significantly more cargo space. According to statistics on powertrain problems in over 1M US trade-ins, the Prius has had better long term reliability than any other compact car http://longtermqualityindex.com/vehicle ... assQIR.png while the Golf has been "Below Average". Oh and the Prius is not made by a cheating, lying, polluting criminal corporation.

Yeah, driving a Prius is like driving a blender. And not a Blentec blender either. More like a cheap weaksauce $15 blender from Target.

I'll take slightly less reliable but fun to drive over soulless, aggressively bland reliability any day of the week.

And I don't give two shits about what VW did. They got caught, and they are paying. And I remain convinced that they are far from the only company doing such things.

Based on timing my next car will be another Golf, unless Tesla somehow actually starts delivering Model 3s on time...

 

[georgeh2k]

I have almost always been impressed with the higher quality of materials inside VW cars. But after the emissions scandal, I do not trust VW and I will not buy any of their vehicles.

 

[OSB]

Malth[/url]":114i7m1d]

Magnus Dredd[/url]":114i7m1d]

Captainpuke[/url]":114i7m1d]
If you have the automatic in the Subaru, it's actually a CVT. CVT's are pretty famous for superb mpg but notorious for being completely absent of fun.

Tell that to my Nissan Versa.

I don't think we've ever gotten 30mpg out of the POS. The average fuel economy has been a couple of mpg better than my 2001 Saturn L200 (manual).

Further, it's really inconsistent with how it responds to pushing down on the pedal as if the shifting algorithms are badly written. Sometimes it "downshifts" until it's screaming at 5000 rpms and other times it doesn't shift low enough to get moving. Regardless, the shifter is laggy.

The worst part is that we bought this car because it was an economy car (Read: high mpg rating).

At this point, I'm pretty sure that the car is a lemon or that CVT is overhyped/sh*tty.

It's probably the CVT. I have a '15 Sentra with a CVT, and while it's not as bad as you're describing, it does leave a bit to be desired. Not sure what's up with your MPG though, I'm heavy on the pedal and get 27-30 city, 45 highway with cruise (1.8L)

As with torque-converter automatics, and for that matter twin-clutch sequential trannies, manuals, and every other system, not all CVTs are created equal. I'm an enthusiast driver and swore off CVTs after driving my sister's (2006?) Rogue a few times. But when it came time to trade in my RX-8 for something easier to fit a infant seat and stroller "system" into, the Forrester XT with a CVT won the day (against, basically everything in its class.) It's a genuinely fun transmission in fake manual mode, and more than quick enough off the line, and in traffic, and when passing on the highway in vacuum-cleaner mode.

 

[petey53]

CraigJ[/url]":qxt3uozm]

Yeah, driving a Prius is like driving a blender...

And I don't give two shits about what VW did. They got caught, and they are paying. And I remain convinced that they are far from the only company doing such things.

The new Prius is faster off the line (0-30mph), handles better (figure8) and stops faster than a 2015 Golf 2l TDI manual (according to MotorTrend). According to AMCI Testing it beats a MB CLA250 in ride quality and handles better than a BMW 528i.

If you are a teenage street racer, you may want something else. If you want dependable, cost-effective, practical transportation, a Prius beats any VW/Audi product, including Golf. It competes well against any mainstream conventional compact car.

VW/Audi/Porsche/Skoda/Seat did get caught. That has led to increased scrutiny on all brands. While others have published erroneous data, and others have "gamed" the tests, none have been found to knowingly, deliberately cheat on emissions tests over an 8 year period like VW Group. No employee even blew the whistle. VW Group is rotten and unethical. Their products are unreliable and their productivity is poor. Go ahead, buy a Golf and get defrauded. See if I care.

 

[codeg]

afidel[/url]":d1bz49dc]
You can get a Subraru Crosstrek Premium with EyeSight (best ACC in a sub $60k car) for $26k so I'm not sure why you'd go with the Golf unless you live in a city where the 7 inches saved make enough difference to you.

I testdrove the crosstrek premium right before the Golf TSI SE - about an hour apart actually. I don't recall it being that cheap at the time, I seem to remember the fully specced one with eyesight being quite a bit more than the Golf I was considering, but that may be wrong.

What I do remember accurately was how poorly it drove compared to the Golf. It was immediately obvious how dramatically better the Golf was taking the first corner. I really wanted to like the crosstrek but I found it just didn't feel planted. It had a lot of body roll due to the height and was incredibly hard to tell what speed I was going due to the CVT, it didn't help the interior felt rather poor (the steering wheel was especially bad) and it had less space. It was a workhorse, no doubt, but it just wasn't enjoyable to drive. I came away quite disappointed.

Ultimately I bought the Golf SE for $25k.

It's been a great car. As mentioned in the article, I also initially have some problems with throttle response / gearing, merging into traffic, into a roundabout, etc - but that was only the first week or so. Perhaps I'm used to how it drives now but I don't find it a problem anymore.

It's a fun car to drive and for its class feels like a nice place to be.

 

[Feanaaro]

At 4.25 meters, the Golf it's hardly a "small car". It's actually on the larger end of a midsize hatchback. The VW Polo, 30 cm shorter and considerably narrower, is a small car.

 

[dj__jg]

Danrarbc[/url]":1y8ca0gw]

foetusinc[/url]":1y8ca0gw]

jbee[/url]":1y8ca0gw]

Snark218[/url]":1y8ca0gw]

Tuco[/url]":1y8ca0gw]Is $30K for a Golf is that in the same price range of Civic, Elantra, Focus, etc. or is it much higher?

Me personally was mainly interested in the Golf because I could get it in a diesel.

For this level of equipment in one of those cars, you'd be spending more like $24-26k. I think it's pretty expensive for what you get.

Yes, the Golf is more expensive than e.g. the Focus or the CIvic. In Europe, this is accepted, because the Golf is considered a more "premium" car than the others (reviews usually point out the more premium interior, the better resale value etc.). Not sure how the Golf is seen in the US (I am from Europe).

Americans as a rule do not understand this concept at all. Either it's an economy car and must be as cheap as possible, or it's a luxury car and must be faultless. "Premium" middle tier does not compute.

See also; the tendency of Americans to put fake premium badging on their cars, vs the tendency for Europeans to debadge everything.

Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

Yikes, that better be easy to remove. In Europe, the numberplate frame generally has a small line with dealership/garage information, so I guess we don't need awfull stickers like that

http://euro-license-plates.com/images/m ... frames.jpg

 

[Peevester]

CraigJ[/url]":nyyqwn1y]

THavoc[/url]":nyyqwn1y]

CraigJ[/url]":nyyqwn1y]

THavoc[/url]":nyyqwn1y]

Danrarbc[/url]":nyyqwn1y]Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

That's the first thing I remove. It is quickly followed up by the license plate frame.

I tell the dealer straightaway, no badges or stickers - you can remove them. And if you drill holes in my front bumper you can keep the car. I don't care if the law says I need a front license plate.

I don't believe we have that law here in Arizona, do we?

I know California does but I don't think it is an issue here.

it's not here. It was a problem in California. I used paint friendly velcro.

Why is it that people go so bugfuck insane over front license plates? Just put the damn things on if your state requires them, and shut up about it. Seriously, I see this nonsense all over the place!

Free clue: It's not a good day for you if you're doing the same thing that a thousand "sovereign citizen" idiots get pulled over for. Second free clue: It won't protect you from license plate readers. They use the back one.