Day-by-Day Review: 2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI Diesel

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2012 Volkswagen Golf

Day 1

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Two weeks behind the wheel of the Nissan Versa was enough to realize it is one of the least desirable new cars on the market. Five minutes in with the new 2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI and I had totally forgotten about the Versa, as the Golf is close to double the price after taxes, but also, perhaps, double the car (at least in terms of refinement).

This week I get to test the virtues of diesel transportation in minus 30-degree Celsius weather, and hopefully return the same or better fuel economy than hybrids and economy cars in my Highline trim tester.

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The 2.0-litre TDI engine outputs a respectful 140 hp but offers up an incredible 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. It can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or Volkswagen’s very popular six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, as fitted to my tester.

The Golf is available in four “trim” levels: Trendline, Sportline, Comfortline and, as mentioned, Highline. Highline adds a considerable amount of luxury to an already well-optioned vehicle, with two-zone climate control, fog lights, power sunroof, six-CD/MP3 stereo, satellite radio, iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity, multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, electronic stability control, and hydraulic brake assist.

My tester also includes the optional $890 navigation system to top this off as the most expensive four-door Golf money can buy (excluding the GTI). Considering the number of features and that intangible German “feel” one gets driving a VW, this Golf almost seems like a bargain at $31,685.

2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $31,685

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Day 2

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So far, so good on the start-up front. Two days of deep freeze, and the Golf TDI started up just like any combustion-powered vehicle, except perhaps for the awful-sounding clanking it makes when cold. Besides that, though, there was no drama at all at minus-19 degrees Celsius. One thing to note, though, is that the engine never does get to full operating temperature even on my 20-minute, mostly-highway commute.

There is heat in the cabin, though, so you will not freeze like in the old days of diesel power. The seat warmers work wonders to keep your core body temperature up. In fact, considering how cold it was for the past couple of days, I thought the drive was very pleasant.

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It is true that the interior of the Golf has not changed much over the years. Actually, for the most part the Volkswagen line-up has not changed much, interior-wise, over the years. But it was about five years ago that everyone praised Volkswagen and Audi as having the best interiors in the business, and just now the competition is catching up.

Not much has changed, but the few tweaks are welcome, such as a bright, white-backlit dashboard. The move to white gauge lighting is the most appreciated, compared to the old, hard-to-read red.

The seats in the Golf Highline are very supportive and comfortable, although, oddly, they are power reclining but manually adjustable everywhere else. Some may criticize Volkswagen for being a little on the bland side with its interiors; honestly, I used to be one of those who did not see the appeal. But spend some time and you realize that despite not having the “WOW” factor some newer designs have, what Volkswagen does have is staying power. So, when you get bored of that new exotic design in two years and it looks out of date in five when you try to sell the vehicle, you can look back and appreciate the fact that Volkswagen’s designs were all business, an exercise in understated elegance.

Key items to note in the Golf include the adjustable arm rest (although there is only enough space for a cellphone beneath it, it is much more comfortable than a traditional non-adjustable unit) and the somewhat narrow rear cargo area (which I noticed today as I was unable to fit my curling broom while it fits in pretty much every other vehicle that I can recall).

Day 3

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Diesel cars cannot be fun to drive, right? Well, if the Golf TDI is any indication that is a completely false statement, as this diesel-powered machine delivers fun in many types of ways.

Despite a little lag at first start, power delivery from the 2.0-liter engine is intoxicating. Drive around mundanely and the torque pulls you along with no drama. Step hard on the go-pedal and the 140hp is plenty enough to keep the fun going while the torque gets you moving.

The six-speed DSG transmission seems to be rough; this same gearbox in the GTI is much smoother. I am not sure if it is just the cold causing havoc or if the instant torque at low rpm causes shifts to be less than ideal.

But because of the torque available at all times, the transmission rarely downshifts unless you stop. Out on the open road the Golf TDI is quiet, as the engine chugs along at 1,500 rpm at 120km/h.

The Golf feels extremely solid on the road, the suspension soaking up road bumps instead of transferring them to the driver. Driving over rough roads, chassis flex is imperceptible. Steering feel is nice and weighty and the brakes are efficient, if a tad grabby.

Day 4

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Although the 2012 Golf TDI is a lot more conventional then the Chevrolet Volt, the Golf reminds me of the Volt in many ways. Both are hatchback designs of a similar size, although the Volt is classed as a mid-size and the Golf a compact on the inside. They also both came to me as fully-loaded models with electric cabin heaters, and they both offer a somewhat unique (at least in our market) drivetrain that comes with a premium price tag.

Most importantly, they both offer a refined driving experience along with exceptional fuel economy. This week, my tester had the weather stacked against it, with three days of frigid temperatures, which do not help any fuel source to work at its most efficient. Despite this, my TDI test vehicle averaged an exceptional 6.9L/100km; I suspect in warmer temps this could have easily been in the low sixes.

As cliché as it sounds, the 2012 Golf TDI is the best car I have driven this model year and it ranks close to the top of my list of all 2012 models I have driven so far.
*Rating out of 5: