Good news for TDI buyers is that the 2015 Golf TDI is now available in the base Trendline trim. That means you can buy a 2015 Golf TDI for a couple of grand less than you could buy the last-generation Golf TDI, which was only offered in the mid-level Comfortline and Highline trims. It also means you can have cloth seats instead of leatherette or leather (which not everybody likes). 2015 Golf TDI Trendline models start at $23,095, Comfortline models start at $25,395 ($30 less than in 2013) and Highline trims start at $30,995 ($1,600 more than the 2013 TDI Highline).

2015 VW Golf TDI Trendline models ($23,095) come with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) ($24,495) and include 15-inch tires with “Lyon” alloy wheels, front fog lights, block heater, cloth seats in Black or Shetland colours, air conditioning, 5.8-inch touchscreen with CD player and eight speakers, Bluetooth audio with voice activation, iPod connectivity with HDMI port, trip computer, Sirius/XM satellite radio (3 months free), height adjustable driver and front passenger seats with lumbar support, heated front seats, and variable height trunk floor. Cruise control is optional, though. It’s part of a package that includes cruise and leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel ($400).

Mid-level Comfortline models ($25,395) add bigger 16-inch “Toronto” alloy wheels, cornering lights, leatherette seats, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake lever, cruise control, and rearview camera. An optional Multimedia Package ($2,195) adds bi-xenon headlights that swivel when turning, LED daytime running lights, satellite navigation system, and a Fender premium audio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer. An optional Convenience Package ($1,695) adds dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, automatic high beam dipping, panorama power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Top Highline trims ($30,995) add 17-inch all-season tires with “Geneva” alloy wheels, a stiffer sport suspension, leather seats, nicely bolstered front sport seats and power driver’s seat, keyless locking/unlocking, pushbutton ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, panorama power sunroof, automatic headlights, automatic dipping high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and chrome matte interior trim. Optional in the Highline is a Multimedia Package ($2,195) that includes new Forward Collision Warning system, 400-watt Fender premium audio system with 8 speakers and a subwoofer, satellite navigation, bi-xenon headlights that swivel, and LED daytime running lights.

While the previous generation Golf was assembled in Wolfsburg/Zwickau, Germany, the 2015 VW Golf is now assembled in Puebla, Mexico.

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 12 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/80,000 km 24-hour roadside assistance

Competitors:
Audi A3 TDI
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
Ford C-MAX
Toyota Prius

Pricing: 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Highline
Base price (Trendline): $23,095
Base price (Comfortline): $25,395
Base price (Highline): $30,995
Options: $3,595 (6-speed DSG transmission $1,400; Multimedia Package: Forward Collision Warning, Bi-xenon headlights that swivel, LED daytime running lights, Fender audio system with 8 speakers and subwoofer, Navigation system, 5.8-inch touch-screen with proximity sensor $2,195)
Freight & PDI: $ 1,395
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $36,085

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