Topic: Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L

[hemusbull]

First of all - this basic VW is thirsty. And the next one is how much? I don't see any reliable sourse which says me exactly what is the real fuel consumption (of any of yours tested cars). Gauges of all cars are just about to show you approximately  and they are all the time the same es EPA and Canadian Government's expected fuel numbers (lall the time ower than the real ones!). From here on begins so called "real world numbers" and the readers need them. As a respected auto site CD should begin measurement of the real volume of fuel poured in the tank and their  respective kms. Adding the weather, road conditions, driver habits and so on makes the real picture complete.

[ArticSteve]

My son had two of these units, both in auto, and they are no econo boxes so buyers should realize that the operating costs are going to reflect that.

If you comparing gas mileage to Civics and Corollas, forget it.  Camry and Altima 4 bangers do better.  Beyond 100k km I suspect the engine servicing costs to be punitive because the motor is physically unservicable.  If any work needs to be done on the chain case for example the motor needs to come out and the tranny then pulled off that.

Consequently, I think new or really low mileage, there are few cars as well fitted for the price particularly in a manual.  Well used, say after the 5th year and over 100K km these cars are gonna be a risky purchase.  The extended oil change interval is never a good thing when cars get up in age.  Stop and go urban driving/winter requires more than a once a year change.

  

[ArticSteve]

This car seems so ''tightly bound'' to the road (?, might not be the right words), it is amazing.

That is exactly the pharse.  German cars are all similar.

[Dante]

Beyond 100k km I suspect the engine servicing costs to be punitive because the motor is physically unservicable.  If any work needs to be done on the chain case for example the motor needs to come out and the tranny then pulled off that.

  

How is the GTI in this respect?

[Spec5]

Doesn't anybody else find 170hp from 2.5L kind of weak!? I mean my '03 Spec V put out 185 and that car came out in '01 as an '02 model. With an extra cylinder I would have hoped it would at least deliver 200hp.

As for reliability as another poster already pointed out the Golf is tops in the "small hatchback/wagon" category. Ahead of the Hyundai Elantra Touring and Mazda 3

[tpl]

Beyond 100k km I suspect the engine servicing costs to be punitive because the motor is physically unserviceable.  If any work needs to be done on the chain case for example the motor needs to come out and the tranny then pulled off that.

  

How is the GTI in this respect?

Different engine and from the shop manual looks no worse than any other DOHC I4 transverse engine with a turbo.   Artic is talking of the rather longer 5 cylinder.

[Dante]

Beyond 100k km I suspect the engine servicing costs to be punitive because the motor is physically unserviceable.  If any work needs to be done on the chain case for example the motor needs to come out and the tranny then pulled off that.

  

How is the GTI in this respect?

Different engine and from the shop manual looks no worse than any other DOHC I4 transverse engine with a turbo.   Artic is talking of the rather longer 5 cylinder.

This is good to know. I would assume any VW I4 would be just fine as well.

[quadzilla]

Doesn't anybody else find 170hp from 2.5L kind of weak!? I mean my '03 Spec V put out 185

This is the BASE model so its actually really good. Your car (if I'm correct) is the top of the line for that model range.

What other $22K car has more power right now?

[Mitlov]

Doesn't anybody else find 170hp from 2.5L kind of weak!? I mean my '03 Spec V put out 185

This is the BASE model so its actually really good. Your car (if I'm correct) is the top of the line for that model range.

What other $22K car has more power right now?

Exactly.  It's priced against the 2.0L Sentra, not the Spec V.  The Spec V goes up against the GTI.  The Golf 2.5L makes 30 more horsepower than the base-engined Sentra.

Even comparing VW's base engine to some "upgrade" engines, this engine outperforms the 2.4L in the Corolla/Matrix XRS and the 2.5L in the Mazda3s.

[vdk]

VWs I5 is probably the most reliable engine they have right now. It's torquey and has that 5 cylinder character which I personally like. It's not the greatest but it compares favourably with other engines in this class.

[quadzilla]

Does anybody know if they basically use the same engine for the S3/TT-S/TT-RS?

[tpl]

I think the  2.0 versions of the A3/S3 & TT  use a 266 bhp version of the 2.0 that's in the GTI.
The more expensive versions us the 3.2 I think.

[CDF]

I've always liked the Golf/Rabbit, and from what I've read VW seems to have solved the quality issues they had in the '90's and early '00's. Although as others have pointed out, these quality issues never seemed to affect residual values, as used VW's are rather pricey.

I'd like to see VW bring the direct injected 1.4L TSI, turbo+supercharger that produces 160hp and gets better than 7L/100km in the combined European cycle.

A good review, but there is a mistake. A Mazda3 Sport GS has a 2.5L with 167hp, not a 2L as Mr. Wilson reports. The base Mazda3 Sport GX ($16,999) has the smaller 2L with 148hp.

[Flinter]

Two-door Golf’s are also available in a sportier “Sportline” trim (MSRP $23,900) which adds low-profile 225/45R17-inch all-season tires and alloy wheels, and (curiously) a 205/55R16-inch spare tire and steel wheel; sportier suspension tuning, electronic front differential lock, electronic stability control, front fog lights, “Premium 8” AM/FM radio with 6.5-inch touch-screen, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, SD card input, Sirius satellite radio with three-month free subscription, heated front seats with “ME 2” sport cloth, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake, power glass moonroof, and front and rear floormats.

I'm also a fan of the Golf. I think the 2-door "Sportline" mentioned in the article looks like a very nice package for the money. I dropped by the dealer a few weeks ago and took a closer look. I was impressed.

With the high residual and decent rates the Golf is attractive to lease as well.

[takwu]

It's priced against the 2.0L Sentra, not the Spec V.  The Spec V goes up against the GTI.  The Golf 2.5L makes 30 more horsepower than the base-engined Sentra.

Even comparing VW's base engine to some "upgrade" engines, this engine outperforms the 2.4L in the Corolla/Matrix XRS and the 2.5L in the Mazda3s.

Actually if you look at the 5-door pricing instead of the 3-door reviewed here...

VW Golf 5-door Trendline: $21,175
Nissan Sentra SE-R: $21,798
Toyota Matrix XR: $22,135
Mazda3 GS Sport: $20,895

And the Sentra 2.0?  $15,198

[htwo]

Does the 2.5L use a timing belt vs a chain? I know the TDI uses a belt, which has put me off in buying one. What good is it to save A thousand bucks a year on fuel from my (still reliable) '99 V6 Taurus, if I have to spend $1K to replace it. I won't even consider the 2.5L if it has a belt, but if I can get a good deal on a NEW TDI wagon, I might go for it.

VW does overprice themselves, but just like BMW, they get away with it. Jetta is priced more in line with a base mid size, such as the Camry, Fusion and Accord. However, these cars have all grown over the years to the point where they're intruding on the size of previously made Lincoln full size model sedans from the early to late 90's. The VW grows gracefully in size without adding 500lb for each redesign.

The other thing that's put me off in buying a TDI this moment, besides the added maintenance costs down the road (I buy to own the thing until the frame rots out, by the way) is that I'd have to get the DSG. I'm sure the bugs have been worked out, but dealer support seems to be lacking in newer cars that dealers won't update as the update doesn't cover the newer models even though some people have stated claims to VW that they either take off slowly, or like a bat outta hell with the same throttle input. As much as I'd prefer the 6 speed manual, my wife can't drive it. ...perhaps that'd be a good thing!

[DarkHelmet]

Does the 2.5L use a timing belt vs a chain? ...(I buy to own the thing until the frame rots out, by the way)

The 2.5 uses a chain, and I buy my cars to run them into the ground, too.  I have the Comfortline 5-spd. and preferred the stick over the Tiptronic.  Hey, I was able to survive teaching my spouse how to drive stick many years ago and now she wants nothing other.

[Erik]

If I were hunting for a small car, this is certainly the one I would get. Good job, VW!

[safristi]

Does the 2.5L use a timing belt vs a chain? ...(I buy to own the thing until the frame rots out, by the way)

The 2.5 uses a chain, and I buy my cars to run them into the ground, too.  I have the Comfortline 5-spd. and preferred the stick over the Tiptronic.  Hey, I was able to survive teaching my spouse how to drive stick many years ago and now she wants nothing other.

.."HELMUT" thanks for converting HER to the tha D'Arth side........... a quick belt every 80K or a GOOD CHAIN reaction every time..............

[BlackS40]

If I were hunting for a small car, this is certainly the one I would get. Good job, VW!

Right you are, Erik.  I'm pretty confident that this may be my next car!!