ArcaMax

In theory, choice is good. In practice, too many choices can be overwhelming - especially when the choices between X and Y come down to little things (and the price is little different).

VW's just-updated Golf is by no means the only choice among compact economy cars. There are lots of them. But it is the only compact economy sedan/hatch on the market that you can order with a high-efficiency (and long-legged) diesel engine. It's two other big things, too.

German - and inexpensive. Just $21,995. Making it - by far - the lowest cost diesel-powered passenger car you can buy at the moment. One more thing, too. The diesel engine is available with a manual transmission. That's rare. Unique, actually. So, what's the catch?

Well, they won't sell you the diesel engine in the two-door Golf. It's a four-door deal only. And VW has finally had to knuckle under to Uncle and add urea injection to make the tailpipe emissions cut. That means you'll need to add diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) every once in awhile.

There's one other thing, too: Several gas-engined cars approach the TDI's mileage numbers. Not quite - but getting there. And their price tags are lower. As is the cost of their fuel.

WHAT IT IS

The Golf is VW's entry-level compact, available in two-door hatchback and four-door hatchback bodystyles.

It comes standard with a turbocharged gas engine, but a more fuel-efficient turbo-diesel (TDI) engine is available and will be the focus of this review.

The base price for a Golf two-door with the 1.8 liter gas engine and manual transmission is $17,995. The TDI-powered Golf S starts at $21,995.

The gas-engined Golf has many competitors, but the Golf's optionally available TDI engine is unique in this segment. Chevy offers a diesel engine in the Cruze - but it's a larger car that competes more directly with the Jetta TDI. The Chevy's base price - $28,355 - is also much higher than the TDI Golf's price.

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