Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2015 VW Golf TDI
Mazda had planned to have a "SkyD" diesel version of its 3 sedan - a direct Golf competitor - available by now (Fall 2014) but so far, it's a no show. Which leaves the field pretty much to the Golf TDI.
WHAT'S NEW
The '15 Golf is all-new, with a revised chassis and suspension and updated exterior and interior.
The standard Golf engine is now a turbo four (gas) that delivers much better performance - and economy- than the previous Golf's standard-issue five-cylinder engine. The optional TDI diesel engine has also been tweaked a little to deliver slightly better mileage than before and so equipped, the Golf continues to be the most fuel-efficient compact sedan you can buy that's not a hybrid.
WHAT'S GOOD
Economical to operate - and to buy. Fun to operate (standard six-speed stickshift). Long legs (close to 600 miles on a tankful). Roomy hatchback layout.
WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD
Diesel engine isn't available in the two-door Golf. VW has had to join the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) club. TDI's mileage advantage isn't as compelling as it used to be - and diesel fuel's not as cheap as it used to be.
UNDER THE HOOD
The Golf's optional TDI engine is a 2.0 liter four that makes 150 hp - 20 fewer hp than the new 1.8 liter gas four (170 hp) but a lot more torque - 236 ft.-lbs. A six-speed manual with a very deep overdrive sixth gear is available, too. The gas engine's manual transmission has only five speeds.
...continued
