2010 Volkswagen Golf Review
Price
RM166,778
Installment
RM1,591/mth
2010 Volkswagen Golf at a glance
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf is the best all-rounder by class standards. Rewarding to drive, comfortable, well-built, roomy and well-equipped, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf has everything worked out—except for the small matter of its price tag.
2010 Volkswagen Golf quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Volkswagen Golf ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Volkswagen sharpened up the Mk4 Golf's shape and design elements to arrive at the Mk5 Golf. More than the sum of the individual enhancements, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf features an instantly familiar yet thoroughly likeable styling.
Handling
The largest improvement over the dynamically inept Mk4 Golf comes in the handling dynamics. The 2010 Volkswagen Golf handles sharply and remains composed under all situations. There are bags of grip, splendid body control and a highly adjustable chassis at the limit. Although the feedback could be better, the well-weighted steering gets suitably heavier with speed, and contributes greatly to a rewarding driving experience.
Comfort
The brilliant ride-and-handling package means the 2010 Volkswagen Golf rides well enough over most surfaces, although sharper bumps and potholes can be felt vividly. Cabin refinement is impressive at cruising speeds, too, with minimal wind and road noise. Combining a fine seating position, plenty of seating and steering adjustments, excellent ergonomics and a simple dashboard layout, the cabin provides a comfortable environment for longer journeys.
Quality + Reliability
The solid-feeling cabin is up there with the best in the class. Materials are mostly high-grade, and the build quality, as seen from the fit-and-finish, is as faultless as cars in this class come with. Controls and switchgear work in a precise manner, too. The 2010 Volkswagen Golf's underlying mechanicals have remained in production for some time now, and we expect little to go wrong in that department.
Performance
Under the 2010 Volkswagen Golf's bonnet lies an in-line four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic. Producing 101 bhp at 5600 rpm and 148 Nm at 3800 rpm, the engine proves to be competent for everyday driving, overtaking or cruising with relative ease. The automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and decisively, too.
Roominess
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf is on par with the best in terms of interior room. Front and rear occupants enjoy loads of head- and leg-room. The boot is reasonably large and usefully shaped, and the rear seats can split-fold for more loading space when required.
Running Costs
Fuel economy stands at a respectable 11.8 km/litre. Servicing and repair costs are higher than Japanese rivals'. Depreciation should be mitigated by the Volkswagen badge, although the leading Japanese rivals still hold their values better. On the whole, most Japanese rivals are cheaper to run than the 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
Value for Money
Volkswagen imparts a classy image and quality to all their cars, and therefore it is no surprise how much of a premium, well-built car the Volkswagen Golf feels like. Overall, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf performs well in all areas of consideration, with its ride-and-handling package standing out the most. However, as a fully-imported unit, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is expensive compared to Japanese rivals. The extra money, in effect, goes to paying for the Volkswagen Golf's brilliant on-road manners and relative premium positioning.
Equipment
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf comes with standard equipment including 15" alloy wheels, front and rear fog lights, power side mirrors with turn signal, power windows, remote central locking, dual-zone climate control, 6-disc CD/MP3/radio audio system with 8 speakers, ParkPilot, cruise control and leather upholstery. Safety kit includes front/side/curtain airbags, front seat-belt pretensioner and Anti-locking Brake System (ABS).
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 202 grams/km are not good enough by class standards, as most if not all Japanese rivals emit less carbon dioxide and consume less fuel per distance travelled. Moreover, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is imported into Malaysia when rivals such as the Honda Civic are locally assembled.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Classy image and feel
Brilliant ride-and-handling balance
Well-built cabin
Some firmness over sharper bumps
Only one engine option
Rivals are cheaper to buy and run
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