I admit that I’m not easily satisfied with automatic transmissions. Not in every case, of course, because they stand some cars in extremely good stead. But when I was told that I’d be driving the VW Golf TDI for a whole week and noticed the automatic shifter, a wave of disappointment washed over me.
Having once owned this type of small car, I had trouble imagining myself behind the wheel of this sporty little German number without full control of gear shifts. Plus, like many drivers, I’m a bit biased against diesel engines and their unpleasant grunting. I thought I had a long week ahead of me, one not as pleasant as I would’ve hoped.
A few days later, I was singing an entirely different tune. I haven’t totally lost the urge to control my own gear shifts, but I learned to appreciate the diesel engine and to surf the wave of automatic shifting.
Classic styling
Whether it be motivated by a diesel engine or no, the Golf’s style never changes, or hardly at any rate. In fact, it’s probably one of the best examples of a classic design. By tweaking a few things here and there, VW has managed to create a look that still turns heads and elicits approving smiles.
As for the cabin, it’s sober and impeccable, if a little unspectacular. The quality of the materials is decent, and the fit and finish are remarkable, but if you’re judging the cabin on looks alone, well, it’s a little ho-hum.
On the flip side, the Golf offers a driving position that very few cars hope to achieve. The seats are form-fitting and support every part of the body, the parts they’re supposed to, anyways. Even the grip of the steering wheel gives you the impression of driving an open-wheel car – and believe me, I know what I’m talking about! In fact, like for most other Volkswagens, drivers feel like they become one with the car.
Not to mention the simple yet efficient ergonomics that place all the necessary controls within hand’s reach, without having to turn your head.
Lastly, it’s hard not to mention the headroom, which has remained spacious thanks to an elevated roof line. In keeping with current trends, Volkswagen’s designers avoid low roof lines as much as possible, at least where the Golf is concerned. The high roof line also helps improve access and trunk space.
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| The Golf TDI has its weaknesses, to be sure, but the Golf, even the TDI version, has kept every ounce of charm that has set it apart from the beginning. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Having once owned this type of small car, I had trouble imagining myself behind the wheel of this sporty little German number without full control of gear shifts. Plus, like many drivers, I’m a bit biased against diesel engines and their unpleasant grunting. I thought I had a long week ahead of me, one not as pleasant as I would’ve hoped.
A few days later, I was singing an entirely different tune. I haven’t totally lost the urge to control my own gear shifts, but I learned to appreciate the diesel engine and to surf the wave of automatic shifting.
Classic styling
Whether it be motivated by a diesel engine or no, the Golf’s style never changes, or hardly at any rate. In fact, it’s probably one of the best examples of a classic design. By tweaking a few things here and there, VW has managed to create a look that still turns heads and elicits approving smiles.
As for the cabin, it’s sober and impeccable, if a little unspectacular. The quality of the materials is decent, and the fit and finish are remarkable, but if you’re judging the cabin on looks alone, well, it’s a little ho-hum.
On the flip side, the Golf offers a driving position that very few cars hope to achieve. The seats are form-fitting and support every part of the body, the parts they’re supposed to, anyways. Even the grip of the steering wheel gives you the impression of driving an open-wheel car – and believe me, I know what I’m talking about! In fact, like for most other Volkswagens, drivers feel like they become one with the car.
Not to mention the simple yet efficient ergonomics that place all the necessary controls within hand’s reach, without having to turn your head.
Lastly, it’s hard not to mention the headroom, which has remained spacious thanks to an elevated roof line. In keeping with current trends, Volkswagen’s designers avoid low roof lines as much as possible, at least where the Golf is concerned. The high roof line also helps improve access and trunk space.
 |
| The simple yet efficient ergonomics that place all the necessary controls within hand’s reach, without having to turn your head. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |