Volkswagen is well known for turbo-diesel power and the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI brings seventh generation (Mk7) improvements to the people. Perhaps, even more people can now enjoy the efficiency and power of the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder in the Golf as Volkswagen slashes $3,000 out of the starting price.
The improved value proposition is enabled by the new modular chassis architecture (referred to as MQB). All Mk7 VW Golf variants slated for North America are built on this chassis and on the new assembly line in Puebla, Mexico. The MQB platform is also used for other world markets, and economies of scale allow for lower production costs with the savings being passed on to the consumer. The four-door Golf TDI S trim with the 6-speed manual transmission starts at $21,995 before the $820 destination charge. The TDI only comes with four doors.
The seventh generation car is a little larger than the predecessor with additional two inches in length and 93.5 cu-ft of total interior volume. This makes for a comfortable environment for five adults. There are 22.8 cu-ft of trunk space behind the rear seats and 35.6 inches of rear legroom.
Updated chassis a higher percentage of high-strength steel which allows for a lighter weight construction and helps counteract the larger vehicle footprint and added electronics. The actual curb weight of the base TDI Golf is 3,080 pounds, which is about the same as the previous generation.
The 2.0-liter TDI engine has the same displacement as before, but has been completely reworked to lower weight and improve power and efficiency. It now produces 10 more horsepower (150 hp @ 3,500 rpm) and same torque (236 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm). The MPG are improved slightly to 31 city, 42 highway, and 35 combined as estimated by Volkswagen. It’s an improvement of one mile per gallon on the combined rating. However, your highway number should be considerably better than 42 as has been the case with previous models.
I drove the 6-speed equipped SEL model with nearly every option. If it had the familiar 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, then the final sticker price can get close to $31,700. It’s an effortless and quiet cruiser on the highway. The coefficient of drag is improved to a low 0.29 and the car has plenty of passing power in 6th gear at highway speeds. The motor revs quickly under acceleration and the manual transmission feel solid and precise. Thanks to Volkswagen for offering the manual option across the Golf range.
The steering and handling feel very good as the Golf continues the tradition of top-notch driving dynamics. The interior has improved materials, but the layout is nearly unchanged. There is a nick in the new Golf’s armor and it is the infotainment system. The standard 5.8 inch touchscreen does not have a very high resolution and the navigation interface is still cumbersome. Although, voice commands can streamline certain tasks, it’s still nowhere near a Siri-type of system.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI appears ready to continue its domination of the affordable diesel-power car market. It is more affordable and better equipped than ever before. Long live the diesel.
The new first drive video is coming very soon. In the meantime, watch this fun and informative TFLcar video on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI.
