The seventh generation 2015 VW Golf TDI is finally here. It brings new style, design, and a thoroughly revised turbo-diesel engine. So how does the Golf TDI do in the fuel economy department? Can it still beat the EPA ratings in the real world? The answer is a resounding yes!
The redesigned 2.0L TDI four-cylinder now produces 150 horsepower @ 3,500 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm. This is 10 more horses that come in 500 rpm lower than before. The torque output is unchanged. This tester VW came with a most welcome 6-speed manual transmission. Yes, a manual is still an option for the VW Golf. It was also loaded with nearly every available option with the SEL trim. A large sunroof, navigation system, and collision warning were among the amenities. It was only missing the Bi-Xenon headlights with LED running lights, which is a part of the $995 Lighting package. The final damage on this Volkswagen tester was $28,815.
Let’s get down to business. How did the new Golf TDI do with the fuel? It served the TFL crew as the 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb camera car and shuttle. This meant we needed to cover lots of highway miles back and forth to Colorado Springs. When the dust settled, the computer showed 49.7 MPG after 477 mostly highway miles. We did drive around 40 miles through the towns, but the transmission was down in sixth and cruise control was set at 75 MPH. The temperature was up near 90 F, so air conditioning was operating most of the time as well.
This is significantly higher than the EPA ratings of 31 MPG city and 42 MPG highway suggest. Joy! The Golf TDI is still here to please.
We have a track review and a full review of the 2015 Golf coming up for you very soon. In the meantime, check out this TFLcar first drive review of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI from California.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or scouring the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
