Right from the first door thunk, the Volkswagen Golf exudes a quality feel not found in your average econobox. The Golf has long been a cut above other small cars, being more fun to drive and finished like a more expensive German sedan.
Our last tested Golf had a 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo -- a punchy powertrain that delivered 28 mpg overall. As off 2019, the 1.8 was replaced by a 147-hp 1.4-liter turbo, mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. We tested the 1.4 and eight-speed auto in the current Jetta, which went from zero to 60 mph in nine seconds, and returned an excellent at 34 mpg overall.
Inside, you'll find soft-touch materials, quality components, and comfortable, supportive seats. The infotainment system uses simple graphics and menus that make it easy to learn. Other controls are also simple to use.
The accommodating rear seat has room for two adults to fit without complaint. And when nobody is sitting back there, the folding rear seats and hatchback design add cargo-toting versatility.
The sportier GTI version gets much attention for its handling, but the regular Golf is no slouch. It tackles corners with gusto, proving both capable and composed on the track. And just as important, the suspension delivers a more supple ride than most small cars and even some midsized sedans. Meanwhile, the cabin stays commendably quiet.
While all these virtues help set the Golf apart from the crowd, so does its price. Its nearly $24,000 starting point may seem higher than most alternatives, that price includes a very well finished interior, heated seats and a few other nice tidbits.
If car buying were purely a rational process, a car like the Golf would be the only one most people would need. If you're already considering something in the category, it's worth a hard look. Especially if you think of it not so much as an economy model, but a premium car in a small package.