Her and His Reviews
April 15, 2010
2010 Volkswagen Golf
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Chuck Kerber, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| Anne | Chuck |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $19,340 as tested | $19, 340 as tested |
| Performance | |
| 2.5 liter vehicle with 177 lbs of torque and 177 horsepower
Quick to maneuver and nimble. Anti-lock Braking System 15"steel wheels with all season tires Independent front and rear suspension Electro-mecahnical Power Steering for easier maneuverability |
2.5 Liter 170 Horsepower, 177 Ft. Lbs. or Torque, in-line 5-cylinder engine
Electro-mechanical Power Steering Independent Front and Rear Suspension |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 23 city miles/30 highway miles | 23 MPG City, 30 MPG Highway |
| The Car | |
| Coming off the Detroit Auto Show n January, this test drive was highly anticipated by our team. While the car is nimble and gets an overall nod, there were certain attributes that were confusing from this Volkswagen.
Back seat - this customer has to know the comfort and space is not paramount. What the deal with the hatchback door? Did I need an MBA degree to open? No, but do need to read the owner's manual. The last item of frustration was getting the front seats to go forward enough to get all my goodies from Best Buy in and out of the car. Nothing user-friendly about this. Cup holders are adequate in count 60/40 split folding rear seats |
Slightly redesigned for 2010, the new Golf screams mediocrity. Small modifications have been made to the shell of the car, front and rear. The style improvements make for a more round, softer design.
The car drives well, but lacks power at lower RPMs. Steering and handling are good, but lack refinement and sportiness. The 6-Speed Automatic Triptronic Transmission provides sportiness and added control. The instrument panel is basic, and easy to navigate. A few points of contention: First, the seatbelt is positioned far behind the seat. Prepare on wrenching yourself 180 degrees to put your belt on, very frustrating. Also, the gas pedal and brake are situated too close to each other. My foot engaged the brake and gas pedal simultaneously. Rear seating isn't cramped, but also is not designed for anyone over 5'8". |
| Safety | |
| Front seat side Air Bags
Rear seat Side Air Bags are unavailable Remote keyless locking device Tire Pressure Monitoring System Daytime Running Lights Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children 3 point Safety Belts on all Seatings Electronic Stabilization Program Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) |
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) Front and Rear Power Assisted Brakes Daytime Running Lights 3-Point Safety Belts on all Seating Positions Side Protection Door Beams Tire Pressure Monitoring System |
| Technology | |
| Power, heated mirrors good for getting the spring thaws removed
Anti-theft alarm In dash CD player and MP3 capability Trip computer and compass with outside temperature reading |
Power, heated outside mirrors
Multi-function trip computer and compass with outside temperature display Daytime Running Lights Tire Pressure Monitoring System Remote Keyless Locking System In-dash single CD player with MP3 format compatibility Auxiliary input jack for I-Pod |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| The overall look of the vehicle is just what it needs to be - universal in design and appeal, but where oh where is that VW sassiness?
The console and instrument panel is simple and clean The dark interior gets scuffed and dirties easily. The 'glide device' that allows the front seats to move up and back was completely exposed, leaving a most unfinished, industrial look. |
This is an unremarkable car aesthetically. It looks "nice" but isn't noticeable in any regard. The lines are spongy, lacking the aggressiveness that a consumer may be looking for in this particular car segment.
The inside echoes much of the same; nothing to write home about. Although the instrumentation is easy to understand, nothing stands out technologically, or style-wise. The awkward positioning of the gas/brake pedals as well as seat belts makes one pause for serious concern. |
| Warranty | |
| 3 years/36,000 miles
Power train is 5 years/60,000 24 Hour Roadside Assistance for 3 years/36,000 miles |
3 years, 36,000 miles whichever comes first
Powertrain Limited Warranty 5 years, 60,000 miles whichever comes first. |
| Non-tangibles / Other | |
| Made in Germany | The 2010 Golf by Volkswagen is an ordinary car with average styling, handling and appeal. The new Golf will be competing with the Nissan Altima, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. In order to compete in this important segment of the auto industry, Volkswagen is going to need to make significant improvements with the design and technological aspects of this car. |
