The Volkswagen Golf turned a notable double play recently, when two variants of VW’s popular subcompact—the high-performance GTI and the high-efficiency TDI—shared a place on Automobile Magazine’s 2012 All-Star list. It was the sixth All-Star award for the former—including two overall Automobile of the Year honors—and the first for the latter, with each boasting its own unique resume of advantages.
“As always, we love the punch and growl of [the GTI’s] 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, its tossable yet poised suspension, and its Audi-quality interior,” said David Zenlea, writing for Automobile Magazine. “The Golf TDI earns mention here for sharing much of the GTI’s appeal while achieving a politically correct 42-mpg EPA rating on the highway. … [Its] engaging to drive and uncommonly refined, especially when paired with the optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic.”
For 2012, the GTI adds to its appeal even further, with a new “Convenience and Sunroof” configuration that is available for both two- and four-door models. This new model fits between the entry GTI and the GTI with “Sunroof and Navigation,” and groups together some of the car’s top stand-alone options, including a power tilt/slide sunroof, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, and VW’s Premium VII touchscreen audio system. The MSRP? Just $25,945 for the two-door GTI and $26,545 for the four-door.
The TDI remains relatively unchanged for the new model year, although it has added another piece of hardware to its trophy case. Thanks to its stellar fuel economy, which includes marks of 30 mpg city/34 mpg combined to go with its aforementioned 42-mpg highway rating, the TDI was named among the Top 10 Green Cars of 2011 by Kelly Blue Book’s KBB.com website. And remember, those top-notch EPA ratings are the same regardless of whether the TDI is using a standard six-speed manual transmission or Volkswagen’s oft-honored six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
“We’re thrilled to be honored by Automobile Magazine,” said Tim Mahoney, Volkswagen executive vice president and chief product and marketing officer. “Volkswagen is committed to making German engineering accessible to the American consumer, and being a part of the All-Star list for yet another year underscores that we’re succeeding in our efforts.”
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