2010 Volkswagen Golf

NEW FOR 2010:

- All-new model replaces Rabbit

- New wagon and GTI models

- Roadside Assistance is now 4 years/80,000 km instead of 4 years/unlimited mileage

An all-new model for 2010, the Volkswagen Golf replaces the 2009 Rabbit, returning to the name the company originally used for this compact model. There is also a Golf Wagon, which takes the place of the Jetta Wagon introduced for 2009 in the company's lineup, and a performance GTI variation, covered in a separate entry.

The Golf comes as a hatchback, in two- or four-door configuration (which the company calls three- and five-door), and as a four-door wagon. The two-door comes with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder gasoline engine, while the four-door and wagon use the 2.5-litre or a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel (TDI) engine. The 2.5-litre mates to a five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic, while the diesel uses a six-speed manual or optional six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). Both automatic transmissions include manual shift mode.

The two-door Golf comes in Trendline and Sportline trim. The four-door Golf is available with the 2.5-litre in Trendline trim, and with the 2.5-litre or TDI in Comfortline and Highline trim. The wagon comes with the 2.5-litre in Trendline trim, with the 2.5-litre or TDI in Comfortline trim, and with the diesel only in Highline trim.

Features on the two-door Trendline include 15-inch steel wheels, manual climate control, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, black window surrounds, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, anti-theft alarm, cruise control, keyless entry, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, active front head restraints, eight-way manually-adjustable cloth seats, easy-entry rear access system, 60/40 split-folding rear seat with centre armrest and pass-through, locking glovebox, and auto up/down windows.

The two-door Sportline adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, power sunroof, heated washer nozzles, front and rear floor mats, premium six-CD/MP3 stereo, Sirius satellite radio, heated seats, leather-wrapped wheel, sport suspension, electronic stability control, and hydraulic brake assist.

Features on the four-door Trendline include 15-inch steel wheels, manual climate control, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, black window surrounds, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, anti-theft alarm, cruise control, illuminated glovebox and cargo area, keyless entry, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, eight-way manual cloth seats with driver's power recline, 60/40 split-folding rear seat with centre armrest and pass-through, and auto up/down windows. The Trendline wagon model includes 16-inch steel wheels, black roof rails, and cargo cover.

The four-door Comfortline adds 16-inch alloy wheels, heated washer nozzles, front and rear floor mats, heated seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The TDI also adds fog lights.

The four-door Highline adds fog lights, power sunroof, six-CD/MP3 stereo, Sirius satellite radio, iPod interface, rear side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, electronic stability control, and hydraulic brake assist. The Highline wagon model also includes multifunction trip computer.