Now that I've set a few thousand miles to the odometer, I thought I'd write down some ideas and impressions of my recently bought 2011 Golf TDI (turbo diesel injection).

Before I begin, here's some background info. Many months back, I narrowed my car search for the 2010 - Golf TDI and 11 VW GTI, new or used. Both vehicles cost about the same and share the same fundamental hatchback arrangement, but vary considerably in emphasis. The petrol-powered GTI is significantly "sportier" and fashionable, while the Golf TDI is subdued and dedicated to fuel-economy. Excluding the winter package in 2011, they include basically the same common functions including Bluetooth, XM/Sirius capacity, iPod/iPhone connector, and steeringmounted radio controls.

Ultimately, I picked the TDI since it was priced well below bill, and I thought I'd value the TDI's fuel economy over the GTI's functionality. Making the investigation challenging was the undeniable fact which I needed 4-doors, a stick shift, and xenon headlights in the choices listing.
Two add-ons were also bought: Volkswagen's roof-rack (with aftermarket, single forkmounted bicycle rack) and Monster rubber floor mats. Click "read more" for many graphics.

After driving the first couple of hundred miles back to FL and leaving the dealer in Langhorne, PA, my father and I encountered several problems. First, we discovered the automobile is exceptionally simple to stall because the motor shuts down at a comparatively unforgiving 600 RPM. Besides these problems, everything else operated flawlessly or surpassed
Volkswagen's trip computer is a fine instrument to get. It computes fuel consumption for the immediate, short-term (mechanically the vehicle is switched off for 2 hours), and resets following longterm (manually reset). In the very first few days of driving, fuel consumption hovered around 39 miles-per gallon (MPG) on the freeway, but was considerably hampered by greater friction within the motor (because it was new) and also the break-in directions suggesting against driving at constant speeds for the very first 500 miles. Because getting back, there's been a noticeable fall in gas usage. Moreover, fuel consumption should continue to enhance by a number of MPG's while the motor completes nearly all its break-in after 5,000 miles.
long to recognize it lowered gasoline usage by almost 10 MPG in combined driving (it now sits within the garage without being used).

Like I mentioned, I had been hard-pressed to discover even the faintest scent (let alone black smoke) from the exhaust, even after cold starts. The sound and energy delivery will be the sole indicators you're even driving a diesel. The normal "clatter" sound is perceptible but drastically muted, and vibrations are but removed from the cottage. If you're listening for this, you'll hear the rumble of the motor and "whooshing"
Seems in the intake and turbo whenever you step in the fuel. Like many German autos, the ride is quite secure and fairly smooth and planted whatsoever speeds. Its lowish curb weight of just a little over 3,000-lbs also creates zippy cornering. Steering is exceptionally light and demands little effort from the driver, but still feels very exact. The 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces merely 140-hp at 4,200 RPM, however a wholesome (though temporary) 236 foot-lbs of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 RPM. Having ample torque is great since the automobile never feels over-loaded while transporting passengers
and freight. Away from narrow energy band, with or without passengers, speedup is not quite enthusiastic or snappy. The vehicle also requires a second or two while the turbo spools up to construct power (known lag). turbo as.

Generally Speaking, I've been quite pleased with the Golf TDI.
can compete on cost and practicality, few can match its blend of quality, fuel-economy, and interesting element. For me, it's 1 of the greatest valued vehicles for sale.