2013 Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf remains the hatchback of choice for buyers demanding German engineering coupled with benchmark levels of quality, safety, style and refinement.

For 2013, Golf continues to be offered in both two and four-door models with a choice of 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine or the 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel that offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 42 mpg on the highway.

The Golf's simple, minimalistic lines are in stark contrast to many of its over-stylized rivals. The front-end design uses strong horizontal lines such as the wide, double-bar grille and front bumper airdam vanes-to visually lower and widen the car's stance. In profile, a crisp, sharp crease runs the entire length of the Golf, adding visual movement to the car, while pronounced wheel arches add visual muscle. Black window trim and the absence of side moldings are in keeping with this clean-cut look.

One of the hallmarks of the 2013 Golf is its exceptionally well-crafted interior that continues to set the quality benchmark in its class.

The 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on the Golf 2.5L two-door, while a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and Sport mode is standard on the four-door.

Volkswagen's highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel produces 140 horsepower and an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque. Standard is a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The TDI is also available with the highly acclaimed six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Responsive, driver-focused handling is the hallmark of every Volkswagen Golf. And much of this is down to the car's German-engineered suspension which provides exceptional balance and fun-to-drive agility.