2010 Volkswagen Golf

What's new about the 2010 Volkswagen Golf? VW dumps the Rabbit name and returns to Golf for this sixth-generation version of its front-wheel-drive compact hatchback. The basic platform is unchanged, but styling evolves and interior design and materials improve, The 2010 Golf comes only as a four-door hatchback with a five-cylinder engine of around 170 horsepower and a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel of around 140.

Should I Consider It? Yes. No affordably priced compact car is classier. Golf furnishes a genuine German driving manner, and the plucky turbodiesel gets over 40 mpg on the highway.

2010 Volkswagen Golf Release Date: October 2009

BASE PRICE: $16,800 (estimated)