Old school power
A two-litre four cylinder engine powers the City Golf's front wheels and comes hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with a manual mode. It isn't Volkswagen's smoothest or quietest engine to be sure, though it's eager and peppy for only 115 ponies.

At 115 hp this engine is no monster machine, but it has proven its reliability over the years.

The six-speed auto-box was partly responsible, putting the engine into its power range quickly when some kick for acceleration or passing is requested. This transmission makes the little engine feel more mighty than it really is, and can increase mileage too. On my watch, consumption averaged about 9 L / 100km in combined highway and city driving.

A sharp looker
The Canada-only City Golf's styling has been updated since its introduction last year, and the new facelift sees a more angular and dynamic look from front and rear. A more confident and menacing character is apparent, and the rear uses large and exaggerated tail lamps as a nod toward other VW wagons and the new Rabbit.

Flared fenders, 16" wheels and pair of parallel backward-swept lines at the rear of the car subtly suggest a hint of sporty performance. It's definitely one of the sharpest looking machines for the price.

Out in the City
With great visibility and a dizzying turning radius, zipping around campus, parking lots and busy side streets with ease poses no problem. On a highway road-trip, City Golf feels secure and well planted at healthy speeds, even when battered by nasty winds. It fights hard to maintain a great ride in all conditions, and usually succeeds.

The steering has a great feel on the highway too, and the use of a traditional steering setup instead of a new-age electrical system was welcomed. It is a little too heavy and eager to spring back to centre when making low-speed moves, however.

Getting One?
You'll probably cross-shop City Golf with the Dodge Caliber based on price and equipment. Despite the Caliber's larger size, you'll find the Golf's interior more presentable and comfortable to use. It's also constructed using considerably less textured plastic paneling.

For around the same price, Caliber offers an exceptional list of features and about 30 more horsepower. It offers more size for the money, though it's not as fun to drive.

Ultimately, City Golf is a machine that works hard for your money, while delivering a more upper scale feeling than most in the process. It's a fantastic first car, second car or student car, being safe, economical and flexible.

Qualified graduate buyers can take advantage of an incentive program that cuts $500 from the lease or finance price too. And you thought you couldn't afford a German car.


Feels well made, for the price
Solid and planted ride
Sharp Looks



Cramped rear seats
Steering too heavy at times



None


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard