2015 Volkswagen Golf proves to be fun and civilized

For several years now, the Volkswagen Golf has been one of the most impressive small cars on the market. It was well-made, agile, fun to drive, and reliable. The all-new 2015 Golf could be the best to date, based on the initial experience with the model we bought for testing.

We paid $25,315 for a well-equipped, midtrim SE version. That's a lot of money for a compact-class hatchback, but this is no ordinary econobox: It's a well-thought-out premium car that happens to come in a small package. 

First impressions

Although car buffs have been hyping the wonders of the Golf's pocket-rocket version, the GTI, the regular Golf is no slouch. It tackles corners with gusto, proving capable and composed. Just as important, the suspension delivers more supple, comfortable ride than most small cars and even some midsized sedans. Meanwhile, the cabin stays commendably quiet, with a mature ambience that sets this car apart from the crowd. (Watch Consumer Reports' auto engineers discuss the GTI on "Talking Cars.")

If we had one major beef about the last-generation Golf, it was the coarse and gruff-sounding 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. But now all Golfs come with the new 170-hp, 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder, same as the base engine in the midsized Passat, and it's punchier and more refined than the old powerplant.

We chose the six-speed automatic transmission, as will most buyers. This gearbox works well enough, but it isn't as slick and seamless as the best six-speeds out there. So far we've been averaging 30 mpg—a big improvement over the last generation.

Inside, you'll find soft-touch trim materials, quality switchgear, and comfortable seats that provide good support. The infotainment touch screen's menu structure is easy to figure out, and it and the various hard-key controls are conveniently placed.

You don't get an automatic climate system or fully powered seats in the SE, which is a bit disappointing given the hefty purchase price. But it is equipped with heated seats, a rearview camera, sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, paddle shifters, and other goodies.

Another notable improvement in the 2015 Golf is its more-accommodating rear seat. It may not be best in class, but there's ample head room and enough leg room that a couple of adults can sit there with dignity. And as with most hatchbacks, folding down the rear seatbacks creates a very respectable cargo bay. One neat detail: The rear camera is hidden in the VW logo in the back that also serves as the hatch release.

Americans have never taken to hatchbacks with the enthusiasm that Europeans have, but if cold rationality ruled, a car like the Golf would be the one most people would need. It's fun to drive, easy to park, beautifully finished, and gets good fuel economy. The Golf's sedan cousin, the VW Jetta, is destined to outsell the Golf by an order of magnitude, but if you want the versatility and convenience of a hatchback, and one that rides like a good midsized car, our early impressions suggest that the enjoyable Golf is worth a close look

—Gabe Shenhar