Through some unforeseen circumstances, I had an opportunity to drive a 2011 VW Golf for about a week. Having never owned a (running) German car, I've always been impressed with their solidity, refinement, and understated luxury and comfort. The base Golf allows one to access these German car attributes for a reasonable cost and with hatchback practicality. Here is my analysis through my senses.
Sight
Certainly the best looking Golf has to be the 1974 MKI designed by Giorgetto Guigiaro. And the MKV and MKVI certainly have a sporty muscular vibe. However, the base MKVI designed by Walter de'Silva has a very clean, understated look that I prefer. It is simple and seems to have a little more sharpness compared to a more rounded MKV. Like a typical base car, the Golf comes with steel wheels and wheel covers. I would probably take the covers off or find something classic to cover the steelies.
Hearing
The Golf has good sound isolation from road noise as appropriate for a solid, comfortable German car. It is quite peaceful to drive. I didn't hammer the engine so I didn't notice any intrusive intake, engine, or exhaust sounds. Yes there is a radio although I prefer my radios always off while driving.
Taste
Go ahead and order a Happy Meal from the drive through. The Golf is an automatic so you will have one hand available to eat while driving. The softer comfortable suspension insures that your drink goes in your mouth and not in your lap.
Smell
Having only 1000 miles on the odo, the new car smell pervades the cabin. I attempted to subvert this offgassing plastic scent with multiple meals of chili and swimming laps in chlorinated pools...to no avail.
At 31 mpg highway using 87 octane, you will also spend less time sniffing gas fumes at the pump and more time smelling the dollar bills sitting in your wallet (you know where they have been, right?). Golfs are typically the more reliable of VW's so hopefully you won't be smelling the burnt coffee at the dealership too often.
Touch
The seats are comfortable and highly adjustable for a good fit. I prefer the traditional manual VW seat angle adjustment using a rotary knob rather than this lever switch operating an electric motor. The bolsters are correctly sized to support lateral movement, feeling snug but not getting in the way. Sitting in the Golf seats felt like a perfect little hug.
The gear selector knob feels good in the hand, perhaps better shaped than the GTI? Unfortunately the steering wheel is a problem for me. It feels too plasticky hard. It could be softer and preferably leather / synthetic leather-wrapped.
Balance and Acceleration
The 2.5 L Five cylinder engine accelerates this car perfectly fine. And 170 hp and 177 torque SHOULD be adequate except for two things: 1) There is a small dead spot in the accelerator pedal which makes the car feel hesitant upon initial acceleration (drive by wire?). 2) If one has driven the 200hp GTI this seems rather tame. However, it is really enough.
The 15 in wheels and tires are more appropriately sized than the huge 18" with rubber band tires you get with the GTI. It allows more comfort and isolation from the road.
The steering is not high in feel but is pretty precise. The solidity of the chassis makes this car feel rather stable.
Well...
So overall the 2011 Golf gives me a sense of comfort, calm, stability, refinement and solidity. It's not a car that inspires you to drive it like it's on fire, but when you do it will still be fun.
