DRIVEN + VIDEO: Does Volkswagen's Golf Have What It Takes To Lead The Compact Car Class?

Small cars have come back in a big way. Since the summer of 2008 oil crisis when we saw crude oil shoot up, the gas market has seen an unbreakable price increase that continues to flare up when Middle East tensions rise.

Obviously this lead to major automakers getting hurt if their products weren't fuel sippers. And voila(!) within five years we've seen a paradigm shift. Diesels are back, hybrids are everywhere and full-on electrics are gaining significant traction in the market.

But, of course, tried-and-true classics like the Volkswagen Golf still exist. Now in its seventh generation, it's theoretically better than ever.

So when Consumer Reports recently got behind the wheel to provide some early first impressions, we were intrigued about what they had to say, especially given the compact car market's HOT competition.

Check out the clip below...

Now in its seventh generation, the Volkswagen Golf grows a bit and gets new diesel and gasoline engines. This upscale hatchback remains refined, fun-to-drive, and versatile.

MattDarringer - 11/29/2013 10:30:49 AM

+1 Boost

VWs are fun to drive, but they are far from the most rational choice from the buyer's perspective.

The real challenges of the new Golf are targeting (1) price control and (2) reliability. I'd have given it much more striking styling instead of the mired in 1975 look that all Golfs seem stuck with. The Focus and Elantra hatchback are simply a lot better looking.

VW still has not learned price control. Sure, the base prices of the Jetta and Passat seem to be in the hunt, but when comparably equipped both are a couple thousand more expensive than the more reliable competition. VW still does not grasp that their products need to have Toyota or Hyundai level quality and reliability. Things cannot fall off in the interior. Drivers do not want to visit the dealer for a myriad of issues under warranty, but that is pretty typical of VW ownership. VW is also quietly replacing DSG transmissions that fail "too soon" so as to avoid an embarrassing recall.

People buy VWs because they are an excellent drive, but only die hards come back. My wife suffered through two Jettas (an '05 and an '11) both were excellent to drive and both were constantly in the service bay for one minor issue after another. Her Kia Optima SXL that she replaced the '11 with has better build quality, excellent fit and finish, and ZERO issues. If she could get a Jetta GLI that was as good, she would have one. For now, she prefers her Kia by far.