A diesel-powered Golf TDI is also available and is priced from $22,815 for the three-door, also including the $820 destination charge. This model gets a 2.0-liter diesel engine, which is also turbocharged and direct-injected and delivers 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. This is the most fuel efficient 2015 Golf, averaging 35 mpg combined.
For performance fans there is the GTI (preview drive report), which we previously reported to be priced from $25,215 including the $820 destination charge. It comes with a 2.0-liter TSI, which delivers 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. For a little extra bump in output, VW offers a Performance Package for the GTI, which boosts power by 10 extra horses and adds an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential.
Note, all 2015 Golf models are equipped with VW’s XDS Cross Differential System—a feature previously only seen on the performance-oriented GTI model. This technology acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to reduce understeer.
The 2015 Golf hits showrooms this August. The GTI, meanwhile, should be available as early as next month. Sadly, the high-performance Golf R (preview drive report) isn’t due until the first quarter of 2015. Other Golf variants in the planning include the all-electric e-Golf due in the fourth quarter of this year as well as the Golf SportWagen due in early 2015, with the latter coming in both TSI and TDI flavors. Sadly, the U.S. is likely to miss out on the Golf R SportWagen still in the works.
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