2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI

The 2012 Golf is Volkswagen's compact hatchback, the one that gives you a bit more space and a more planted feel than the smaller Polo. It's a genuinely fun car to drive, with sharp steering and a chassis that feels eager through corners, though the ride is on the firmer side. Inside, the Golf feels more upscale than its price suggests, with a clean dashboard and comfortable seats that hold you well. The hatchback body makes it surprisingly practical, with a decent cargo area and rear seats that fold down for bigger loads. The TDI is the diesel version of the Golf, giving you a big jump in fuel economy over the gas models while keeping the same hatchback practicality. Its 2.0L I4 makes 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, and with the six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive it's a relaxed cruiser that returns 34 mpg combined.