2013 Volkswagen Golf vs. Its Competition
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The 2013 Volkswagen Golf has a look and feel that won't be all that surprising to anyone who's ever owned (or even test-driven) a Golf before.
And provided you skip past the base five-cylinder engine, it's an enjoyable, sophisticated small car with impressive fuel-efficiency.
The problem comes when you start to figure in price, as in either TDI or GTI guise the Golf starts near the $25k mark, or reaches $30k well-equipped.
The Ford Focus is TCC's Best Car To Buy for 2012, and the combination of crisp handling treads on VW territory, and its MyFord Touch controls set the pace for the class, though they're complex to use, but Ford's pricing stands as a much better deal.
The Mazda3 now gets 40-mpg highway gas mileage ratings, and it's kept its pert, friendly handling even through its weight-cutting crash diet.
The Kia Forte and Soul share underpinnings, and whether it's the five-door hatchback or tall wagon, either have as much interior space as the Golf, with marked improvement in quality from last-gen Kias.
The Subaru Impreza includes all-wheel drive and has a lower price, although its interior just isn't up to the same standards as those of the Golf.
 2013 Volkswagen GolfGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Ford FocusGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Kia SoulGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Kia ForteGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Subaru ImprezaGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Mazda MAZDA3Get FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
The 2013 Volkswagen Golf masterfully balances frisky performance, fuel-efficiency, and refinement in its GTI and even TDI editions, but as such it's priced as a premium model. | Whether or not you consider the exciting new ST performance model, the 2013 Ford Focus lineup is evidence that small cars don't have to feel so appliance-like. | The 2013 Kia Soul is both soulful and sensible--a distinctive, roomy, fun to drive alternative to staid small sedans or utility vehicles. | It's a family affair: the Kia Forte lineup is more comfortable, more eager, and better finished than ever, and a step up from what its sticker price might suggest. | The 2013 Impreza retains the Subaru hallmarks of standard all-wheel drive, practicality, and durability, while packing in more features for the money—and it looks good doing it. | With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $18,095 | $16,200 | $14,400 | $15,400 | $17,895 | $15,200 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I5 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Compact | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2-Door HB Man PZEV | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door Wagon Man Base | 4-Door Sedan Man LX | 4-Door Man 2.0i | 4-Door Sedan Man i SV |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 2 Door HB | Sedan | 5 Door Wagon | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
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