Like it or not, most everything comes at the expense of something else. Want that new house with a pool? You may just have to sign over Junior’s college fund. But when it comes to a stylish car that’s powerful, fun, roomy, refined and affordable? Well, in that case you’re in luck. You won’t have to sacrifice a thing.

That’s because the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is on its way. And in addition to updated styling and refinements inside and out, a clean diesel Golf TDI model will be available, providing a new alternative for shoppers craving efficiency*, low emissions, and unrivaled value all in one attractive package.

Clean Diesel Technology
TDI. That’s Volkswagen’s name for its turbocharged, direct injection diesel engine technology, which allows the Golf TDI to achieve an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway*. Efficient diesels have been around for ages, but thanks to the U.S.’s adoption of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel and an advanced emissions system, VW’s TDI Clean Diesel models have up to 95% fewer sooty emissions than a traditional diesel engine. And unlike its non-diesel competitors, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI also delivers 236 lbs.-ft. of earth-moving torque.

Clean German Design
Sitting nearly an inch wider and just a smidge shorter, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf has a footprint almost identical to the outgoing VW Rabbit. Similar dimensions aside, the new Golf sports a more luxurious, precise style by comparison, with sleek headlight and taillight treatments outside and even more quality materials fitted to the tasteful interior.

Comfort and Convenience
Perhaps Volkswagen just doesn’t know how to build a poorly-equipped vehicle. That’s the impression you’ll likely get after viewing the new Golf’s list of standard equipment, which includes everything from air conditioning to sport seats with height and lumbar adjustments. The Golf TDI kicks things into overdrive with a standard touch screen audio system and a sport-tuned suspension. Every Golf addresses safety with six airbags**, a tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and ESP stabilization control. Options include a power moonroof, a Cold Weather Package, navigation system, and more.

Value Beyond Fuel Economy
Volkswagen has gained a reputation for building some of the most upscale, refined interiors in the business. Things get even better in the 2010 Volkswagen Golf, as Car and Driver’s Erik Johnson suggests that “the quality and design of the Golf VI’s interior is far and away better than the cabin of the previous-gen car, and that wasn’t a hobo tent or anything.” We’re not exactly sure what a hobo tent is, but we think that’s a compliment.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but shoppers can expect the Golf TDI to start in the low $20,000s***. Fuel economy figures will also mirror the clean diesel Jetta, with both vehicles achieving an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway*. Finally, the Golf TDI will be backed by three years or 36,000 miles of Carefree Maintenance† and may qualify for a federal tax credit.††

Awards and Accolades
2009 World Car of the Year
TDI engine ranked among Ward’s 10 Best Engines (2009)
Most Efficient Hatchback (based on EPA fuel economy data, 2010)
IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2009 model year)

Behind the Wheel
Folks interested in a test drive of the ’10 Golf will need to wait until later this year, and that includes members of the automotive press. However, a few journalists were able to get seat time in a European-spec Golf, and here’s what they had to say:

“We appreciated the TDI’s eagerness to rev and punchiness off the line, especially in the clogged and narrow Roman and Florentine streets we drove during our test.” – Erik Johnson, Car and Driver

“VW was one of the first automakers to really get electric power steering right in the current (Rabbit) Golf, but the steering ratio in our new Golf felt like it’s been quickened a bit, and the thick steering wheel felt just right (and a lot like the new one in the new Audi A4), and the car felt more tossable and responsive.” – Bengt Halvorson, TheCarConnection.com

Third-Party Video Preview
Until the aforementioned reviews hit the ‘Net, get an unbiased opinion of the Rabbit’s successor by checking out Kelley Blue Book’s video preview.

*EPA estimates; your mileage will vary.
***Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.
***MSRP not yet announced.
†The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first on all 2010 or newer models. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. The Touareg TDI program covers the vehicle’s 5k, 15k, 25k and 35k AdBlue refills. The Routan program covers 6k, 12k, 18k, 24k, 30k and 36k scheduled maintenance. Does not include routine wear and tear on parts such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details.
††$1,300 tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI with manual transmission. $1,700 tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI with automatic transmission. Available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.