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2010 VW Golf TDI hatchback FAQ, forum, and buying checklist
with dealer invoice price, MSRP, options, and video reviews

For the 2009-2010 VW Jetta TDI wagon or sedan, please see 1000q: 2009-2010 Jetta TDI buying checklist because it's slightly different.  For the 2010 Audi A3 TDI, see 1000q: Audi A3 TDI buying checklist.  For an overview of tax credits and exemptions with the Golf TDI, see 1000q: Tax credits and exemptions with the TDI .

Recent updates as of 2/6/2010, prices updated, note about DPF operation added, suspension blocker warning added, article cleaned up with updated info

Introduction

This article shows the most up to date invoice pricing, available options, and other misc info specific to the 2010 Golf TDI hatchback.  Because there are many other diesel VW models and trims available in Europe and Asia, this article is written with a focus on the North American market and the TDI.  Canadian differences are noted.  The 2009-2010 Jetta TDI is in the separate link above because it still uses the mk5 (5th generation) body.

The basics
The 2010 Golf TDI is the most luxurious, safest, and most powerful Golf TDI that VW has offered.  It was chosen as World Car of the Year at the New York auto show 2009.  They are 50 state emissions legal and available in Canada.  However, the added weight and features slightly decrease fuel economy compared to earlier TDI.  Although the 2010 Golf TDI gets the all new mk6 body, the engine/transmission are shared with the Jetta TDI.  The chassis, suspension, and most interior/exterior panels are new vs. the mk5 Golf/Rabbit.  See 1000q: 2009-2010 mk5 Jetta vs. mk6 Golf updates for a detailed list of differences between the Golf and Jetta for 2010.  In the past Jetta and Golf were almost identical except for different bumpers and a trunk.  Starting with the 2010 Golf, the Golf no longer shares the same exact body with the Jetta (many parts are still interchangeable).

The only TDI wagon available as a new car is the 2009 and 2010 sportwagen (this is the correct spelling of the station wagon model).  There are Passat wagons but they aren't available in the North American market with the TDI engine.

The dealer can "order" as many cars as they want but they are only allocated a certain number of TDI to sell.  This is why some dealers won't accept orders/deposits - they already have more orders than they are allocated and enough to cover buyers who back out of the sale. However, if you're standing there with cash and willing to pay their price, some dealers will accommodate you, others stick to their lists. If there is some delivery delay like "sorry, the car fell off the transport truck and we'll get you a replacement in 3 months", ask the salesperson for a inventory commission number and VIN.  Knowing this information will help keep the dealer honest and prevent delays from having your car sold to someone else.

I estimate that the full federal income tax credit amount will end June 2010, see the link at the top or here: 1000q: Tax credits and exemptions with the TDI for details.

Make sure to tell all drivers of your car to only put diesel in the fuel tank!  If you accidentally put gasoline in it, immediately stop and tow it to a mechanic!

The TDI costs about $4300 more than the 2.5L gas engine base Golf because of additional trim level features and the engine.  The TDI also has a $1300-1700 income tax credit.  In CT and any other area (see tax info below for qualifications) with a sales tax exemption for high mileage cars, you could save about $1400 in sales tax.  This makes the TDI premium as low as $2000 vs the 2.5L Golf.  The higher price also includes bluetooth, touchscreen 6cd changer radio, foglights, leather multifunction steering wheel, and more.  Of note is that the Golf and Jetta TDI cost about the same.  Other than the body style, the Golf gets the new mk6 chassis and sport suspension.  The Jetta gets standard cold weather package and leatherette interior.

Official invoice price and MSRP pricing for 2010 Golf TDI Add $750 destination to car price (mandatory) (prices for US only)

Foglights, ipod connector, leather MFSW steering wheel/parking brake handle, bluetooth, and floormats are standard on 2010 VW Golf TDI.  

EPA fuel economy rating for the 2010 Golf TDI is 30 city, 41 highway(manual)/42 highway (DSG transmission).  This is the same as the Jetta TDI for 2010.  This is slightly better than the 2009 VW TDI EPA rating but nothing has changed on the cars so it's unknown why the fuel economy is different.  I believe that this is a low estimate, especially since the automatic DSG transmission is rated higher highway than manual.  Real world fuel economy is typically better with manual.  The Jetta TDI is getting high 30s, low 40s average mpg per tank and the Golf TDI is 100-200 lbs lighter with the same engine.  Manual transmission TDI also weigh less than DSG transmission.  My best conservative guess of real world fuel economy with the Golf TDI is about 40 mpg per tank, assuming the average driver and after engine break in.  Expect fuel economy to increase after engine break in by 10-15%.  Diesels take longer to break in and because of their high fuel economy, see a greater fuel difference after engine break in.  

Below is a table comparing MSRP of the various VW  TDI models with the 2010 Audi A3 TDI.  The MSRP of the Audi includes the $825 destination fee.  The Golf is offered in 2 door and the others have manual transmission option so to make the comparison even, all VW MSRP are 2010 models, 4 door, DSG transmission with $750 VW destination fee included.

Why not a hybrid?
TDI are most compared to hybrids like the Prius because of fuel economy.  However, handling, highway manners, looks, and size (with the station wagon) are very different.  For more details on why a VW Jetta or VW Golf TDI is a good choice over a hybrid, see 1000q: general TDI buying guide and checklists.  If you are totally new to diesels and would like the basics on the differences from a gasoline car, see 1000q: how a diesel works.  Real world experiences since the introduction of the TDI in 1996 have shown that the EPA fuel economy ratings for TDIs tend to be lower than real world results.  Even after accounting for variation between cars, drivers, and test conditions, the best economy for TDI is highway mpg.  But diesels aren't all about the best fuel economy or lowest cost per mile!  I believe that the Jetta TDI sedan and wagon are excellent choices due to the combination of safety features, fuel economy, resale value, handling, and cost.  The best car for you is a car that matches your needs, not mine.  It comes down to your values of what you want in a car and purchasing economy.  For some more opinions, see below.  Autoweek magazine said, "For comfort, quiet and highway handling, our drivers found the TDI had significant advantages over every other car in the test. It would have been our choice, in other words, for an easy daytrip on the interstates, regardless of fuel economy. And we topped the hybrids by driving with just a little attention to fuel economy, not making it an obsession."  Ultimately, your mileage and experience may vary depending on your driving style and other factors.  If your choice of car were based solely on money, buying a well maintained, used, compact car like a Civic will cost far less in depreciation, sales tax, and lifetime fuel costs compared to buying any new car!  And if fuel economy were everything then ride a bike!  

Below is a video review of the Jetta TDI and Audi A3 TDI vs. the Insight and Prius.

Below left is a video review of the Prius vs. Jetta TDI.  When a review of the new Golf TDI vs. hybrids comes up I'll replace this - the point is to compare the engine/dynamics.  (diesel fuel is now less expensive than gas, the video was made when diesel was more expensive).
   

Golf TDI vs. Jetta sedan/wagon TDI vs. Audi A3 TDI

Why the Golf instead of the Jetta sedan or wagon (jetta wagon is called Golf wagon in Canada)?  Why not pay a little more for the Audi A3?  The biggest reason is because the Golf is all new for 2010.  It's the first VW/Audi product to use the new mk6 body.  This means that in addition to cosmetic changes, it also gets the following that are not on the 2010 Jetta sedan or station wagon:

In addition, the Golf should get roughly 5% greater fuel economy, everything else being equal.  2010 Golf TDI have optional bluetooth.  The Jetta gets 9w3 high bluetooth with outgoing call, phone book, and voice control.  Multifunction steering wheels (MFSW) to control the multifunction display and it's display (MFD+) are standard in the US.  These show temperature, mpg, distance traveled, radio settings, GPS directions, etc.  For Canada only: the MFSW is standard on highline trim only.  All Golf will have a black interior only, Jetta will have a choice of interior colors.  

The interior is also slightly different.  Below is a thumbnail, click for a large picture.  The 9w2 bluetooth is mounted on the overhead console.  If you want voice control over bluetooth and phone book functions, you have to get an aftermarket bluetooth or retrofit 9w3.  See 1000q: VW Bluetooth FAQ for more details.

Power modifications
I would wait until the warranty expires and power tuning matures for this engine before trying it on my own car.  Because of more sophisticated engine management and the totally new emissions control system, the greatest power modification available right now for the 2.0L TDI CBEA / CJAA engine is chip tuning.  VW changed the engine code for the engine but they're basically identical.  Early chip tuning is producing an estimated 160 hp and 290 lb-ft torque.

For some more perspective, here are some video reviews of the new golf vs. old rabbit/golf. 

UK review of the new Golf TDI vs older Euro market Golf TDI-----Fifth Gear Golf 6 test drive

 

Complaints and common problems with the 2010 VW Golf TDI
Some engines in the 2009 Jetta TDI occasionally hesitate or hiccup when cresting over a hill or lifting off the accelerator pedal.  So far, the best guess why this happens is because of an interference between engine and emissions tuning.  If it happens to you, please post it in the VW TDI help forum.

17 x 7.5" "porto" alloy wheels with 225/45/17 tires will be standard on US Golf TDI for 2010.  Canadian Golf  TDI come with 16" "cleveland" alloy wheels standard.  The 2009 Jetta TDI had standard 16 x 6.5" wheels, 17" optional.  Larger/wider wheels and tires will reduce fuel economy, everything else being equal.  Since the Golf is about 210 lbs lighter than the Jetta, the potential for higher fuel economy is hurt.  You can swap any 5x112 bolt pattern wheel (with correct offset) onto the car, see 1000q: wheel gallery overview to see what's available.  Also see 1000q: wheel/tire calculator to measure the difference in dimensions.

VW missed the chance for a great economy car by not certifying the 1.6L TDI European engine for North America.  Rated fuel economy is 58 mpg and people have averaged 78 mpg when trying.  I believe this is because VW is positioning the Golf as the sporty TDI and it costs money to certify/test/import engines.  A choice of engine also costs money since it requires more inventory.

The Golf TDI interior is only black cloth seats (at least in the US).  All Golf TDI interiors will be black.  *Canada only - leather is standard on highline cars.  Vinyl leatherette seating was standard in the Jetta and it's not known if the seats can swap because the Golf is an mk6 body car and the Jetta is still an mk5.

Bluetooth is standard on Jetta TDI sedans/wagons and Golf TDI in the US for 2010.  However, the Jetta sedan has optional 9w3 high bluetooth with voice control and phone book.  A similar high bluetooth is available on the 2010 Audi A3 TDI.  The Jetta wagon and Golf TDI only get 9w2 or Volk-L with outgoing call capability only.  While driving and talking is a distraction from driving, using hands free bluetooth Bluetooth is better than holding the telephone.  See 1000q: VW bluetooth FAQ for information on swapping the 9w2 low bluetooth for 9w3 high bluetooth.

ESP (electronic stability program) is standard on all US VW but optional on Canadian Golf depending on trim package.  Stability control is proven to significantly reduce accidents and increase control when swerving the car away from polar bears, so it's disappointing that it's not standard in Canada as well.

Canada only: no optional HID/xenon lights on the Golf even though they are optional on US Golf.  They get leather interior on highline cars though.

Tax credits and sales tax exemptions with the VW TDI
Make sure you read 1000q: Tax credits and exemptions with the TDI for detailed examples, official references, and full explanations, qualifications, and conditions, below is a summary.  These apply to USA only.

The 2010 VW Golf TDI manual transmission qualifies for a $1300 federal income tax credit for the US.  A credit isn't a deduction.  See the above link for detailed examples and references, here are some basic examples.  If you had $3000 in federal income tax, you would only owe $1700 after the credit.  If you would normally get a $100 refund and pay $1300 in income tax, you can still use the credit to offset your tax liability and get a $1400 refund.  It's a non refundable credit so if you owe $1000 and would have gotten $0 refund, you don't get a $300 refund.  As of 1/05/2010 VW has sold about 53,500 TDI.

The DSG transmission (auto transmission) 2010 VW Golf TDI qualifies for a $1700 federal income tax credit.

In CT, the 2010 VW Golf TDI is exempt from sales tax.  Also check for local property tax exemptions from your town.  Any tax exemptions vary by state and may expire by a certain date so please check your local laws.  The expiry of the exemption may also overlap hybrid exemptions so ignore the hybrid exemptions.  It's unlikely that the people at the DMV will know about it so print it out and take responsibility for yourself on this one.  This exemption doesn't mean you can buy a car in CT and then register it in your state, you must be a resident.  If you live in CT you can buy a car out of state and claim the exemption.  See the above linked article for more qualifications.

Options and more ordering info

2 door vs. 4 door Both 2 door and 4 door Golf TDI will be released in the US.  Canada only gets the TDI engine in the 4 door body.  Weight of a 2 door Golf is about 2994 lbs manual transmission, 3041 lbs DSG transmission.  2 and 4 door Golf are exactly the same overall length but the 2 door has longer front doors (highlighted in yellow in the overlay picture at right), the 4 door has shorter front doors (white lines).  The 4 door is actually slightly stiffer because the reinforced center pillar between the doors helps stiffen the car.  The 2 door has better side/blind spot visibility because there is no center pillar and the windows are also longer (because of longer doors).  The longer doors make it easier for the front passengers to get in but make it harder for the rear passengers.  The 4 door should weigh about 50 lbs more. Xenon HID lighting: optional on TDI - both low and high beams are xenon and this option costs only $700 MSRP.  This is a bargain since retrofitting OEM headlights with all sensors generally costs about $2000 + some work.

Color choices
US specific info: Tornado red, black, candy white, united grey metallic, reflex silver metallic, shark blue metallic, blue graphite metallic.
Canada specific info: Amaryllis red metallic, shark blue metallic, united grey metallic, deep black pearl, reflex silver metallic, blue graphite pearl, candy white

candy white - black (black pearl is Canada only)

reflex silver - shark blue metallic

tornado red (Amaryllis red metallic may be very slightly darker, Canada only) - united grey metallic

blue graphite metallic on Jetta - thumbnail of worldwide Golf colors from topher at golfgtiforum.co.uk (large file size)

US specific info:  All Volkswagen Golf TDI will sport seats and 17x7.5" porto alloy wheels.  All cars come with 3 years/36,000 miles of free maintenance in the US.  Just remember that nothing is free, this cost is shifted into the purchase price.

DSG transmission is the only "auto" transmission on TDI.  For US 2010 Golf TDI with DSG, you also get paddle shifters on the backside of the steering wheel.  Paddle shifters are not standard on Canadian cars.  Some call it tiptronic but all Golf and Jetta TDI that aren't manual transmission are DSG.  See detailed video explanations and more FAQ about DSG at 1000 answered questions: DSG FAQ.  DSG is an automatically shifting manual-like transmission.  The insides of a DSG look similar to a manual transmission and it drives like a manual transmission - but it can shift for you.  Although the DSG's fuel economy rating is higher than the manual, everything else being equal, the manual should give slightly better economy because of less weight and less parasitic losses.  The advantage of DSG are very fast shifting with no misshifts, and it's much more engaging than a normal automatic transmission.  Any difference in fuel economy between DSG and manual are will within differences in driving style.  A leadfoot will always get lower mileage regardless of transmission. 

Biodiesel in the new TDI
The 2.0L TDI CJAA and CBEA engine will run on biodiesel but VW only allows up to 5% biodiesel (B5).  VW cannot void the car warranty because you use biodiesel!  However, they could refuse a warranty claim if they believe the problem was caused by biodiesel use and you would have to fight them.  Laws vary by state but this could mean the burden of proof would be on you to prove the car has a defect that wasn't caused by the fuel.

The new TDI common rail engines and emissions systems haven't been tested long term in real world evaluations yet.  While past TDI ran excellently on high percentages of quality biodiesel, the new concern is the emissions systems and engine oil dilution.  During the particulate filter self clean cycle, the engine injects a little extra fuel after the engine combustion cycle.  This post injection regeneration fuel goes into the filters and burns up any trapped particulates.  The filters are why new TDI have very little diesel odor and clean tailpipes.  The long term effect, if any, of biodiesel is unknown.  For more basic information about biodiesel and VW, see 1000q: intro to biodiesel.

There is also some concern that some biodiesel will get into the engine oil and dilute it.  The difference with earlier TDI is the "self clean" post injection of fuel.  Petrol diesel evaporates easily out of the engine oil but biodiesel tends to accumulate.   A little biodiesel can be easily tolerated but the long term effects aren't known on the new common rail TDI engines.

Post combustion injection will also slightly lower fuel economy.  The self clean cycle depends on how clogged the particulate filter is so it's unknown how much fuel is used.  On average, the self clean cycle occurs every 4-600 miles or once/tank.

VW 9w2 Bluetooth
This is standard on VW Golf TDI.  See 1000q: VW Bluetooth FAQ for more details on features, use, and videos.  For Canada, refer to VW of Canada's spec sheet.

Delivery inspection

After leaving the dealer, tell anyone who borrows your car to pay you cash instead of fueling it up as a favor.  This is a major cause of misfueling with gasoline!   Some dealers will fill up your fuel tank as a favor, make sure they put diesel in it!  The car keys will get passed to a few people like the car washer or tech when it's in for service so it's not always the salesperson's or mechanics fault.  I suggest a note taped to the "gas cap" while it's at the dealer.

If someone does put gas in your TDI, stop as soon as practical and safe and tow it to a mechanic!  The car probably won't get very far but don't risk getting into an accident by pulling over suddenly!  

Check the pumps for the ultra low sulfur diesel (USLD) sticker.  About 99.5% of all retail pump diesel sold in the US is ultra low sulfur diesel (USLD) but you may find a rare pump that isn't.  Even if the sticker on the fuel pump doesn't say it's USLD, all major refineries in the US/Canada have been making pretty much only USLD and are required to make only USLD by 6/1/2010, so if the pump doesn't say USLD it's almost certainly USLD or diluted enough so that it shouldn't cause any serious problems.  After 12/01/10, by law, you can only find non USLD for cars in Mexico/South America.  California has been only USLD for years.

Follow the recommendations in the owner's handbook when breaking in the Golf's engine.  Most salespeople don't know anything about cars beyond what's in the sales brochure so don't listen to them.  If you need more advice and tips, read 1000q: engine break in.

Some new cars are damaged at the dealer or in transit.  It happens.  Even though the dealer should have done it, carefully inspect your new car for dents, scratches, misaligned panels, haloing or spiderwebbing of the paint (see 1000q: polishing your paint for more details and pictures), or other damage.  Examine the paint for swirl marks and other defects.  This is not acceptable on a brand new car.  Don't let the happy ether from taking delivery of a new car cause you to overlook defects or damage.  A professional detailing will remove any rail dust, sea salt/sand, or road detritus accumulated during transport.  Waxing the car will only coat over these paint impurities and seal them in.  Browse the detailing index linked above for more details.   I recommend washing, claybar, and then waxing your new car yourself.  This removes the corrosive railroad dust if they came by rail, saltwater spray/sand while sitting at the port, and road detritus during transport.  See detailing tips at 1000q: washing and wax your car , 1000q: claybar your car.

Very minor and consistent orange peel (a slight/wavy texturing of the paint surface) is considered normal.  Inconsistent minor orange peel shows a bad paint job and possibly damage cover ups.  The 2 thumbnail pictures (above right) are examples of orange peel from glossycar. com.  The red car shows very severe orange peel and the repair.  If that was my car I wouldn't accept it due to the extreme orange peel.  The blue car shows a brand new car with strong orange peel which may be considered normal by some dealers.  This can be corrected with a very light wetsanding and polish that can be done by any professional detailer.  

Don't worry about waxing your new Golf.  The factory paint is baked in ovens and have had plenty of time to cure when they were being shipped to you.  Non factory body shop paint needs to cure for at least a month before waxing because it's slightly different and can't be baked in an oven or else the interior and all the plastics on the car would melt.  High quality body shops can do a better paint job than the factory so don't worry that they don't bake the paint. 

Double check your insurance coverage and see if insurance discounts apply for safety.  For whatever reason, some insurance companies may think your car is a gasoline car.  Golf TDI have 3 sets of airbags standard and optional rear lower side airbags.  All modern VW also have immobilizer anti theft, security alarm, shoulder harness seat belts, traction control, and ESP stability control standard in USA.

Make sure the dealer removes the front suspension blockers.  These are black or orange colored rubbery bumpers that lock the front springs for shipment.  It's on the delivery checklist but the box often gets checked off even though they didn't do it.  If the front rides hard and high or you hear a noise from the front, check for the bumpers.  This is what they look like before removal (on right) and after being mangled from driving around (orange, on left) because the dealer didn't remove them.  It can dislodge the shock boot.

VW quirks and other misc stuff to know as a new owner

All 2010 VW Golf TDI use the 2.0L 140hp, 236lb-ft torque common rail TDI engine.  This engine is comparable in torque to a 6 cylinder engine in daily driving with the fuel economy of a small 4 cylinder engine.  See 1000q: direction injection, pumpe duse, and common rail for a comparison to older TDI technologies.  Common rail and emissions filtration system is state of the art for passenger car diesels and results in better emissions, more power, more economy, and a quieter, smoother engine sound than previous TDI.  Although diesel fuel prices are higher than gasoline prices, you'll still save money over the long term compared to a similar new car.  It also has less CO2 emissions per mile than the base 2.5L gasoline engine.  

After you shut off the engine or are stopped at a light: if you hear the engine fan running AND you smell something overheating at the tailpipe, this is the diesel particulate filter (DPF) burning off accumulated soot.  If the DPF doesn't get hot enough during a highway run or normal driving, it injects some fuel to burn off trapped particulates.  If you shut off the engine in the middle of a filter regeneration cycle you may notice some odor while it burns off.  It appears that it does a hot regen cycle about once every 400 miles depending on use.

It's normal for speedometers on most German cars to read slightly higher than actual speed.  This accounts for build variations like slightly different tire/wheel size and so that they don't read lower than actual speed.  The odometer reading should be correct and is a separate display from the speedometer for warranty and maintenance purposes.  Most report that the fuel economy meters are pretty accurate.  Even still, the best way to calculate fuel economy is to fill the tank all the way, drive, and then fill the tank all the way at the same exact pump.  Different pumps may shut off at slightly different points which can change your calculated fuel economy.  You can adjust the speedometer with a VCDS tool or if you complain to the dealer, they should fix it.  See 1000q: speedometer fix for more details.  It's for a mk5 but the same basic procedure may apply.

The TDI engine must get VW spec 507.00 engine oil for warranty purposes.  Because this is a new spec oil, you must order it from an online seller or the dealer.  DO NOT trust the dealer to comply with this requirement, even under their 3 years/36,000 mile free maintenance program!  Dealer techs are busy and sometimes don't know any better.  Sometimes it's just a matter of which bottle is closer.  Always check which oil will be used on your car with the exact mechanic who is changing the oil.  If there is something special about VW spec 507.00 engine oil it probably won't show up until after the warranty period has expired and you'll be stuck with the repair bill!  Until there's testing and long term evidence for use of engine oils other than 507.00 VW spec, I suggest sticking to the factory recommendation.  Don't let them tell you that another oil is OK to use because it's you who has to prove any problem down the road, not them!  Also check the receipt for the part number.  Some oils that meet this spec are Castrol SLX Professional LL03 (VW# gvw 052 195 m2), Motul specific VW 507.00, Total Quartz Ineo 5w30 507.00, and Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30.  

Here is the TSB which lists engine oils approved by VW - click to view it (scroll down to the bottom for 507.00 oils)

Black cloth sport seats are standard in the US.  Only Canadian highline trim have leather seats.  If you prefer sport bucket seats they can be swapped from a Golf GTI.  If you prefer vinyl (leatherette), they should be available from a Jetta.  No 2010 TDI is available with leather seating or power seats in the US although gas 2009 Jettas and the older 2005.5-2006 Jetta TDI may have it optioned.  Make sure to check airbag connector compatibility before swapping seats!  

The RCD 510 premium 8 radio (pictured below) is touch screen, 6cd in dash changer, color, and accepts SD cards for music.  Also shown is climatic "manual" climate control.

The RNS510 navigation system (pictured below) is touch screen, color, and uses a hard drive.  1000q: RNS 510 FAQ for more info on the touchscreen headhunt.  All TDI for 2010 get optional or standard bluetooth.  Aftermarket add-on accessories for the RNS 510 include back up cameras, AV input, and DVD players.  Many of these add-ons are VW Euro only parts or were options on more expensive models.  Dual zone climatronic auto climate control and the old steering wheel/cluster is shown because this picture is of a 2009 gas Jetta.

Estimated mileage is not known but real world experience with the 2009 Jetta TDI suggests 35-50 mpg average mixed driving.  The coefficient of drag in Jetta (.31) vs. Golf (.32) is almost the same but the Golf 2 door is about 200 lbs lighter.  Major factors effecting mileage include individual driving style, car build quality variations, tire/wheel size, tire compound/tread, and fuel quality.  Expect mileage to increase during engine break in by as much as 10-15%.

All 2010 Golf TDI come with head curtain, front, and side airbags.  Lower rear side airbags are the only optional airbags.  ABS and traction control are standard, stability/yaw control is standard in the US, optional on Canadian comfortline, standard on highline.

Production of your Golf on the assembly line in Germany

When it's colder than 48^oF, wait 1 second after turning the key to "on" before turning the key to "start" and starting the engine.  This lets the glow plugs turn on and warm up.  The "wait to start" glow plug indicator light normally goes out in less than 1 second and could be on as long as 4-5 seconds when it's freezing.

The Golf TDI uses a timing belt and will need a timing belt change every 120,000 miles.  This can be verified in the owner's manual maintenance schedule.  All idler rollers, water pump, timing belt tensioner, should also be changed at that time.  The DIY parts price is about $400.  If you can't DIY, ask around for an independent TDI expert before going to the dealer since dealers not experienced with TDI engines have damaged engines in the past due to lack of experience with the exact engine.  If you go to the dealer, expect to pay roughly $900-1,300.  Older TDI had 100,000 mile timing belts.  One reason for the new longer interval is because the smoother engine stresses the belt less.

Some TDI with common rail injection have gotten metal flakes in the fuel filter.  This is evidence of a disintegrating high pressure fuel pump.  The entire fuel system must be replaced since it has metal flakes throughout all the lines, injectors, and pumps.  The fuel filter should be changed every 20,000 miles.  See 1000q: fuel filter replace on how to open the fuel filter canister.  If you see them it should immediately be brought to the attention of the dealer while under warranty.  After that, keep your fuel receipts in case they accuse you of putting gasoline in the car.  Diesel fuel is an oil and lubricates the fuel system.

Many car settings must be set up by the dealer.  Your CAN BUS technology Golf comes from the factory in sleep mode to prevent battery drain.  Sometimes these settings are never configured (dealer error) or reset later.  Some examples are the power seat/power windows/sunroof remote functions.  The window pinch protection can even be turned off.  These options can be adjusted with a VCDS diagnostic tool or the dealer can do it.  Other features can be adjusted through the MFD+.  See 1000q: window pinch protection and steering adaptation for how to do it yourself.

The steering rack is electric and does not use hydraulic fluid.  You can increase or decrease the amount of electric power assist to your liking with a VCDS.  The dealer can also do it.  See 1000q: power steering assist levels for more details.  It's for a mk5 but the procedure is the exact same on the mk6.

All modern VW use an anti-theft system called the immobilizer.  If you need a new key your best bet is the dealer.  See 1000q: immobilizer FAQ for more details.  Although you could have the key cut at many different shops, an unprogrammed key won't let the engine stay running.  Don't buy cut keys because immobilizer chips can only be programmed to a car once.  If you buy a used key it's only good for parts.  To program a key yourself, see 1000q: a5 Jetta key FAQ.  The article is for the older Jetta but I think it should be the same for the Golf.

Apply the parking brake when parking!  It's good practice with any car but it is important on VWs because this sets the rear caliper self adjusters.  It's best to apply the brake before going into park (auto trans) or first/reverse gear (manual trans) to put stress on the brake instead of the transmission internals.

Securely jack up the rear of the car and spin the wheels by hand.  Do not put yourself in a position where you could be injured if the car falls!  Many have misadjusted parking brakes.  Light touching or scraping on the brakes is normal, resistance is not normal and should be adjusted by the dealer.

The Golf can't use truck stop high flow fueling pumps.  Truck high flow pumps are larger and flow much faster to fill a semi's large fuel tank and some will splash out.  Only use the small car sized fuel pumps.  You may hear of venting or a ventectomy, it does not apply to this generation of TDI.

I recommend applying a UV-resistant laminate or headlight protector on the headlight lenses.  This will prevent pitting and yellowing of the plastic on your new headlights.  This is not a VW specific problem.  All modern headlights on US cars use DOT approved plastic lenses instead of glass.  A clear film over the front of the car can also protect it but it's a lot more expensive than a headlight cover.  If you want to do paint shielding, professional installation is required.  It does reduce the shininess of the paint but you can't tell unless you're looking for it.  It can be removed without damage on original paint but shouldn't be applied to repainted panels since it could pull off some paint.

You may also want to tint the windows.  Auto glass blocks UV light but even clear or light tint will block a lot more UV light.  Tinting the side windows helps prevent aging of the interior, aging of your skin, adds privacy, and in the event of the window shattering, controls glass particles by holding them to the stick-on film.  Tint darkness can come in clear, all the way to dark limo tints, check your local laws for any restrictions.  Use only simple soap and water on window tint, never use ammonia based cleaner on the interior of the window where stick-on tint film is applied.  Make sure you do not use metallized tint on the rear window if it has the radio antenna in it since the metal will interfere with reception.

You can add a backup camera, bluetooth, parallel parking assist, and more to the RNS-510 GPS system.  If you do not have the RNS510, you can add it to any 2010 Golf.  See 1000q: RNS 510 FAQ for more info on the touchscreen headunit GPS.  

Expected longevity of the exhaust particulate filtering system is not yet known but all emissions equipment is covered under warranty under federal emissions laws.  Removal will certainly set off a check engine light but there will probably be aftermarket solutions to this.

2009 and earlier TDI there was an electric heating strip in the air vent system to help warm up the cabin on cold winter mornings.  The 2010 Golf should also have this.  It draws about 1000 watts and is called the "auxiliary air heater", controlled by module j604 and climate control.  It won't blow hot air but lukewarm air is better than nothing and it will help prevent your frozen breath from obscuring the windshield on super cold mornings.  This is specific to the TDI and not on the gas VW.

Do not add aftermarket rustproofing since it will void the factory rust warranty.  Cars are dipped in anti-rust zinc and have a few layers of paint to prevent rust.  While it could still happen and the rust warranty only covers certain kinds of rust, the best thing to do is to wash your car regularly, including the undercarriage.  See 1000q: car detailing index for tips on how to avoid scratches and swirl marks from car washing.  The best thing to do is to avoid automatic car washes unless they are "touchless".

Transmission issues - There is no long term information on the 2010+ Golf TDI but they use the same transmission as the Jetta.  

Although the DSG (automatic) transmission (introduced with the 2004 New Beetle TDI) has it's drawbacks, it's still a good automatic compared to previous ones.  However, if you want better mileage and reliability, nothing beats a regular manual transmission.  Please read 1000q: DSG FAQ for maintenance, quirks, and other common issues with the DSG transmission.

Some early A5 Jetta TDI used defective clutches which were replaced under recall.  Some dual mass flywheels (see 1000q: clutch FAQ for more details) failed or decided to liberate themselves from the engine with spectacular results.  The flywheel was revised and this should no longer be as prominent.

VW has extended the warranty on some DSG, see the DSG FAQ for more details. 

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