Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit Gas Mileage

Over the years, the Volkswagen Golf’s excellent gas mileage ratings have consistently placed it in the short list of many fuel-conscious car shoppers … with a proviso. The highest VW Golf mileage has been historically achieved in the diesel-powered models. While gas-powered Golfs score highway mileage in the 30 mile per gallon (MPG) range, Golf TDI diesels rank into the mid-40 MPG range on the highway. Consequently, used diesel Golf TDIs are much in demand these days and command remarkable resale values … when you can find them.

But it’s not just about the MPGs. The Golf platform has proven to be quite versatile, with the high-MPG TDIs on the fuel-efficient end of the scale and the venerable GTI and R32 on the sporting side.

The Golf began its run as the iconic VW Rabbit, born in the days of the original gas crises, as the car that would take Volkswagen from its Beetle-roots into the modern world of fuel-efficiency. The Rabbit was rebadged as the Golf for the 1985 model year and returned to the Rabbit nameplate in 2007.

We recently had the opportunity to put the latest Golf TDI through a week-long test drive. Check out our 2010 VW Golf TDI Review:

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit Gas Mileage: 1979-2010

– by Daniel Gray