The redone 2010 Golf, just now on sale in the U.S., tries to lure more customers via significant changes: new styling inside and out, and a return of the VW diesel engine, called TDI clean diesel. Overall size and chassis are about the same.

The briefly revived Rabbit name for the U.S. is dead and buried. Didn't have the hoped-for nostalgic appeal. So, back to Golf, as in all other markets (German for "gulf," not the sport).

VW says that diesels account for about one-fourth of its U.S. sales in its models that offer one. But there's been no Golf diesel for more than a year, so folks who like a Golf hatchback's utility and youthful image have been denied the diesel's 30% better fuel economy.

Considering that the only other choice is the somewhat coarse 2.5-liter, five-cylinder gasoline engine, the TDI really is the only one buyers should consider. Drives of U.S. versions of the gas and diesel models in the city and quite briskly on the speed-limitless autobahn made the point well.

The GTI, a performance Golf with a 200-horsepower, turbocharged gasoline engine, is part of the 2010 lineup, but no GTIs were available to test here, where VW introduced journalists to the 2010 Golf.

The Golf TDI starts at $22,690, or $4,500 more than the least-expensive gasoline model – more than you'll probably save from lower fuel consumption. On the other hand, the TDI's not just an engine option but a premium model: nicer interior, sport suspension with bigger wheels and tires, upscale sound system and more.

Though the exterior changes are extensive, Golf still looks like Golf. The fresh interior has a rich look and feel. But VW's never cheaped-out on interior materials the way some makers have in small vehicles. Is it better than last year's? Probably. Is it a radical change? Probably not.

Seats were typically German, feeling too stiff at first, supportive and comfortable after a few minutes. The TDI's seats felt best.

Golf was delightfully sure-footed at triple-digit speeds, giving credence to the notion that cars from the land of no-limit highways feel better to drive. Steering was superb, easy to keep centered; quick to respond to driver input but not touchy. Brakes felt strong and sure – comforting both in tight traffic and when you come upon slowpokes blocking both lanes.

The diesel has less horsepower but more torque than the gasoline engine. Torque comes into play at lower speeds, so the TDI was a gem in traffic. Its modest 140 hp was enough for the autobahn passing lane, where you need to run about 110 mph or more. Traffic didn't allow a true flat-out run, but the diesel should be good for 125 mph, VW says.

The TDI reached highway speed quickly and smoothly. The automatic is a so-called DSG: It's really a manual transmission, but has no clutch pedal and shifts as a conventional automatic would. Unlike some automatics nowadays, DSG gear-changes are stumble-free and quick. You can shift it manually via steering wheel paddles.

VW had to recall some other DSG-fitted cars earlier this year, so that could be a point of anxiety.

The manuals, six-speed in the diesel and five-speed in the gas, shifted easily, and shouldn't be off-putting for folks with limited stick-shift experience.

The gas engine was plenty quick, accelerating to 60 mph roughly half-a-second faster than TDI. But it sounded and felt harsh, especially when spurred.

Still, its lower price and potential for 30 miles per gallon on the highway recommend it. And it, too, easily ran up to autobahn speeds.

Controls and gauges were about the same in both cars, depending on the options, and were well-placed and easy to use. The optional navigation system wasn't the best, sometimes nagging, other times offering too little help, and seemed slow to recalculate a new route when there was a deviation.

Back seats were roomy enough for grown-ups, a welcome surprise in a small car. The 2010 is an inch wider than '09, but rear shoulder room is down about 2 inches, according to VW data.

The front felt road-trip spacious, more expansive than before. It's apparently illusory, because the front interior dimensions are unchanged from the '09 models, VW data show.

Numbers and hard data are helpful in judging a car, but the real chemistry happens – or fails to – when you settle into the driver's seat.

That's when Golf's satisfying road feel makes it shine, especially so in the TDI.

2010 Golf

• What? New interior, exterior for the small, front-drive hatchback. Available as a two-door or four-door. A diesel engine's once again offered.

• When? Going on sale now.

• How much? Gasoline starts at $18,190 including $700 shipping. TDI (diesel), $22,690.

• How powerful? Standard 2.5-liter, five-cylinder gasoline engine rated 170 horsepower at 5,700 rpm, 177 pounds-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Five-speed manual transmission is standard, six-speed Tiptronic automatic with manual mode is optional.

Optional 2-liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel is rated 140 hp at 4,000 rpm, 236 lbs.-ft. at 1,750 rpm. Six-speed manual is standard with diesel, six-speed DSG automatic with manual mode is optional.

• How big? Compact; 10 inches shorter, 2 in. wider than Ford Focus. Golf is 165.4 in. long, 70.3 in. wide, 58.3 in. tall, on a 101.5-in. wheelbase. Weight ranges from 2,968 to 3,041 lbs. Passenger space, 93 cubic feet; cargo, 15 cu. ft.

Rated to carry 1,078 to 1,100 lbs. of people, cargo, accessories.

Turning circle diameter: 35.7 ft. (35.8 ft., TDI).

• How thirsty? 2.5-liter gasoline engine rated 22 miles per gallon in town, 30 on the highway, 25 mpg in combined driving with manual transmission, 23/30/26 with automatic.

TDI diesel: 30/41/34 with manual, 30/42/34 with automatic.

Trip computers in test cars showed:

TDI automatic, 33.5 mpg in highway-heavy mix.

TDI manual, 33.7 mpg mainly around 100 mph on autobahn against significant crosswind.

Gasoline automatic, 25.1 mpg in mainly highway driving.

Gasoline engine burns regular, TDI burns ultralow-sulfur diesel. Tank: 14.5 gallons for either.

• Overall:  Diesel's a delight but pricey. Gas is less impressive and less expensive.

Enlarge Volkswagen The 2010 Volkswagen Golf tries to lure more customers via significant changes: new styling inside and out, and a return of the VW diesel engine.