Efficient and Fun Commuters: 2011 Honda CR-Z Vs. 2011 VW Golf TDI

A two door 2011 Honda CR-Z and a 2011 VW Golf TDI diesel hatchback in a comparison test? Isn't it kind of unfair considering the fact that the CR-Z only has 2 seats compared to the Golf's 5 passenger capacity? Actually it's not that unfair as most people ride with only 1 or 2 people in the car when commuting. Does that include you?

Having tested both of these fuel efficient models I learned that they have a great deal in common, starting off with their smooth and composed freeway demeanor. Crosswinds, rutted roads and careless SUV drivers can't sway these two planted and steady feeling road warriors. Plus they are both incredibly efficient in the real world as both models met and exceeded EPA fuel economy estimates during the time I drove them. That very rarely happens with vehicles I test.

Both test models came equipped with six-speed manual transmissions and are available with extras like navigation, Bluetooth, USB/iPod integration, premium audio and much more. Now, which one do you want as your next commuter vehicle?

Exterior Styling

Neither of these two coupes can be called ugly, but it is the 2011 Honda CR-Z that really grabs people's attention. The 2011 Golf TDI's exterior styling is one of the best interpretations on this classic VW hatch but passersby won't tell you how pretty your car is. That happened a lot when I was testing the CR-Z. Call me shallow and easy to flatter. (Advantage: 2011 Honda CR-Z)

Interior

You'd also be surprised how roomy the passenger and cargo hold of the CR-Z feels once you sit inside it. The CR-Z offers 25.1 cubic feet under the rear hatch and it was big enough to hold a big wheel from Toys R' Us and a litany of other Christmas shopping (I checked). Cargo volume in the Golf TDI is 12.4 cubic feet but that isn't counting the rear seats which split and fold flat.

The 2011 CR-Z and the 2011 VW Golf TDI take very different approaches to interiors with the German car taking the lead in the perceived quality stakes. The design, feel and solidity you find in the 2011 Golf is classy and timeless. The CR-Z has a more space age interior with terrific ergonomics but the Golf feels more expensive. (Advantage: 2011 VW Golf TDI)

Fuel Economy

Take the CR-Z's 34 mile per gallon during my test and the Golf TDI's 41 miles per gallon during its test and you have the makings of two very nice commuter cars. (Advantage: 2011 VW Golf TDI)

Value

The 2011 VW Golf TDI 2-door starts at $22,810 and my tester ran above $25,000 thanks to the addition of navigation, a sunroof (not available with the Honda) and a premium sound system. The 2011 Honda CR-Z starts at $19,200 and my fully loaded EX model with navigation topped out at $22,560. Automatic transmissions are optional with the CR-Z or Golf TDI but will cost extra. (Advantage: 2011 Honda CR-Z)

Fun to Drive

The 2011 Honda CR-Z feels much, much slower mainly because it only has 122 horsepower/128 lb. feet of torque. The 2011 VW Golf TDI, on the other hand, offers up 140 horsepower/236 lb. feet of torque for a driving experience that is more VW GTI than Honda Fit power wise.

Sure, you may have to work the CR-Z's engine a lot harder to get power but the six-speed manual transmission is so precise and accurate that you will never feel like you are missing out. Granted, the 2011 VW Golf TDI has enough torque to pull the Honda out of a ditch but it too has a terrific six-speed manual that feels both meaty and still not too heavy.

Both of these cars were two of my favorite models to drive this past year with well weighted steering, absorptive rides and quick, go-cart style handling. Just point these two puppies and shoot through holes in traffic. However, there must be a winner and the VW gets the nod merely by dint of its superior power. (Advantage: 2011 VW Golf TDI)

The Winner

With these fun to drive, affordable, spacious, utilitarian and supremely comfortable models on the market there is no reason to proclaim there are no affordable yet sporty economy models out there. In fact, there are two. This comparison was so close that you would be a winner either way. Happy commuting!

Sources: VW.com
Honda.com