The unveiling of the 2010 Volkswagen Golf at the New York International Auto Show was also the venue for Volkswagen's announcement that the Golf nameplate would replace the Rabbit name used in the United States. The vehicle sits lower for a sportier look, and the instrument panel is integrated nicely with the center console for a higher quality feel. The 2010 Golf comes in two trims: the 2.5 and the TDI.

The 2.5 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-5 gasoline engine. The TDi is equipped with a 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder diesel engine. To make the TSI even sportier, it comes with a sport-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension that lowers the ride height by as much as 2 inches. The 2010 Golf TDI also has excellent fuel economy with an estimated 48 mpg.