2011 Volkswagen Golf: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2011 Volkswagen Golf is largely a carryover from 2010, with no major mechanical, styling, safety, or technology changes. The main update is a rear center armrest and cargo pass-through for the TDI.
About the 2011 Volkswagen Golf
6th generation; second U.S. model year, with no redesign or mid-cycle exterior update
Volkswagen presented the Golf as a compact hatchback with an upscale-feeling cabin, solid road manners, and useful cargo flexibility. Its small exterior made city parking easy, while the folding rear seat created substantial carrying room. Compared with many economy-focused compact cars, the Golf emphasized quality materials, supportive seating, quiet highway travel, precise steering, and a choice between a strong five-cylinder gasoline engine and a highly efficient turbo-diesel.
The 2.5L Golf is the practical core model, with a 170-hp five-cylinder gas engine, independent suspension, cruise control, and heated mirrors. The TDI focuses on long-distance efficiency and strong low-speed pull, pairing a 140-hp turbo-diesel with 236 lb-ft of torque, a lowered sport suspension, touchscreen audio, and Bluetooth.
What changed, by category
2011 Volkswagen Golf specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd w/OD / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 23–24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 42 mpg | 31–33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.5 in | 35.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| SD Card Slot | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2011 Volkswagen Golf redesigned?
No. The 2011 Golf continues the sixth-generation design introduced for the 2010 model year, with no mid-cycle exterior update or major structural change.
What is the main change to the 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI?
The 2011 Golf TDI gains a rear center armrest and cargo pass-through within its split-folding rear seat. Its turbo-diesel engine, transmissions, suspension, exterior design, and cabin technology otherwise carry over.
Did the 2011 Volkswagen Golf get different engines?
No. The 2011 Golf keeps the 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine and the TDI’s 140-hp 2.0-liter turbo-diesel, with no related mechanical changes.
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Golf meaningfully different from the 2010 model?
No, not for most shoppers. The engines, transmissions, styling, safety equipment, chassis, and model-wide cabin technology are substantially unchanged; the TDI’s new rear armrest and cargo pass-through are the notable updates.