ROAD TEST: Whether Rabbit or Golf, this car's fun to drive

Since the first Rabbit arrived as a 1975 model, Volkswagen has flip-flopped on the car's name here in America: It was Rabbit for a while, then Golf for a while, then Rabbit and is now back to Golf. But the car has always had the same mission in the U.S. market: to provide a sportier, autobahn-capable alternative to the often mundane small cars from Asia.

And the newest version, the sixth generation refreshed for 2010, does it very, very well. Again.

I sampled the TDI, a 50-state-legal diesel-powered version, and a gasoline-powered GTI and had a ball with both cars. The GTI is the sportier of the two, with a ride that is very firm, but the diesel model has a suspension that's a step up in performance over the basic-gasoline Golf's so that, while the TDI's mission is fuel efficiency, it is fun to drive, too.

I averaged about 36 mpg in my diesel tester and just under 30 in the GTI.

Downsides of a diesel include less horsepower, but there is a turbocharger and more torque, which means less downshifting to maintain or pick up speed. The diesel is about a second slower than the basic gasoline model to 60 mph, according to VW, accelerating from zero in 8.6 seconds. The GTI takes 6.7 seconds.

The diesel is a little noisier. A residue of smelly oil remains on your hands when you refuel. Diesel tends to be more expensive than gasoline. And the diesel model is more expensive to buy - $4,500 more, reduced by federal tax credits of $1,300 to $1,700.

The TDI's six-speed stick was slick and precise in its shifting action. The GTI's dual clutch automatic shifts quickly but is a bit herky-jerky in standing starts.

Golfs start at $18,370 with freight. GTIs begin at $24,414. Interiors are tastefully trimmed, with clearly readable gauges and self-explanatory controls.

VW has ranked below average for years in J.D. Power and Associates owner surveys measuring vehicle dependability and dealer performance in servicing cars. Yet, Consumer Reports says Golfs are above average in reliability and the magazine recommends it, although it deems the standard Golf 170-hp., 2.5-liter, five-cylinder gasoline engine "coarse."

VW warranties the Golf for three years or 36,000 miles, including free scheduled maintenance and road service, and five years/60,000 miles on the powertrain.

Volkswagen Golf TDI/ GTI

Vehicles tested, both 4-doors

Engine, TDI: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 140 hp. electronically-controlled turbocharged diesel/GTI: 2.0-liter, 4 cyl., turbo, gasoline 200 hp.

Fuels, TDI: Diesel; GTI: Premium gasoline

Transmission: TDI: 6-speed manual; GTI: 6-speed auto, both front-wheel drive

Safety, both: Six air bags; four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, stability control and brake assist; daytime running lamps; directional signals in heated outside mirrors; tire pressure monitoring.

Place of assembly, both: Wolfsburg, Germany.

Cargo room, second seat back in place, 15.1 cu. ft.; folded: 46.1.

EPA fuel economy estimates: TDI: 30 mpg, city; 41 highway; GTI 24/32

Price as driven: TDI: $25,914; GTI: $28,684, both with freight

Bottom line: Euro delights for misers and road warriors.