YONKERS, NY — Two versions of the freshened Volkswagen Golf posted “Excellent” overall scores topping Consumer Reports tests’ of seven hatchbacks and sedans for the March 2010 issue.

The Volkswagen Golf TDI turbodiesel and Golf 2.5, (formerly the Rabbit) earned “Excellent” overall road test scores of 88 and 85 respectively, outdistancing the Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL sedan  which earned a “Very Good” test score of 74,  the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, which earned a “Very Good” score of 73 and the Suzuki SX4 LE Popular sedan, which earned a “Very Good” score of 66.

“A nice ride, crisp handling, and solid feel, make any Golf a good choice,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

The 2010 Golf feels solid and substantial for its size and has a high-quality interior. The four-door hatchback layout is practical, and the Golf TDI with a manual transmission attained an impressive 38 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests. 

In an Auto Test Extra of entry-level sedans, Consumer Reports also did a face-off between the Nissan Versa and the Toyota Yaris. The Versa received a “Very Good” road test score of 69 and outpointed the Yaris which received a “Good” score of 57. On the surface, the Versa and the Yaris seem to have much to offer a buyer looking for inexpensive transportation, and both are now available with Electronic Stability Control, but neither are Recommended by Consumer Reports. The Yaris scored too low in CR’s tests to be Recommended, while only the hatchback version of the Versa is reliable.

Prices for the small cars as tested ranged from $17,519 for the front-wheel drive sedan version of the Suzuki SX4 to $24,764 for the Volkswagen Golf TDI. All of the vehicles in the main test group are Recommended. The Rabbit has above-average reliability and CR predicts the same for the Golf. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Auto Survey of its more than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the small cars test group appear in the March issue of Consumer Reports, available wherever magazines are sold.  The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.

The Golf is a premium car, despite being a small hatchback, and its relatively high price is justified. The Golf has a steady, compliant ride.  The Volkswagen Golf 2.5, ($20,314, Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 170-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that provides good performance, but a so-so 24 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests.  The  six-speed  automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. The Volkswagen Golf TDI, ($24,764, Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that provides decent performance and an excellent 38 mpg overall and 49 mpg on the highway. The six-speed manual transmission’s shifter shifted vaguely. Braking is very good. The interior is well-finished, with nicely fitting trim and padded panels. There’s a good-sized cargo area.

The Sentra is a pleasant and well-rounded small sedan, but it’s not exciting to drive. Handling is sound, but ho-hum. Stability control greatly aids emergency handling but is not standard on the Sentra and may be hard to find on lower trim lines. The Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL,  ($19,530 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides good performance and a decent 27 mpg overall. The continuously variable transmission performs very smoothly and responsively. Braking is very good. The interior trim is nicely done. The trunk is roomy.

The SX4 sedan is a sensible but unexciting car. The SX4 Crossover is a tall hatchback with a versatile design and optional all-wheel drive. Handling is fairly nimble. Both the Suzuki SX4 LE Popular sedan, ($17,519 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested) and the Suzuki SX4 Crossover Technology AWD ($19,998 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested), are powered by a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides average performance. The Crossover AWD 24 mpg overall. The SX4 LE sedan gets 26 mpg overall, mediocre for a small sedan.  The continuously variable transmission operates smoothly. Braking is excellent in the Crossover AWD. Most interior panels are nicely grained and fit together well. Folding the 60/40-split rear seatbacks enhances the cargo area.

The Yaris has excellent reliability and fuel economy, but a noisy and uncomfortable interior makes it unappealing to live with. The Toyota Yaris, ($16,547 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate performance and gets 32 mpg overall. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. Electronic stability control is standard. The Yaris’s cramped cabin reminds you of how little money you spent. The trunk is good-sized.

The Versa feels like a much larger car than the Yaris, easily soaking up road bumps. Soft springing compromises the Versa’s agility. The Nissan Versa 1.8 S, ($16,385 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 122-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate performance and gets 27 mpg overall. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Electronic stability control is optional. Braking is very good. The Versa’s posh and spacious cabin feels like it comes from a larger, more expensive car. The Versa has a large trunk, holding as much luggage as larger family sedans.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.