Last Chance? The 2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T SE

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf.

There's a rumor going around that when the next Volkswagen Golf arrives in the United States,  it might be minus the base Golf itself.  Word is that VW would import the new Golf R and GTI performance models, but not the economy sedan those cars are based on.

Andrew Krok at CNET's Roadshow got a VW spokesperson to confirm---on the record---that the next-gen Golf R and GTI are confirmed for North America, but that "other Golf models are under consideration".

Yes, "under consideration" means there could still be a green light, but it's not quite as reassuring as having the entire Golf line approved at the same time as the Golf R and the GTI (also in limbo---the Golf Alltrack and the Golf Sportwagen).

The reason?  Less than stellar sales.

2019 Volkswagen Golf.

And that's a shame, because a week in the 2019 Volkswagen Golf was a great reminder of what a really terrific car it is.   An evolution of the revolutionary Golf/Rabbit that hit these shores 44 years ago to (eventually) replace the original VW Beetle, the Golf still manages to deliver efficient people packaging, fuel economy and driving fun in one reasonably-priced car.

Golfs can be had (in base Golf S form) for as little as $21,845.  Even at that price, there's a blind spot monitor, front parking assist, a six-and-a-half inch touchscreen sound system, and VW's Car-Net app suite.

Step up to the SE, which is the trim level of our tester, and the touchscreen becomes an eight-inch model, and a panoramic sunroof and keyless access with pushbutton start becomes part of the deal for $24,145.

2019 Volkswagen Golf SE interior.

Also part of that base price, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights and taillights, Halogen front fog lights, heated, foldable, power-adjustable side mirrors with embedded turn signals, rain-sensing wipers with heated washer nozzles, a rear window wiper and washer, manual climate control, a leather-wrapped three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel which tilts and telescopes, heated front seats with power recliners, dual front and rear reading lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, a carpeted cargo area with adjustable floor, retractable cover and a 12-volt power outlet, door sill scuff guards, front and rear carpeted floor mats, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, cruise control, hill start assist, and a six-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay.

For $24,145.

Okay, the engine is small---a 1.4-liter turbo four making 147 horsepower---but the 2019 Golf only weighs 2,963 pounds.  The power is more than adequate.  And the fuel economy is stellar---29 city/37 highway.

Zero options on our tester---the only ones available would be $1,100 for an automatic transmission and $1,295 for dynamic cruise control---meaning with $895 destination charge, the bottom line was $25,040.

That is stunning.  A car this good, this well-equipped for $11,000 less than the average price of a new car today.

The Golf is a car that fills so many needs.  Not enough drivers realize it.  Let's hope VW gives them another shot with the next Golf here in America.