Block heater necessary for 2008 Golf?

I have a 2008 Golf City (Canadian version). The dealer says a block heater would be a waste of money, but it's always been my understanding that cold weather starts (-40, -30 C) are really tough on the engine. Is the Golf that special? Or do most Golf owners in the frozen north use a block heater.

Bonjour, MMMM I can start my 88 jetta diesel at minus 45 after sitting unplugged for 24 hrs. Ok parked at a ski hill parking lot with a long well sanded 5km downgrade. Wow what a smoke show. Seriously when a weather bomb hits Montreal, do you really want to sit for 10 minutes in a frozen car while the darn thing warms up? Further guess who will happily fix your starter and battery. Yes it will start when new and well tuned up. No its not mandatory. Just a real nice Canadian accessory. Allan

Merci, daem. I've always installed one in every car I've ever gotten before (which were usually very old). It only seems logical to have one, if you don't want to wear down or break the components. One writer in CAA-Quebec's touring claims that “Starting your engine in very cold weather is the equivalent of up to 500 kilometres of highway driving.” That seems a bit much, but point taken.