2015 VW Golf SportsWagen

The 2015 VW Golf SportWagen is as versatile as a compact SUV but as fuel efficient and as fun-to-drive as a compact. Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach reviews the new rendition of the award-winning Golf.

Thrifty TDI Clean Diesel and 1.8T TSI Golf SportWagen models will priced at $21,395 for the S model with manual transmission: a content adjusted reduction of $700 over the previous base Jetta SportWagen. New TDI S model reduces base Clean Diesel SportWagen pricing by almost $2,000

Newly available driver assistance technology includes Forward Collision Warning system and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

TDI Clean Diesel model offers EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 43 mpg, beating all non-Battery Electric compact SUVs

All-new Golf SportWagen offers increased cargo volume, matching compact SUVs for size and versatility

The new Golf line that won the 2015 North American Car of the Year awards.

The Golf SportWagen will be offered with two powertrains: the 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine (36 mpg) mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; and the 2.0-liter, 150-hp turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel (43 mpg), fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The touchscreen infotainment center, standard on all models, the 5.8-inch touchscreen display utilizes a capacitive touch sensor rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.

This infotainment module offers an available navigation system, including standard SiriusXM Satellite radio and car analytics and settings. This display also has a proximity sensor function. The MDI is now housed in the center stack, while more traditional media such as CDs and SD cards can be inserted into slots in the large glovebox.

Keyless entry with push-button start is standard equipment on all TDI trims and on TSI SE and SEL trim levels. The highly acclaimed Fender Premium Audio System is standard on all SE and SEL trims. The top-of-the-line SEL variants come loaded with the navigation system, Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting with LED interior reading lights, and front comfort sport seats that include a 12-way power driver’s seat.

MODEL LINE-UP

 
Golf SportWagen 1.8T S has a starting MSRP of $21,395 and features a standard turbocharged and direct-injection1.8-liter engine; 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Bluetoothy; Sirius XM with smartphone integration; V-tex leatherette seating surfaces; power windows; power door locks; and air conditioning. An automatic transmission is available as an $1,100 option.

Golf SportWagen 1.8T SE -Available only with the 6-speed automatic transmission, starts at $26,995 and adds the following features over the S: 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; front foglights; a panoramic sunroof; keyless access with push-button start; a rearview camera, and the Fender Premium Audio System. An optional Lighting package is available for $995 and includes Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System, LED DRLs, and ambient interior lighting with LED interior reading lights. The $695 Driver Assistance package includes the Forward Collision Warning System and front and rear Park Distance Control.

Golf SportWagen 1.8T SEL – the top gasoline-powered SportWagen trim starts at $29,345 and adds: 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; silver roof rails; a navigation system; Climatronic automatic air conditioning; sport comfort seats with a 12-way power driver’s seat; and ambient lighting with LED interior reading lights. The Lighting and Driver Assistance packages are available on the SEL as well.

Golf SportWagen TDI S – The line-up of Clean Diesel models largely mirrors its gasoline siblings in terms of features and packages. The base TDI S starts at $24,595 and offers a 6 DSG automatic available for an extra $1,100, keyless access with push-button start and a rearview camera is standard.

Golf SportWagen TDI SE – Starting at $27,995, the TDI SE has the same list of equipment as gas-powered counterpart, including the Fender Premium Audio System, automatic headlamps and a panoramic sunroof. The Lighting and Driver Assistance package are available.

Golf SportWagen TDI SEL – Starting at $30,345, mirrors the 1.8T SEL, adding navigation system, Climatronic automatic air conditioning and sport seats with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. Both Lighting and Driver Assistance options packages are available. The 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with the option of the DSG automatic ($1,100 extra).

Competitive Set:

 
Subaru Outback & Subaru XV Crosstrek
Toyota Prius v

Big story here is the value story, lots of standards, great fuel economy. 80% TDi and manual transmissions.