Great handling, Increased luggage space, fuel economy.
Diesel only accessible on the range topper, no manual gearbox
Volkswagen Australia has launched the all-new mark VII Golf Wagon in Australia. Carshowroom.com.au was on hand in Adelaide to put the Golf Wagon through its paces.
The likes of the Golf Wagon, Hyundai i30 Tourer and Holden Cruze offer a great alternative to the mid sized SUV. More often than not the wagons offer better fuel economy and more luggage space than their bulkier siblings.
The Golf Wagon use the same MQB platform as its hatchback sibling. The Golf Wagon us larger yet lighter than the model it replaces . The arrival of the Golf Wagon almost completes the Golf line-up with only the Golf R to come later in 2014.
Volkswagen Golf Wagon Overview
The Golf Wagon is offered with a choice of three engines, two petrol and one diesel. As with the entire Volkswagen range the level of standard equipment is impressive.
Entry in to the Golf Wagon range starts with 90TSI it comes with 15' Alloy wheels, composition media player with 5.8' touch screen, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth (audio and phone), 1x USB & 1XAUX, luggage partition net, Black roof rails, day running lights, multi-collision braking system, electronic parking brake with Auto-Hold function, XDL transverse differential lock, battery regeneration mode and Stop/Start system.
Stepping up to the 90TSI Comfortline sees the addition of 16” alloy wheels, rearview camera, parking sensors, dual climate air conditioning, auto lights and wipers.
The range toping Highline comes with a choice of a petrol or diesel, 17' alloys,
Sat-nav, Front fog lights, and Alcantara sports seats
Golf Wagon line-up and Pricing:
Model
Golf 90 TSI 7 Speed DSG $25,540
Golf 90 TSI Comfortline 7 Speed DSG $29,290
Golf 103 TSI Highline 7 Speed DSG $33,840
Golf 110 TDI Highline 6 Speed DSG $36,340
Volkswagen Golf Wagon Engine
Buyers have been given a choice of the three engines and across the range all engines in the Golf Wagon are impressive.
The 1.4-litre petrol 90TSI is available in the entry level and Comfortline model it produces 90kW between 5,000 and 6000rpm, 200Nm from 1,400rpm, it is matched to the seven-speed dual-clutch auto (DSG). Fuel consumption is a claimed 5.3l/100km. It can get from zero to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The slightly more powerful 1.4 TSI available in Highline models makes 103kW/250Nm and is also matched to the same seven-speed DSG. The 103kw improves fuel economy to 5.2l/100km, it can get from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.9 seconds and go all the way to a top speed of 213km/h
The option in the Highline trim is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel 110TDI the diesel produces 110kW/320Nm and is coupled with a six-speed DSG. The diesel produces impressive fuel econmy figures of 4.7//100km. Its zero to 100km/h is the same as the 90kW petrol at 8.9 seconds.
All engines are equipped with a Stop/Start system and a battery regeneration mode (converts kinetic energy into electrical energy) as standard.
Volkswagen Golf Wagon Exterior & Styling
Measuring 4557mm long, 1799mm wide, and 1496mm tall the Mk VII Golf Wagon is 26mm longer and 18mm wider and 28mm lower than its predecessor. The new dimensions help boost interior space and increase comfort levels and gives the Golf Wagon a more sportier look.
The Golf Wagon was developed injunction with the hatchback and follows the design of the hatchback until the B-pillars, which is where the Wagon styling kicks in. From the rear doors back the Golf Wagon starts to show its distinctive lines.
To the naked eye the rear of the Golf Wagon looks almost identical to the hatchback, on close inspection you may notice large rear lights and the number plate has been moved to the middle of the tailgate from the bumper.
A range of colours including: “Pure White”, the metallic paints which cost $500 extra are Night Blue, Pacific Blue, Limestone Grey, Reflex Silver, Sunset Red and Tungsten Silver, and the pearl effect tone “Deep Black”.
Volkswagen Golf Wagon Interior
As with all Volkswagon the interior fit and finish in the Golf Wagon is world class, with some rivals worth twice as much not getting close to the Golf Wagon.
Jump inside the Golf Wagon and if you only look forward you would think that you had jumped straight in to the Golf hatchback. Just like the hatchback the Golf Wagon has a premium feel the moment you jump behind the wheel.
From the entry level to the range topping Highline the layout, controls and interior space are first class.
If you are looking to buy a wagon the most important consideration is the cargo space. The latest generation Golf Wagon has improved cargo space, with the 60:40 split-fold seats in place luggage space has increased 100 litres to 605 litres. Drop the rear seats via the easy reach latches located in the boot – the luggage space jumps to 1620 litres, beating the previous model's limit by 125 litres.
Volkswagen Golf Wagon On the Road
We spent the national launch driving the Golf Wagon around the hills of Mclalean Vale just outside of Adelaide and liked what we experienced. We had the opportunity to sample the all three models and each one of the Golf Wagons would be welcomed in to our home garage.
No matter which trim or tyre package we tested on our 30-kilometer loop, each and every set-up performed well above our expectations.
The step-up in ride quality, cabin noise and comfort from the previous model is huge. Yes the DSG can be a little sluggish in stop/start traffic but as soon as you adjust your driving style to accommodate the gearbox the issue disappears.
The XDL+ system helps reduce understeer and improves transaction in corners by applying the brakes to the wheels on the inside of the corner. This excellent system really delivers confidence to a driver and helps keep the car safe when entering a corner a little too fast.
Buyers who are looking for extra safety features can opt for the Driver Assistance Package, with adds – Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Proactive Occupant Protection System, Park Assist 2 and Driving Profile Selection for $1300 on all models from Comfortline and above.
Volkswagen Golf Wagon Challenges
Some buyers may find the DSG a little off putting in slow traffic due to the lag experienced at take-off.
It’s also a shame that the diesel only comes in the top spec trim, Carshowroom.com.au thinks an entry level diesel would be winner .
Volkswagen Golf Wagon Competition
Lots of choice for buyers who are looking for a small sized wagon. If we had to part with our hard earned dollars we would also be taking the following for a test drive:
Renault Megane -
Priced: from $26,490 (Dynamic)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder; 103kW/195Nm
Transmission: CVT; FWD
Fuel Economy: 8.5/100km, 195g/km CO2
Country of Origin: France
Holden Cruze –
Priced from: $23,690 (CD Sportwagon)
Engine: 1.8-litre 4 cylinder; 104kW/176Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto; FWD
Fuel Economy: 7.4L/100km, 175g/km CO2
Country of Origin: Korea
Hyundai i30 Tourer –
Priced: from $22,990 (Active)
Engine: 1.6-litre Petrol 4 cylinder; 99kW/163Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto; FWD
Fuel Economy: 6.9l/100km, 160g/km CO2
Country of Origin: Korea
Volkswagen Golf Wagon Verdict
Previous generations of the Golf Wagon might have been be a niche seller, but the overall improvement of the MK VII Golf Wagon should see the car appeal to more buyers.
The quality fit and finish across the range is outstanding. Buyers who need loads of space, great ride quality and impressive fuel economy really need to consider something like the Golf Wagon instead of a mid-sized SUV.
