Wagons don’t own a momentous share of the market, but they’re a worthy alternative to the SUVs and crossovers that do. With four doors, second-row folding seats and a rear cargo area in place of a trunk, wagons offer the practicality and versatility of crossovers but deliver better fuel economy and a more enjoyable driving experience, also known as fun.
Volkswagen, whose penchant for producing fun-to-drive cars is well established, has long championed the noble wagon, and any day now a new VW SportWagen will be arriving at dealerships. Most recently, the SportWagen in VW’s lineup was based on the Jetta, but this newcomer is a variation of the all-new and excellent 2015 Golf hatchback.
Though the 2015 Golf SportWagen is longer and wider than the Jetta version, it weighs about 137 pounds less and is lower overall by 1.1 inches. The result is a more aerodynamic car returning even better fuel economy and increased sportiness.
Two pairs of powertrains are available: a 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine joined to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; and a 2.0-liter, 150-horsepower turbo TDI Clean Diesel four-cylinder with a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG (automatic).
The 1.8T engine takes regular unleaded gasoline and has a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway with a manual transmission and 25/35 mpg with an automatic.
Those are respectable numbers but they can’t hold a candle to (maybe not the best idiom when discussing a highly flammable substance) the TDI Clean Diesel, which yields 31/43 mpg with a manual gearbox and 31/42 mpg with an automatic.
The model lineup includes S, SE, and SEL trim levels for both the 1.8T and the TDI. Pricing starts at $22,215 (including destination charge) for a 1.8T S with manual transmission.
My tester was a TDI SE with manual transmission. If the thought of diesel and/or a manual transmission makes you recoil a little, relax. The Golf SportWagen’s manual transmission is so slick it makes automatics boring. Besides which, the manual gets better mileage as noted above, and in the case of the SportWagen, an automatic adds $1,100 to the price tag. Still, if you can’t be sold on a manual, the SportWagen’s DSG automatic is dreamy good in its own right.
As for today’s Clean Diesel engines, don’t expect to hear clacking noises or detect noxious fumes. The only reminders that you’re driving a diesel are the incredibly long time it takes for the fuel gauge to approach the Empty mark, and the green-handled pump you use at fill-up time.
The SportWagen cargo area measures a generous 30.4 cubic feet when the second-row seats are up. With those seats folded, it expands to a vast (relatively speaking) 66.5 cubic feet. The rear liftgate raises high enough for comfortable access to the cargo area and the avoidance of head banging, while still providing shelter from rain. A durable retractable cover for the cargo area has two different pull-out positions, allowing for partial as well as full coverage.
A great car with a great sound system is a match made in heaven, so nuptials are in order for the SportWagen and its Fender premium audio system, which is standard on SE and SEL trims.
And now, this last detail is directed at anyone who is taller or shorter than average. You’ll be happy to hear that Volkswagen recognizes your existence and cares about your comfort: Both front seats of the SportWagen are height-adjustable.
I posted a review of the 2015 Golf TDI SE hatchback on January 27, and since it and the SportWagen model featured here have much the same standard equipment, you can go there for that information as well as additional impressions.
2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN TDI SE
Base price, including destination charge: $28,815
Price as driven: $28,815
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who has been reviewing cars for more than 20 years. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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