As the all-new VW Golf Variant goes on sale this summer in Europe, Volkswagen has released full details and a new photo gallery of its Golf VII-based wagon (to be sold as the Jetta SportWagen State-side). Using VW’s modular transverse matrix platform (MQB), the new Golf Variant is up to 105 kg (231 pounds) lighter than its predecessor, offers 100 liters more cargo space and new petrol and diesel engines that are up to 15 percent more fuel efficient.

The main reason for which people buy wagons is versatility and cargo capacity, with the Golf Variant’s boot accommodating an impressive 605 liters (21.3 cubic feet) of luggage loaded up to the backrest of the rear seat (that’s 100 liters more than the VW Golf VI Variant). When loaded to the backs of the front seats and up to the ceiling, cargo capacity reaches 1,620 liters (1,495 liters in the previous model). The boot is also fitted with a roll-up cargo cover with a two-stage automatic rolling feature and a variable cargo floor height. 

For the first time, the Golf Variant gets the XDS+ electronic differential lock as a standard feature and the DCC dynamic chassis control as an optional extra. As an alternative to DCC (which has 10 mm lower ride height), there is also a classic sport suspensions (15 mm lower).

Under the bonnet, the new Golf Variant gets the same range of engines from the Golf hatchback. There are seven engine versions available at the market launch in August (ranging in power from 85 PS to 150 PS) all equipped with a Stop/Start system and a battery regeneration mode that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. Engines are mated to 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearboxes, with a 6- or 7-speed DSG being available for six of the seven TSI and TDI engines. Two of the TDI engines are also available with 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

Besides the special BlueMotion models, the most economical TSI engine is the 1.2 TSI (105 PS) which averages 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg), while the 1.6 TDI (105-110 PS) averages 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg).

The Trendline base version includes features such as 7 airbags, electric door mirrors and windows, ESP, air conditioner, electronic parking brake with Auto-Hold function and tyre pressure monitoring indicator Plus, among others. Prices in Germany start from €18,950 ($24,850) for the base Trendline model.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

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