We’ve been talking about the 2015 VW Golf SportWagen for quite a while now, so there aren’t many new things to say about it. However, VW has recently released a big photo gallery with the replacement model for the Jetta SportWagen ahead of its US commercial launch that takes place in April.

In a nutshell, the 2015 VW Golf SportWagen is based on the automaker’s MQB platform, which means it weighs up to 137 lbs (62 kg) less than its predecessor. It also offers increased cargo volume, with VW saying it matches compact SUVs for size and versatility.

The new estate is available with two engine options, the 170hp 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline unit and the 150hp 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel. The latter is obviously the most economical of the range, offering EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 43 mpg (5.4 l/100 km), which VW says is better than all non-battery electric compact SUVs. The gasoline model offers an EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 36 mpg (6.5 l/100 km).

VW pitches the Golf SportWagen as an alternative for compact SUVs, arguing that it offers comparable cargo volume – 30.4 cubic feet (860 liters) behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet (1,883 liters) with the seats folded flat.

When it goes on sale in April, the 2015 VW Golf SportWagen starts from $21,395 for the 1.8T S model with a five-speed manual transmission, while the base TDI S with a six-speed manual gearbox is priced from $24,595.

PHOTO GALLERY