We get a bit of seat time in the latest SportWagen TSI, Volkswagen's most versatile Golf.
Pros
Versatility
Handling
Slick manual transmission
Cons
Less room than a comparable crossover
No sunroof option with a manual transmission
Lacks the driver visibility of a CUV
Volkswagen
Here at Lot pro, it's not often that we get our hands on a Volkswagen product, despite the fact that we're less than a mile away from the company's metro Detroit headquarters - which is too bad. Despite the fact that the German manufacturer currently finds itself embroiled in an emissions scandal, we genuinely like many of the vehicles it sells here in the U.S.
In our opinion, the emissions issue is more of a short-term problem for VW. The bigger issue the company faces, over the long term, is the fact that it can't seem to figure out the U.S. market. The Tiguan crossover is too expensive for its size, the midsize Passat is too conservatively styled, while there's nothing in VW showrooms, yet, in either the compact or midsize crossover segments – and that's really where the profits are to be made right now.
What VW dealers do have is the only real station wagon offered in the compact segment – and it's a fine one, at that.
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI
The 5-door SportWagen is based on the new-for-2015 Volkswagen Golf Mk Vii hatchback. In 2015, it was offered in both a gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) variants. With diesel emissions issues yet to be resolved as of this writing, only the 2016 petrol version is currently being offered for sale (pending a solution to the aforesaid diesel issues).
Exterior
Based on the Audi/VW modular MQB platform, the SportWagen shares its 103.5-inch wheelbase with the Golf hatchback, but features an additional foot in overall length. Compared to the previous-generation Mk. VI Jetta wagon (the switch to the Golf nameplate was made in 2014), the new wagon is lighter by 137 pounds with a roof that's nearly an inch lower, contributing to an increase in fuel economy.
Up front, it looks nearly identical to that of a Golf hatchback with narrow lower air intake, a wide bumper and dominated by a large, round VW badge centered on the even-narrower upper air intake.
Its sides feature a tall daylight opening with its slab-like look broken up by an upper character line and a gently-sculpted lower character line. Mild wheel well arches frame standard 15-inch alloy wheels. In back, there's an upper spoiler above the large rear hatch window, while tall, horizontal taillamps bracket yet another large, round, VW badge.
Interior
Inside, Volkswagen has done a nice job in the ergonomics department. Everything falls within easy reach of the driver including the slick 5-speed manual shifter. The materials used are definitely a class-above, including the leather-covered flat-bottomed steering wheel and brushed aluminum trim. The surfaces are nicely detailed and soft to the touch.
The seats are firm and supportive with plenty of room for both front seat occupants as well as two adults in the back seat. New for 2016 is Volkswagen's MIB II infotainment system with USB connectivity, smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and MirrorLink.
The center stack is angled towards the driver, and the standard 6.5-inch touchscreen system also features a standard rear view camera for 2016.
SAE interior passenger volume is 94.3 cubic feet, with 30.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seat that expands to 66.5 cubic feet of storage with the rear seat folded. (All three measurements are less than the leading compact CUV, the Honda CR-V, which features 104.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, 37.2 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seat which increases to 70.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.)
One drawback: like most Volkswagens, the SportWagen has but a single specification for each trim level, which means in order to get a sunroof, you have to forego a manual transmission and opt for the $27,845 SE.
Under the hood
The TSI is equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-4 with direct injection. With an iron block and aluminum head, it produces 170 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and a maximum and very satisfying 199 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,600 rpm.
It's mated to either a standard 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic which is optional on S models and standard on SE and SEL trim levels.
On the road
During our short stint we found that the Golf SportWagen TSI feels very buttoned-down in the handling department. As befits its German origins, it's capable of carving corners with the best in the segment including the Mazda Mazda3 and Ford Focus (two of its direct competitors). Feedback through the steering wheel is excellent and the brakes are easy to modulate with plenty of feedback to the driver through the pedal.
The manual transmission is also very satisfying with short shifter throws and a short and communicative clutch pedal. In addition, very little in the way or engine, road or tire noise enters the cabin –a trait of few vehicles in this segment.
And while it handles better than most crossovers, the lower ride height may be a turnoff for drivers looking for the better visibility a CUV offers.
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI prices
2016 Golf SportWagen TSI prices start at $22,215 for a base S model with a manual transmission (the automatic is a $1,100 option), and can top out at over $32,000 for a fully optioned and accessorized SEL model.
Our Tornado Red tester didn't come with a copy of its Monroney label, but with no visible options we have to conclude that it was an S model and, therefore, had a base price of $21,395 that, with an $820 destination fee, would've given it an MSRP of $22,215.
The Bottom Line
In our short time with it, we found the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen to be an entertaining alternative to the thousands of compact SUVs currently crowding American highways.
Buyers looking for a versatile C-segment vehicle that are willing to overlook (and possibly take advantage of) Volkswagen's current woes would be well served to consider the latest Golf SportWagen.
