2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon First Look

2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon First Look Volkswagen is introducing a new Golf variant. Somewhat confusingly, this new Golf variant is actually called the Golf Variant. It is the latest version of the Volkswagen Golf wagon, better known to us Americans as the Jetta Sportwagen, and it's just been introduced today at the Geneva Motor Show with three diesel powertrains and 4Motion all-wheel drive. From the B-pillars forward, the new Golf wagon is identical to the new Mk VII 2014 Golf hatch, but everything beyond is unique. It makes sense, considering that the wagon is just over a foot longer than the hatchback. Signature Golf cues, like the "arched-bow" D-pillar remain, as does the hatchback's cheat-line, which is continued aft of the C-pillar on the wagon.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon First Look

2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon First Look

 2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon First Look

2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon First Look

2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon First Look

Volkswagen is introducing a new Golf variant. Somewhat confusingly, this new Golf variant is actually called the Golf Variant. It is the latest version of the Volkswagen Golf wagon, better known to us Americans as the Jetta Sportwagen, and it's just been introduced today at the Geneva Motor Show with three diesel powertrains and 4Motion all-wheel drive. From the B-pillars forward, the new Golf wagon is identical to the new Mk VII 2014 Golf hatch, but everything beyond is unique. It makes sense, considering that the wagon is just over a foot longer than the hatchback. Signature Golf cues, like the "arched-bow" D-pillar remain, as does the hatchback's cheat-line, which is continued aft of the C-pillar on the wagon. In back, the Golf Variant has a bespoke hatch with unique taillights, and a license plate holder that's integrated into the tailgate instead of the bumper. Roof rails and a spoiler complete the wagon's look. 2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon Rear Three Quarters Size-wise, the new Golf Variant is just a touch bigger than the outgoing Jetta Sportwagen. The wagon's wheelbase has grown from 101.5 inches to 103.8 and its overall length has grown a hair from 179.4 inches to 179.6 inches. Despite the modest size increase, VW says the new Golf wagon is 232 lbs. lighter than the outgoing wagon –mostly thanks to VW's new MQB platform. Powering the Golf Variant is the usual assortment of gas and TDI diesel engines. On the gas side, VW will offer 1.2 liter and 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4s. The 1.2-liter range includes 84-, 89-, and 104-hp units, while the 1.4-liter range includes 120- and 138-hp engines. On the diesel front, VW will be offering a 1.6-liter 104- or 108-hp turbodiesel I-4, or a larger 2.0-liter 148-hp turbodiesel I-4. For the first time ever, VW will offer auto journalist specials of the new wagon with diesel and all-wheel drive. Further cementing the station wagon's niche status will be the Golf Variant 4Motion, which comes exclusively with the 104- and 148-hp TDI engines. Transmission options on the lineup include five- and six-speed manuals, as well as VW's six-speed dual-clutch DSG box. A CNG-powered Golf Variant is in the works. All Golf wagons come standard with stop-start.
Volkswagen will be offering an ultra-fuel efficient version of its new wagon dubbed the Golf Variant TDI BlueMotion. Using the 108-hp diesel engine, the wagon comes with a six-speed manual, a 0.6-inch lower ride height, active grille shutters, aero-flaps on the rear windows, extra under-body cladding, and low-rolling resistance rubber. VW expects the new BlueMotion wagon to net 71.3 mpg combined on the European test cycle. Though exterior dimensions for all intents and purposes are basically identical to the Jetta Sportwagen, inside VW is touting dramatic cargo room increases in the new Golf wagon. Cargo area with the rear seats up has reportedly been increased by 20 percent, while space has increased nine percent with the rear seats folded flat. 2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon Rear Three Quarters As is the case with the new Golf hatch, the Golf wagon is available with high-tech extras like Dynamic Chassis Control, a variety of infotainment systems, and park assist. VW's put a big emphasis on safety with its new wagon, and will be offering systems like its City Emergency Braking, and Driver Alert. The Golf Variant will also be available with PreCrash, which automatically pre-tensions the driver and passenger's seatbelts if it detects a potential accident. The system will also detect if severe oversteer or understeer is occurring and then close the sunroof and roll the side windows almost all the way up so the side-impact airbags are most effective. The wagon also has Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which will bring the car to a standstill after an accident. The new Volkswagen Golf Variant wagon goes on sale in Europe this August. We'll have to wait a bit longer for the Golf wagon to make it here to the U.S., given that the 2014 Golf that it's based on won't reach our shores until early next year. When the latest Golf variant makes its way across the Atlantic sometime in early 2015, expect fewer engine options, minor content changes, and Jetta Sportwagen badging. One can only hope that the Variant will make it here with all-wheel drive and a manual transmissions, preferably in brown – us auto journalists need a new wagon to fawn over.