By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos VW US Media Newsroom
Volkswagen SportWagen models have long been a top choice for customers who want the space and utility of a compact SUV, but the nimbleness and fun-to-drive capabilities of a Golf. The stylish 2019 Golf SportWagen model presents a winning combination of versatility, comfort and high-performance.
Exterior
The Golf SportWagen carries the unmistakable DNA of the Volkswagen Golf, with a shape and design elements that are defined and internationally recognizable. Distinctive elements of the SportWagen, however, include a D-pillar, roof rails and a unique rear design that differentiate it from the Golf hatchback.
The front end features a hood that slopes down into the front fenders and sports angular horizontal design cues. An updated front grille, with upper chrome and lower chrome freshen the SportWagen’s look; At the back, it features a wide rear window, new LED taillights and a wide, low tailgate that integrates the license plate. With a load height of just 24.8 inches and a wide aperture of 40.6 inches, the Golf SportWagen has been designed with maximum functionality in mind.
At 179.6 inches long and 70.8 inches wide dimensions that ensure sporty proportions and aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front-wheel centerline and the pedal box, the front wheels sit forward, giving a premium cab backward aesthetic. Along with the styling, these updated proportions help the SportWagen achieve a lower visual center of gravity and a more dynamic stance.
Interior
The upscale environment of the cabin is largely shared with the Golf model, with increased interior space due to the wagon body style. Occupants are treated to 94.3 cu-ft of passenger area volume.
Rear seat leg and shoulder room are 35.6 and 53.9 inches, respectively. Front seat passengers also benefit from the spacious interior, with 41.2 inches of legroom and 55.9 inches across the shoulders. Both front and rear headroom are 38.6 inches; The SportWagen has a spacious cargo hold that’s in line with those of compact SUVs. With the rear seats up, the SportWagen boasts 30.4 cu-ft of space: when the 60:40 split rear seat is fully folded, that figure rises to an enormous 66.5 cu-ft of storage. The split folding rear seats are accessed by release levers in the cargo area, helping to maximize convenience.
In addition to the expansive interior space, the driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver, a feature frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles. White backlighting for the controls further highlights this upscale ambience, as well as the use of premium materials throughout, such as the leather-wrapped handbrake, shifter knob and steering wheel, the soft-touch plastics and piano-black trim.
Powertrains
The 2019 Golf SportWagen front-wheel-drive adopts the 1.4-liter four-cylinder EA211 TSI engine from the all-new 2019 Jetta. The 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine makes 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. As in the Jetta, the TSI engine is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic in both S and SE trims.
A Start/Stop System is standard on automatic-transmission front-wheel-drive models. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held. When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.
The Golf SportWagen S 4Motion features a compact turbocharged and direct-injection 1.8-liter four-cylinder EA888 TSI gasoline engine. It produces 168 horsepower at 4,500 rpm, and torque peaks at 199 pound-feet, with the broad torque band starting at 1,600 rpm and lasting until 4,400 rpm. Golf SportWagen S 4Motion models are mated to either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic.
Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the six-speed manual achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 29 mpg in city driving, 37 mpg on the highway, and 32 in combined driving. Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic are rated at 27 mpg in city driving, 36 mpg on the highway, and 31 in combined driving. 4Motion models equipped with the six-speed manual have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway, and 25 in combined driving. 4Motion models equipped with the optional six-speed DSG automatic are rated at 22 mpg in city driving, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 in combined driving.
Summary
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is one of few wagon models available in the United States, one factor separating the SportWagen from SUV’s and compact crossover vehicles remains the lower ride height, which keeps the wagon’s center of gravity closer to the ground, aiding stability and handling; The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen offers the maneuverability of a car and the practicality of a compact SUV with lots of cargo space, and a comfortable and composed ride.
Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen S with a standard six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive starts at $21,895. The eight-speed automatic transmission starts at $22,995. Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen S 4Motion with a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $24,395. The six-speed DSG automatic transmission starts at $25,495. The destination charge for all Golf SportWagen models is an additional $895.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
