Over the years, Car Showroom has seen and driven various Golf estate models in Europe and until now we’ve been bewildered at the non-appearance in Australia. Finally, Volkswagen Group Australia has broken new ground for Golf by bringing the wagon version to Australia.
It looks good, exudes typical Volkswagen quality and is sharply priced from $26,990. Ford’s Mondeo wagon also comes from Europe and is a larger segment vehicle than the Golf (hence its +$30K price tag) but both make compelling arguments to be ideal vehicles for both private and fleet customers in Australia.
In fact, Golf Wagon’s most direct rival is a team-mate – the Skoda Octavia wagon!
The Golf wagon is available with a choice of two petrol engines (both 1.4-litre but one has 90kW and the other has 118kW) and two diesels – a 1.6-litre with 77kW and a 2.0-litre with 103kW. Drive is to the front wheels via six-speed or seven-speed transmissions.
And there are two model grades – entry-level Trendline and the upscale Comfortline.
Inside, among the differences, Trendline models have titanium-look trim while Comfortline models get the glossy black treatment. Seat fabrics are also different with Comfortline models highlighted by cross-stitched seat fabric.
Comfortline models can also be ordered with leather seats (and extra $3,300).
Both share a good-sized cargo area providing up to 1,495 litres of volume (rear seat folded) or 690 litres with the seat in place. Cargo length is up to 1.7 metres (rear seat folded) or 1.29 metres (rear seat in place).
To prevent loads shifting forwards during braking, a cargo petitioning can be installed either behind the front or rear seats.
A 1.36 metre panoramic glass sunroof is an option. The large roof is cleverly design so it doesn’t intrude on internal roof height and comes in two halves with an electrically-operated sun blind.
Fuel consumption is intriguing. The 90kW 1.4-litre petrol averages 6.2l/100kms while the 118kW version is just a tad more thirsty with 6.3l/100kms.
Of the diesels, score the 1.6-litre at 4.7l/100kms and the 2.0-litre at 5.7l/100kms.
Depending on the radio/navigation system you opt for, Golf Wagon can be equipped with ‘Park Assist’ and a rear-view camera. Volkswagen says its ‘Park Assist’ system can have you stopped and reverse-parked in a parallel carpark no more than 1.1-metres longer than the Golf Wagon in less than 15 seconds.
