A surprisingly good, comfortable ride and responsive steering are attributes quickly noticeable aboard the 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI.
The added turbodiesel power moves it even higher in both performance and phenomenal fuel mileage, which should lend longer-lasting satisfaction to its ranks of owners.
Tiny paddleshifters, easy to use and of good fit with the steering wheel, offer enhanced use of the turbo, whether better matchup of gear and torque or in downshifting for improved grip on cornering.
The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TDI engine and 6-speed automatic transmission experience a lag on takeoff; once the turbo kicks in, though, it develops all the acceleration necessary.
The SportWagen is a popular addition to the Golf line.
The VW Golf SportWagen TDI was fourth best-seller in June among light-duty diesels. The top 10 light-duty diesels for June were Ram 1500 pickup 5,050; VW Passat 2,489; VW Jetta 1,852; VW Golf SportWagen 1,506; VW Golf 955; Audi Q5 462; BMW X5 422; Audi Q7 360; Chevrolet Cruze 350 and VW Touareg 328.
The leaders for the first six months of the year are the Ram 1500 with29,658 sales; VW Passat 11,746; VW Jetta 11,692; VW Golf 4,989; VW Golf SportWagen 3,940; BMW X5 3,265; Audi Q5 2,544; Porsche Cayenne 2,159; Mercedes-Benz GL Class 1,938 and Chevrolet Cruze 1,920.
The Golf SportWagen delivered to me was a “can’t miss” color – tornado red.
In a wide variety of drives, including some curvy country roads to test its handling and cornering, it averaged 38.9 miles per gallon of clean diesel fuel. Its EPA estimate is from 31 to 42 mpg.
Sticker price on the ’15 Golf amounted to $26,515, including the diesel power and leatherette seating.
Among other standard items are heated foldable power adjustable side mirrors; variable intermittent front windshield wipers; cooled glove compartment; touchscreen AM/FM/CD radio with MP3, SiriusXM and Bluetooth; cruise control; trip computer and front and rear head-impact airbags.
The front-wheel-drive SportWagen rides on Continental ProContact 205/55R16 tires. Its parts content included 45 percent from Germany, 25 percent Mexico and 5 percent U.S. The wagon is expected to be offered with 4Motion (all-wheel drive) within the next two years.
Here are the specifications for the ’15 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI:
- Capacity 5-passenger wagon
- Wheelbase 103.7 inches
- Length 179.6 inches
- Width 70.8 inches
- Height 58.3 inches
- Curb Weight 3,246 pounds
- Track 61 inches front, 61 rear
- Ground Clearance 5.5 inches
- Turn Circle 35 feet, 8 inches
- Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
- Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel
- Horsepower/Torque 150/236
- Transmission 6-speed automatic
- Steering electric-boost power
- Suspension strut front, multilink rear
- Fuel mileage estimate 31/42
- Fuel mileage average 38.9
- Fuel Tank 13.2 gallons, clean diesel
- Wheels 16-inch
- Tires Continental ProContact 205/55R16
- Cargo Volume 30.4 cubic feet
- Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain
Competitors Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Toyota Prius V, Ford C-Max Hybrid
Assembly Plant Puebla, Mexico
Sticker Price $26,515.