New 2020 Volkswagen Golf wagon breaks cover

Volkswagen has pulled the drapes off its Mk8 Volkswagen Golf-based wagon that's set to land in Australia in early 2021.

The big news is the latest Golf wagon is much bigger than the model it replaces, measuring in at 4633mm long, an increase of around 350mm over the last-gen wagon.

The length isn't just over the rear axle as engineers have also stretched the wheelbase by 66mm, boosting space within the cabin, while the boot capacity increases to 611 litres with the seats up and 1642 litres with them folded flat.

That's a gain of only six litres (and 22L with the seats folded) over the previous Golf wagon and still some way off the Skoda Octavia that offers 50 litres more with the rear bench down.

Blame the Mk8 Golf wagon's more rakish rear styling for the modest gains in cargo volume, but the good news is there's now bag hooks, fastening rings and load-bay lighting and power outlets as standard, while a powered tailgate that can be operated with a foot gesture becomes an option.

Inside, the Golf wagon's cabin is identical to the new hatch, which is a good thing as we've already used words like 'brilliant' and a 'trend setter' to explain the 2020 Volkswagen Golf that is almost completely devoid of buttons, replacing them with an intuitive touchscreen and much-improved voice control system.

Under the bonnet, there's the same excellent choice of engines in the hatch that includes the peppy 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo and an advanced 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol, plus a pair of diesels.

Also to be available from launch is an all-wheel-drive Golf Alltrack that features a raised ride height, underbody armour and tougher looks for a life spent off-road.

Volkswagen has yet to confirm engines for the Golf Alltrack, but says it should be capable of towing up to 2000kg.

Later on in 2021, Volkswagen will launch its flagship Golf R wagon that's set to be powered by the same 245kW/420Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as the hatch.

Set to be combined with standard all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the fastest wagon should hit 100km/h in around 4.5 seconds and top out at 250km/h.

The Golf R wagon hasn't been explicitly confirmed for a launch Down Under, but Volkswagen Australia has hinted that it expects it to land here late in the third quarter of 2021 as one in six of the previous-gen Golf Rs sold were wagons.