Volkswagen Golf Wagon 103TSI 2014 Review - International

Volkswagen Golf 103TSI Wagon

Not so much:
>> Tyre noise
>> DSG hesitation

Arriving in the first half of 2014, the new Mk.7 Volkswagen Golf Wagon will offer all the weight savings, technology upgrades and exterior style enhancements of the latest Golf hatchback to Aussie buyers, but in a more practical package.

The new model is expected to be priced similarly to the current Golf Wagon range, which means starting around $27K and topping out around $37K. It also brings significantly improved cargo space, rising from 505 to 605 litres.

That was enough room to swallow the considerable luggage/contraband of three blokes on a week-long overseas conference to Frankfurt.

Once the 60:40 split-fold seats are doubled over - via easy-to-reach latches located in the boot - cargo space improves to 1620 litres, boosting the previous model's 1495 litres by a decent margin.

Folding down the rear seats of the family-sized wagon is child's play, too. Just hit the latches and the spring-loaded seats automatically fold forward. The boot also features four hooks for securing shopping bags and a removable cargo cover that can be stored under the boot floor in a hidden compartment.

Measuring 4562mm long and 1799mm wide, the new generation Golf Wagon is 28mm longer and 18mm wider than its predecessor, boosting passenger space and comfort levels.

I spent some time in the back seat, about an hour while highway cruising and it wasn't too shabby. Rear seat leg room is average for a six foot bloke, head room generous, and air vents in the back are a nice touch, especially on a humid German autumn’s day.

On top of its increased size, the new five-door, five-seat wagon also delivers a more refined, sophisticated and quieter driving experience thanks to its modern MQB underpinnings.

I drove the 103TSI model, which is powered by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine hooked up to a seven-speed automatic DSG. It was a smooth operator with more than enough torque (250Nm) to accelerate promptly from standstill and at overtaking speeds.

The new 1.4-litre engine delivers enough pepper (103kW peak power) to see the load-lugger hustle from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds. It’s pleasantly smooth too, quietly and diligently responding to the driver's right-foot.

The DSG performed well in most situations encountered, from inner-city traffic crawl to open road cruising. There was minor lag during slow speed acceleration from standstill but the upshot is the automatic transmission combined with the car's cylinder deactivation and engine stop-start system helps deliver impressive fuel economy.

Volkswagen claims average fuel consumption of 5.0L/100km and CO2 output of 116g/km, using 95 RON premium petrol. Our final figure was 7.2L/100km, though it should be noted that its top speed of 213km/h was repeatedly tested on several stretches of Autobahn.

The new Golf Wagon (dubbed 'Golf Variant' in Europe) rides on a 2635mm wheelbase, 57mm longer than before, and it makes a difference to the way the car sits on the road. It feels more confident, particularly over undulating roads and at higher speeds, than the Golf BlueMotion hatch we drove a few days earlier.

Cruising at 200km/h on the Autobahn between Frankfurt and Munich, the Golf Wagon was happy as Larry, and again felt more composed than its hatchback sibling.

Volkswagen's load-lugging Golf has been on a strict diet, with some variants shedding as much as 105kg. This dieting has resulted in a more responsive and enjoyable car to drive, especially on gently curving roads in the German countryside.

Tipping the scales at 1362kg, it invites drivers to test its dynamics, and is a rewarding little wagon to drive. It tips into corners readily, holds a neat line thanks to its taut chassis and the turbo engine keeps things entertaining.

The new Golf Wagon goes on sale in Australia from mid-2014. As well as pricing, Volkswagen is expected to stick with four engines, comprising two turbo-petrol and two turbo-diesel options.

Compared to the Golf 5-based Wagon currently on sale here, the new Golf 7 Wagon is a vast improvement. It's got more, easily accessible cargo space, and looks, drives and feels better too. 

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