2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI
Test Drive
Written by Katerina Krjanina
Photographs by Katerina Krjanina
Overview
This time I am testing a silver-blue/grey 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The VW SportWagen is loaded with everything: leather, premium sound, navigation, power seats, and more. In our week together, the VW SportWagen welcomed me to the driveway with its sporty design and slightly stretched hatchback and wagon. Must agree, I do get spoiled driving such a nice car like the 2016 VW Golf SportWagen.
The VW SportWagen welcomed me to the driveway with its sporty design and slightly stretched hatchback and wagon.
Details
The 2016 VW Golf SportWagen is packed with great features. What surprised me is an actual big interior space for a Golf. The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen gets a rearview camera standard in all trims, a new 6.5-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink functionality, and a USB input replaces the MDI port…, so far so good, right?!
The Golf SportWagen interior is actually one of the nicest in this price range.
The new VW Golf SportWagen I drove had 15-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, black roof rails, full power accessories, and a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also had standard height-adjustable manual front seats with power recline, VW’s Car-Net emergency telematics system, and Bluetooth connectivity. The base audio system has eight speakers, satellite radio, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack, and USB port. Did you know that the Golf SportWagen automatically lowers the audio sound level when you are backing up?! Yes, it does.
Interior
The Golf SportWagen interior is actually one of the nicest in this price range. The new 6.5-inch screen is easy to understand and the convenient backup camera is now standard across all models. In the rear, VW Golf SportWagon got lots of room for two adults or three children. The driver’s side seat has electronic controls. Unfortunately the passenger seat has manual adjustments.
Extra Space
One of a reason to buy a wagon of course is the extra cargo room behind the rear seat. It’s pretty large and extremely helpful. The SportWagen offers up 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, and 66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. Basically the Sportwagen is about a foot longer than a regular Golf. I easily fit in a trunk a few suitcases and a baby stroller. Not too bad, right?!
Engine
The Golf SportWagen is rated by VW at 170 horsepower. It’s powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. VW SportWagen has good fuel economy. The five-speed manual gearbox sends power to the front wheels. Unfortunately, all-wheel drive is not available. I complained to my husband when I found this out. He just rolled his eyes.
The Golf SportWagens is featured with a panoramic sunroof that illuminates the entire cabin!
On the open road, the wagon’s ride is smooth and controlled, handling the curves well. In the city, VW SportWagen works well when trying to get into tight spaces. This wagon is the right size for urban living. My SportWagens was featured with a panoramic sunroof that illuminates the entire cabin. Wow! The night drive was absolutely amazing. If you like roofless style cars SportWagen can be not exactly the one, but close to a convertible. Other nice features include fog lamps and keyless access with push-button start.
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen offers lots of utility, plus great price, nicest interiors and features.
Bottom Line
You are totally win-win getting the SportWagen. The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen offers lots of utility, plus great price, nicest interiors and features.
