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Volkswagen Golf Wagon Review

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

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By Matt Brogan |
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Price: $23,320 to $28,820

Our Rating:  

Death and taxes might be life’s only two certainties, but it’s also a fairly safe bet that a new Volkswagen Golf model is sure to prove a worthy addition to an already impressive line up. Now add a little more versatility and a bucket load of extra cargo space to that rock-solid equation and voilà – the new Volkswagen Golf Wagon is born.

Joining the three- and five-door hatch models, the new Volkswagen Golf Wagon will offer itself in a total of six guises featuring a choice of four engines, three transmissions, two models grades and two option packages (more on these in a little while). Pricing starts at only $2,000 more than Mark VI Golf hatch models, as follows.

Volkswagen Golf Wagon Pricing:

  • Volkswagen Golf Wagon 90TSI Trendline (six-speed manual) – $26,990*
  • Volkswagen Golf Wagon 90TSI Trendline (seven-speed DSG) – $29,490*
  • Volkswagen Golf Wagon 77TDI Trendline (five-speed manual) – $29,490*
  • Volkswagen Golf Wagon 77TDI Trendline (seven-speed DSG) – $31,990*
  • Volkswagen Golf Wagon 118TSI Comfortline (seven-speed DSG) – $33,990*
  • Volkswagen Golf Wagon 103TDI Comfortline (six-speed DSG) – $36,490*

Visiting with Volkswagen Australia for a brief drive program in and around our nation’s capital yesterday, I had the chance to slip behind the wheel of a couple of new Golf Wagons for a chance to experience just how adept the family lugger would prove on the open road.

Taking the reigns of the new Volkswagen Golf Wagon 118TSI Comfortline (pictured above) and Volkswagen Golf 103TDI Comfortline (pictured top), both equipped with Volkswagen’s slick-shifting DSG transmissions (no manual option offered in Comfortline format), I made my way through the tree-lined streets of Canberra’s CBD for the surrounding hills to get a better impression of how the wagon’s extra bulk had impacted on Golf’s well renowned dynamics.

Exiting the city, it’s quickly evident that the “Golf for customers who need ‘more Golf’”, as Volkswagen so aptly put it, has lost none of its hatch counterpart’s nimble cornering ability and zippy off-the-line performance with the DSG transmission, after taking all but a moment to engage, making its way quickly through the cogs to find suburban speed limits met with relative haste.

Breaking free of the constraints of city traffic, the new Golf Wagon feels instantly at ease on the open highway with an impressive quietness the first noticeable characteristic of the family lugger’s quality. The new Golf Wagon is fitted with an acoustic dampening windscreen that virtually eliminates wind noise, allowing a peaceful cabin space that’s as relaxed as it is spacious and functional.

The driver-centric instrumentation and switch gear falls to hand readily, and is intuitive of function meaning eyes can be kept where they need to be. The comfortable seating is a real treat feeling much more top-shelf than is usually expected in this small family category.

Underfoot the smooth, well settled ride is a welcomed ally over choppy rural back roads. The Strut (front) / Multi-link (rear) suspension arrangement although blissfully comfortable, still allows an almost sporty flavour to Golf Wagon’s ride that sees tenacious grip and maximum purchase from Golf’s front-wheel drive arrangement pull the little wagon through corners with eager pace and determined fluidity.

The electro-mechanical steering too is well-weighted with surprisingly crisp turn-in that almost allows you to almost forget the extra bulk Wagon’s added dimensions contribute to the rear end. Especially enthusiastic driving will expose the chunky rump’s greater mass – and in panormaic roof models a higher centre of gravity – but in saying that, it’s not evident until driving at a pace well beyond that typically associated with comfortable family motoring.

Having only the time to experience two of new Golf Wagon’s engine offerings yesterday (expect a full road test of more models over the coming weeks), it’s safe to say the 103TDI (or 103kW turbo-diesel) is easily the pick of the litter. Not only does this torquey unit allow quick acceleration from rest but is punchy through winding back roads, strong on overtaking and, with a little help from the quick-thinking DSG transmission, able to iron flat hills most small wagons would struggle against.

As mentioned earlier, the new Golf Wagon range features a choice of four engines. The power, torque, 0-100 times, combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures for which are listed below.

Engine Line-Up:

  • 90TSI (1.4 petrol): 90kW/200Nm | 9.9 seconds | 6.7L/100km (M) / 6.2L/100km (A) | 156g/km (M) / 144g/km (A)
  • 118TSI (1.4 petrol): 118kW/240Nm | 8.4 seconds | 6.3L/100km (A) | 148g/km (A)
  • 77TDI (1.6 diesel): 77kW/250Nm | 11.9 seconds | 4.7L/100km (M) / 5.2L/100km (A) | 124g/km (M) / 135g/km (A)
  • 103TDI (2.0 diesel): 103kW/320Nm | 9.7 seconds | 5.7L/100km (A) | 149g/km (A)

Due to its small-car body, medium-car carrying capacity, Volkswagen says that the new Golf Wagon will pit itself against a number of contenders across two market categories.

In terms of its external dimensions, the Wagon’s natural rivals are that of the Hyundai i30cw and Peugeot 308 Estate, though with 505-litres of cargo capacity (to window height, seats up – 1,495-litres all told), this new Golf model may also find itself challenging such rivals as the Mazda6, Subaru Liberty and Ford Mondeo – especially given its favoured combination of a diesel engine/automatic transmission, an offering not yet available on Volkswagen’s Japanese rivals.

As you’d expect from a model with such wide-reaching appeal, a number of option packages and a lengthy accessories list (see gallery below for details) is also available.

The first of these is the ‘Comfort’ package (available on Trendline models) that allows buyers wanting the benefits of low engine capacity the chance to opt for a higher level of equipment. The package costs $2,200.00

Comfort Package (available on Trendline models):

  • 16-inch Sedona alloy wheels
  • Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel
  • Leather-wrapped gear knob
  • Leather-wrapped park brake handle
  • Multi-function display (MFD Plus)
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Dusk-sensing headlamps
  • Coming/leaving home light function
  • Cruise control

For those already selecting upper-spec Comfortline models, but wanting a little more bling, Volkswagen now offer a ‘Sport’ package for just $1,800.00 more.

Sport Package (available on Comfortline models):

  • 17-inch Porto alloy wheels
  • Sports suspension
  • Dark tinted rear side and rear windows
  • Low tyre pressure indicator
  • Front foglamps with static cornering function

On the safety front, the Golf Wagon omits the driver’s knee airbag found on hatch models, but includes front, side and curtain airbags as standard on all models, as well as a long list of electronic aids that include ABS, EBA, EBD, EDL, ESC (with Traction Control) and HSA (ANCAP testing to be confirmed soon).

A rigid safety cell body with front and rear crumple zones, side impact protection ensures a tough outer shell, while inside seatbelt pretensioners and brake force limiters can be found alongside (front) safety optimised head restraints (anti-whiplash) and an extendable, dual-position cargo net.

Standard Safety Equipment:

  • Anti-lock braking with Brake Assist & Electronic Brake-force Distribution
  • Hill Start Assist (DSG models only)
  • Anti-Slip Regulation (Traction Control)
  • Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The new Volkswagen Golf Wagon offers a seven colour palette consisting of two solid, four metallic and one pearl effect colours are available across all models while inside, two grades of black cloth (depending on model) are standard with two optional leather upholstery choices (black and beige) also offered.

Colour Range:

  • Candy White
  • Salsa Red
  • Reflex Silver (M)
  • Silver Leaf (M)
  • Shadow Blue (M)
  • Platinum Grey (M)
  • Deep Black (P)

For a more detailed drive experience, CarAdvice will be road testing a number of new Volkswagen Golf Wagon variants over the coming weeks.

New Volkswagen Golf Wagon models are in showrooms from this weekend.

Specifications:

Owner reviews of the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Add a New Review

  • Baddass

    Matt, what do you think of the tail-lights? The traditional wagon body is loved by designers as the long sides can have sweeping curves, an upward waistline and low rear roofline (a great example is the Commodore Sportwagon), but this all seems to have gone to waste with these droopy, large and morose tail lights. They are completely mismatched to the car, and not really anything in the Volkswagen range. It is an absolute opurtunity wasted, as there is so many possible good looking, well-fitted tail light designs that could have been employed. The Mazda 6 wagon is a good example of well matched, stylish lights.

  • Deco

    The wagon shape doesn’t suit the Golf’s styling. I quite like the golf Hatch looks, but this is just bland.

    • Suntory time

      Yeah, it looks like a garden gnome’s car.

  • Iz

    The wagon in red with the big wheels and tinted windows give it its best show, IMO. But what is it with the more powerful engines being DSG only? Thats a shame if you ask me.

    (And no, I couldnt give a hoot about how raving great the DSG is, I like having three pedals and a gear stick, just the same.. =] )

  • Neo Utopia

    I agree with Baddass, the rear light look a bit too stretched on the side. I actually like the the lights to protrude in towards the centre of the rear, looks more integrated with the rear and matching with the front lights.

  • Kris

    Sounds promising. Might try and take a look at one tomorrow. I’d only be interested in either the 118kw petrol or 103kw diesel though. As for the looks, I think it looks ok, a bit bland at the rear just like the Skoda Octavia (although with a different look). Nice comfortable interior though, that’s one area where VW are very strong. The wagon needs 18″ wheels on it though to give it a better stance IMO.

  • ethan

    somehow the back doesn’t look as resolved as i would have liked… it’ll sell regardless, i’m sure…

    • Kim

      Yeah agreed, car just looks like a lazy attempt. Almost exactly like the previous gen Golf Wagon except with a MkVI front. So lazy but VW know anything they release in Australia will sell well which would explain why we are getting it.

      • Simon

        So why don’t VW Oz sell the Phaeton?

        • Cinderella

          And who would buy one? There are too many established German cars for your $120,000 plus dollars in Australia for Volkswagen Australia to waste resources for.
          Even the North American market dropped the Phaeton.

        • CrustyTheClown

          Indeed, call it 2nd to the LS Lexus as the finest sedan on the planet.

          NO badge-snob either

        • Simon

          I guess you missed what Jeremy Clarkson had to say about the Phaeton.
          Also it would sell comparitively well, precisely because it is niche.

          • Golfschwein

            I recall most hacks describing it as nice, but too heavy, and with the mother of all acceptance battles on its hands. Is this what Clarkson said?

  • Tony

    this is one of those pricing curiousities

    if you get the 90TSI DSG and then add the $2.2k Comfort package you are perilously close to the 118TSI anyway with the advantages of the 118 easily explained by the bigger engine etc.

    i do wish they gave you a manual option on the Comfortlines

  • Steve-Poyza

    I don’t know why, but the fact that the car is so heavily based on the previous gen Golf wagon is a bit of a turn off…

    • Tony

      pretty sure it’s based on the jetta

      it\’s a wagon… it’s never gonna be supa sexy

  • Tony

    how much do VW charge for metallic paint?

    it’s “palette” btw.

    a pallet is something you load on a forklift

  • crouchy

    No No No No No… Those tail-lights have ruined the entire look…

  • Shak

    Im a bit put off by the fact that this is pretty much a Mk V with a Mk VI face. But the carrying capacity is greater than large sedans so that is some sort of consolation. Good car all, not great, just good.

  • Joker

    As a whole package, this is great. Perfect for the Family who don’t want a gas guzzling SUV and doesn’t need the 7 seats..
    The back end looks a bit dopey…I think its the tail lights that don’t do it any favours but nevertheless a solid package :)

  • Tinman

    The design looks awkward because the wheelbase hasn’t been extended over the hatch.
    Cheaper way to build a wagon I guess.

  • Frank

    I take it this will be the demise of the Jetta wagon and basically the Jetta sedan as soon as the Golf sedan version (new Jetta) comes out.

    Great looking car!

  • AAA

    Timing belt or chain? Difference of $800 every 50,000kms and if it snaps $5,000.

    • Tony

      we’re not sure if it’s an interference engine – if it is, it’ll cost closer to $14k for a new engine!

      for me, i think it’s a 90TSI base + comfort package.

      Should be well under $30k!

      tempted to go red or white to save on metallic paint tax

  • zahmad

    Shouldn’t it’s biggest rival be the in-house Skoda Octavia Wagon?

    • Steve

      You must be joking right, competition??? This is the death certificate for Skoda Australia, the entry level is the same price but better engine – more power, better fuel efficiency. The 118tsi is $1300 less than the Skoda.

      VW have buried their own brand !!!!

      Don’t know what it says about Skodas future as they could have just as easily called it the jatte wagon priced it $2000 premium over the sedan and still sold 1,000′s. It would have been 3,000 cheaper than the Mazda 6 which is the primary target and easily justified given the brands quality and engineering. To price it even chaeper than the Mazda is a warning shot that skoda has no place in Oz

      • Projet L

        I was wating for this car to come out.
        When I saw the pics of it late last year
        I went and bought a Skoda.
        This Golf is just damn ugly from the rear
        and bland up front.
        For me Mazda etc didn’t even rate , as I like
        to be able to hear my passengers conversation.
        The (Audi sourced) 118TSI in the Octavia is a far sweeter engine
        than the twin charged 1.4 in the Jetta/Golf as well.
        I personally don’t care if Skoda don’t sell the (toyota) levels
        that Volkswagen do. I knew what I was buying and don’t need other
        people’s acceptance of something to validate my purchase.
        As far a resale goes, I just came out of a Volkswagen and the resale
        was bloody terrible IMO. I’ve lo-balled with this car anyway.
        So I am not too fussed with the resale. I could have bought 3 Octavias/Golfs
        All I know is that this is a better car than the Golf wagon.

      • Able

        You’re such a hero mate, yet you wouldn’t know (like everyone else who buys a Golf/Jetta) that the Octavia is a heaps better car. That extra space for a littler price (if you incorporate the non-standard Gold equipment to bring it to Octavia spec), a manual tranny on every model and the sporty RS available) and the same high quality level, it’s a better car. Skoda’s are more reliable too, being actually European built (Golf wagon/Jetta = Mexico built)…

  • Tony

    octavia is a lot bigger

    also if you look you’ll find the base octavia is around $32k for a base n/a manual (you really don’t want a 75kW/148Nm 1,5 ton wagon)

    http://www.skoda.com.au/newoctavia/pricing.aspx

    comparable 1.8TSi DSG is just under $40k

    skoda resale is an unknown too

    i do not know how much bargaining they do but i heard they discount aggressively

  • filippo

    I think it is misleading to compare the Golf wagon with the likes of the Mazda 6 and Ford Mondeo. I spent 4 hours in the back seat of a mark V Golf last weekend and can attest that although it was comfortable, leg room was very limited. I couldn’t imagine having 3 people in the back seat for anything more than a very short journey.

    • The Other Brad

      Is the back seat room of a Mk5 Golf and Mk6 Golf the same?

      • Golfschwein

        Yes.

  • Glen

    The VW that style forgot… Actually the entire Golf range is pretty dull-looking these days…

  • fishman

    This will clean up in this market segment – it’s combo of outstanding diesel engines and dsg auto gearboxes place it head and shoulder above the competition. Rear styling isn’t great, but the VW/Golf badge will have buyers flocking none-the-less.

    No other wagon on the market (peugeot 308 excepted) can compete with this – Mazda 6, Holden Sportswagon, i30CW, Ford Mondeo & Falcon etc all come up short one way or another.

    Once again it’s a European manufacturer showing the way forward. When will the local boys learn….

    • mr.trith

      LOL

      In your mind, they had them before and they flopped, this will too.

      Not only is it overpriced, its as ugly as sin……

      • fishman

        Times have changed – fuel is expensive and compact wagons are a major growth segment as people look for alternatives to thirsty SUV’s.

        Why do you think Hyundia introduced the i30CW, and VW are back in the market? Neither is in the business of losing money, and they are arguably the 2 strongest performing brands globally and locally at the moment. I’d trust their judgement over yours.

        All VW’s are overpriced over here (as are all diesels from all manufacturers) compared to overseas markets, but man you still see plenty of them on the road so I see no reason why this would be any different…

    • Ross

      it’s made in mexico, is not european and based on previous golf planform (we have been late on the list of release!)
      other VAG miniwagons or even v50 likely to be a better bet, even if the volvo is based on fords mid sized platform and has a smaller boot space, better put topgether.

  • davo

    test drove both the 118tsi and 103 tdi today, the 118tsi petrol was a smoother ride with less noticable lag at takeoff which is common with diesel. Looks better in flesh than in pics i was worried about the rear lights. Luggage space is huge at the back all in all a great car. What floored me was the cost of extras $990 for bluetooth, $3300 for leather $1900 for sunroof $1100 for a towbar!!!!!!
    $1900 for premium sound system, $400 for fog lights, $270 for ipod innterface all in all I was quoted $52,000 drive away whoahhhhh!!!!

    I then went and test drove a Hyundai ix35 highlander with all the above extras included + reversing camera and whilst the finish was not as good it was still quite good $40,000 drive away

    Now tossing up weather to get lower 95TSi VW with sunroof + confort package and no leather or IX35 Highlander never thought I would be considering a Hyundai .I feel a little dirty hehe

    • Simon

      Davo as much as I am a fan of Golf, you are right to consider a better value alternative. Perhaps VW will get more serious about their over-the-top option pricing when it costs them sales. People are beginning to expect so much more for their money which is a great thing.

    • Projet – L

      Davo,
      got all that minus leather (I’ve grown to dislike dead cow) and roof.
      Got full iPod integration, better stereo, bluetooth, fogs (which are excellent),
      superior engine, visual parking and a few other things that escape me.
      As well as better build quality/materials (lots of Audi bits here),
      for less money.

      Skoda’s are priced similar but offer more.
      And no I am not a sales person.
      Just a happy owner.

      • Gdub

        each to there own I guess but I always get that eerie feeling when I pass a Skoda driver in the R36 that they feel they have something to prove (justification for buying the cheap seats perhaps?)

        • Projet L

          Funny that….people with something which they think they need to prove.

          I have been getting that heaps with Volkswagen Golf and Jetta drivers lately.
          Even had an R36 Wagon try to prove something the other day.

          What a toss.

          Spose I will run up against a Golf wagon soon too.

          • Able

            It’s because they know that us Octavia owners got a better deal! I find Passat R36 owners to be snobs too, especially to Skoda owners. Our quality is just as high tools!

            I just ordered my RS :)

  • Gdub

    For me it’s worth checking out. I was thinking a Tiguan for my wife but the Golf has much more luggage space for the plethora of baby stuff needed (over 100 ltrs more than the Tiguan !??! ) and she doesn’t like “big” cars (to her my R36 wagon is huge and she doesn’t like driving it)
    VW vs Hyundai? no contest and not even worth mentioning in the same sentence.You get what you’re prepared to pay for, Korean products are made to a price and it shows.
    As to forking out silly money for “genuine” options? aftermarket is not difficult in a VW.
    Yep, test drive on I’m thinking, it’ll make a good second car.

  • Jay

    My partner and I are seriously considering the manual 90tsi version, we only wish that cruise control was a standalone option, we have to get the comfort pack to get cruise. Great vehicle though much more practical than the Tiguan and Golf hatch.

  • Riker

    This thing is an enigma & a paradox all wound up into one neat little package. It clearly shows it’s euro heritage, good build quality, good materials, good safety & is sized in the perfect big small car zone. Has a great boot & seems to be a very versatile & useable car, that can be made to look pretty good if you spend a bit of coin. Even though it has all these positive virtues it leaves you feeling a little unsure. Look at it from the back & you scratch your head wondering. Move to the side it gets a little better, then move to the front & it looks OK again.

    Hmmmmm, it is a ‘will I’ or ‘won’t I’ kind of car. It ticks most boxes & I think the sheer overall economics of this car will see it being a good deal in the eyes of many. Make no mistake, this is a better car than most of it rivals, even in the next size up category. These things are just built better but the only concern for many will be the cost, especially of the extra’s that you know you want. Thing is, VW knows this as well…..

  • Davo

    Orderd my 118tsi confortline today
    with sunroof and couple of extras tad under $37,000 on road

  • Sarah

    well i bought my salsa red wagon on the weekend and love it.
    the tiguan has no boot space, which kind of defeats the purpose,
    I had my heart the passat was just getting too expensive when i got realistic about what i do to cars (think wet dogs and sandy beach towels)
    oh yeah…..and the dealer gave me an offer i just couldn’t refuse

    • Pierre

      Horse head in the bed?

    • robert

      Sarah

      Which version of the Golf Wagon did u get and how have u found it ?, we are considering the 1.6 TDI [and also the Puegoet 308 touring]

  • gdub

    Drove it and couldn’t get past the fugly 1980′s tail lights so I bought a Gti instead…and I STILL think Skoda drivers are just tight-a**s who are too cheap to buy a REAL VW not the povo version.

    A man walks into a spare parts department and says”do you have a windscreen for a Skoda?”
    “sounds like a fair swap” comes the reply

    Cheapskates.

  • dutkowski@iinet.net.au

    Just took delivery of 118TSI wagon in black. Have to agree, the lights and the small logo that doesnt open the boot, dont do anything for me. Then again, the lights on the MarkV are sooo much more sexy that the markVI.

    Now have A Mark VI wagon and a MarkV hatch in the driveway. Is it 1 Golf and 2 Golves?

  • Octavian

    The rear lights are growing on me after seeing a few on my holiday through northern NSW. I think they were designed like that to stimulate a stretched illusion to make the car look like it has more boot space. The rear logo should have been the latch as well, like the hatch, and larger.

  • Lightrider

    I’m due for a car this month and am looking at a 103TDI Golf wagon with the sports pack ,Just to add some sexiness to the Golf,I guess the look grows on you after having 6 x Subarus Im now going German/Mexican?
    Im after quality and practicality also.I keep my cars 3/5 years for work so clock up the milage.
    I like the quality ,the looks well I’m sure in time I’ll love her and the fuel economy of a diesel will have to be better than what I’m use to now.
    Time will tell?

  • Double Dutch

    I purchased a new 90TSi wagon in Feb 2011. Firstly there was a fault with the door, got that sort pretty quick. Next thing was, by the end of week one, the gear stick in forth vibrated producing an unbearable sound. So back to the garage a month later a new gear ordered from Germany was fitted and finally I get the car back. I was quite disappointed about this and it was like squeezing blood out of stone to get a loan car. It should be noted that the gear box still feel really clunky and fuel economy is not that impressive compared to my Pug 307 HDi 1.6, this is most notable when driving in town when it is very inaccurate.

    Then driving on the motorway there is a degree of air infiltration on the driver side door that annoys the life out of me and the garage tells me the seals are fine and there is nothing they can do for me…..

    Then I drove it around some windy back country roads working the engine to about 60-70% of its full potential then I stopped and the turbo was smoking… Subsequently it now it does not smoke but it produces a burning smell that I have no idea what is causing it and due to my previous door experience I have not taken it back because the garage would need to take it for a long drive in similar conditions for it to repeat. I really do not have time to get this problem repaired so I am sitting the issue and hoping it sorts itself out in the future. In the end I will sell it before the warranty ends.

    Furthermore a friend has a 118 TSi hatch and just had the DSG clutch assemble replaced… VW for me will NEVER be on the shopping list again.