Volkswagen Golf Variant, Designed For The

The segment of family vehicles is increasingly valued in our country, something that in the rest of Europe has been doing for several decades. The Volkswagen Golf Variant is one of the best options at the moment, although the rivals are getting tougher every day.

Seat León ST, Opel Astra ST, Renault Megane ST, Peugeot 308 SW … There are many quality family members available and, fortunately, very attractive, a quality that a few years ago had to be renounced.

Exterior design of the Volkswagen Golf Variant

Up to the B-pillar everything is exactly the same as in the normal Golf, with a simple nose but with a certain sporty character, and even more so if it is the Sport or GTD version.

Laterally it is where the difference in size is noticeable, and it is that with 4.58 meters in length it measures  33 centimeters more than its brother from which it derives, all of them increased in the rear overhang to increase the load capacity.

The rear is simple but elegant, with more classic shapes than a Renault Megane ST and a little less sporty than the Leon.

Interior design and habitability

The sobriety of its range brothers also comes to light in this family variant. The interior  of the Volkswagen Golf Variant is much less flashy than most of its rivals, but few can boast such an exquisite level of finish.

The ergonomics of all the controls is another point in favor, because  after a few minutes you feel completely comfortable in German, which is not the case with other models.

The front seats are as sporty as those of the Golf, with seats located quite low and a relatively sporty driving position for a family.

In the rear seats we will not miss space for the knees, nor in the free height to the ceiling, although the same cannot be said about the width, since three adults will travel very tight.

The Variant has a huge ace up its sleeve: a 605-liter boot. Yes, you read it right. It is one of the most spectacular trunks for a car of its size, almost as big as that of a Skoda Octavia Combi, with 610 liters, and much larger than the 521 liters of a Renault Megane ST or the 540 of the Astra ST .

Driving dynamics and engines

Little or nothing is noticeable on the road that increase in length, only on very demanding roads will we be able to perceive a little more inclination on the rear axle, but something practically imperceptible on a day-to-day basis.

On fast roads it is a very stable and safe car, with road qualities very close to those of its brother, the Passat, and that is saying a lot.

On slow roads it moves lightly and effectively, without the slightest problem. Their reactions are very neutral and predictable, and they make fast driving easy.

In the mechanical section, the Volkswagen Golf Variant is available with six engines, three gasoline and three diesel. What it doesn’t have are plug-in or electric hybrid options like the regular Golf, nor the sportier GTI and R.

In gasoline, it starts with a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder with 110 hp turbo, an engine that surprises with its good performance, but which limits the possibilities of the chassis a bit. Above, with a 1.4 TSI and 125 hp is the most balanced option if we take the price and performance as a reference.

As the most powerful gasoline available is the newcomer 1.5 TSI of 150 CV, a very modern and efficient block, capable of performing the test from 0 to 100 km / h in just 8.7 seconds, but its price rises a lot as it is not available with Advance intermediate finish.

In diesel everything begins with the 1.6 TDI of 116 CV, and above we have a block of two liters of 150 or 184 CV of power. The most reasonable for a car of its characteristics and possibilities is the 150 hp, and for those who are looking for a bonus of fun, the 184 hp GTD version will give it to you.

Price and conclusion

Part of 21 680 euros that the Volkswagen Golf Variant 1.0 TSI Edition is worth, up to 38 250 euros for the 2.0 TDI GTD with 184 hp automatic. They are quite contained prices for the quality of the car and, although they are slightly higher than most of its rivals, the quality contribution sustains the difference.

Choosing a compact with this type of body is a great decision for a small family. They are economical, safe, have spectacular trunks and, now, with an aesthetic level.