2014 VW Golf Wagon TDI DSG

So you like the idea of driving a compact car but you are thinking of getting something bigger just because you need more space inside? Wrong, I present to you the 2014 Golf Wagon TDI.

Prices start at $23,575 for a Trendline 2.5L 5-speed manual and go all the way up to $33,185 for a Highline 2.0TDI with the 6-speed DSG gearbox. Our top of the line test vehicle also had the $890 navigation system on top for a total MSRP of $34,075.

What you get for the money is a massive panoramic sunroof, leather interior, dual zone climate control, heated front seats, navigation system with satellite radio and Bluetooth, cruise control, trip computer, tilt and reach adjustable leather steering wheel with audio controls, 8-way semi-manually adjustable driver’s seat, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, six (6) airbags, 17” alloy wheels, fog lamps and rails on the roof.

In contrast to the Golf we knew till now, this one is actually made in the land of fajitas and in countries other than Canada it is called the Jetta Wagon. It is a sixth generation Golf but extended to form a wagon for additional practicality, increased cargo area and the ability to load the roof.

The front looks exactly like the hatchback Golf, what is different is evident once you look at the profile or rear. The tail lights seem to be a little sad but little does it matter on a purpose built vehicle.

The interior design might be identical to the European model but the materials used and finish between them is not. Overall the quality is very good, but some minor details give away the fact that the Golf production line has been transferred over to sunny Mexico. Simple and functional, the interior won’t win any contests for innovation but will truly make your life easier on a daily basis thanks to the fantastic ergonomics. The driving position is just like in the normal Golf; damn good that is, and visibility despite the lack of a rear view camera is descent.

Driver and passenger sit in what might be the best seats in the class and roominess up front is a bit better than class average. The rear seat can fit three adults with some width compromises, headroom is adequate but surprisingly, legroom is just marginal. The real benefit of having a wagon lies in the trunk and becomes very obvious once you lift the tail gate. The depth and height of the usable area are impressive. 930L is the minimum cargo area while folding the rear seats creates 1890L of space. Just be aware that the maximum payload is 446Kg as it is easy to get carried away and overload it.

Power to the front wheels is sent by the wonderful 4-cylinder 2.0L TDI motor via the amazing 6-speed DSG gearbox. The turbo diesel unit outputs 140 BHP and 236 lb-ft of torque and proves to be more than capable to move it about. A little hesitant off the line, the TDI motor quickly picks up speed and can accelerate to over the speed limits effortlessly and very economically. 0-100km/h is a matter of 8.5” seconds but what is truly impressive is the passing power on the highway thanks to the hefty torque. Refined and mostly quiet, it does the job so well no other engine should’ve been an option. If all this is not enough to convince you, maybe the average consumption of 6.6lt/100km will be.

The front and rear independent suspension feels balanced between dynamic and comfortable. It is very capable of smoothening out rough surfaces while remaining quiet and composed. Sharp hits are felt but the dynamics are never disturbed which provides the driver with a remarkable sensation of sturdiness. On twisty roads, the steering returns adequate feedback and feels tight, so directing the torque to the apex of each corner can be done with some optimism. It will turn and hold very well but the fun will probably stop with a slap behind your head or projectile vomit landing on your shoulder. The brake pedal feels like Sponge Bob but the brakes work extremely well as from 100km/h it came to a complete stop in just 39m.

Fully loaded long distance travelling is what VW had in mind when putting together this wagon, but it can equally well serve as the practical daily driver of a sensible family. Rock solid, very comfortable and great to drive, the very spacious and practical wagon is complemented by the sweet TDI engine to create a package that just can’t go wrong.