2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI
Hybrid-like economy with the dynamic European breeding
Just as Americans are catching on to the merits of diesel-powered cars, they are under attack in Europe, with France threatening to outlaw them in favor of electric cars. Thankfully, our slightly less socialistic country still allows us some automotive choice, so that the myriad benefits of the SportWagen TDI can be appreciated.
These include exceptional real-world fuel economy in the 30s to 40s, along with punchy in-gear performance thanks to the turbocharged direct-injection engine’s powerful midrange, easily accessed through the twin-clutch, six speed gearbox’s paddles. From a stop, there’s a moment before the VW’s little puffer pressurizes the engine, and it runs out of steam well before the 5200rpm fuel cut, but in between the Golf rides the torque wave to excellent effect, and isn’t nearly as affected by altitude as most cars, a boon to residents of the Rockies.
What used to be called a Jetta SportWagen now shares styling and the excellent MQB platform with the Golf, meaning a stiffer yet lighter structure, excellent NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control and pleasing dynamics. Whether used under such performance machines as the AWD Golf R and Audi S3, style mavens like the Audi TT, or more humble machines such as this wagon, this platform shows incredible versatility and great balance. Steering precision and handling balance are close to the class-leading Mazda3, ride quality is terrific, and it is much more refined than the older model, based on a quick drive in a 2012 model.
The test SportWagen came on the S trim’s standard 16-inch alloys, which look too small for the enlarged body, but otherwise the VW’s detailing shows the classy European finesse of the Continent’s best selling vehicle. Inside, quality is at or near the top of the class, with some intriguing details like accent trim that appears to be silk-screened metal, very leather-like vinyl seats and a wonderfully tactile steering wheel. The proprietary iPod cable (that eats up most of the center storage area) is a demerit, but the standard touch-screen interface is fast and intuitive. Seating is very well balanced between sport and comfort—something that could be said of the whole Golf lineup—and cargo room, seats folded, is larger than the Touareg SUV.
The SportWagen TDI is very competitively priced, too, and makes heaps of sense for those looking for hybrid-like economy with the dynamic breeding of a European car. It is also a refreshing change of pace in an automotive world increasing comprised of compromised “crossovers” and ultra-nichy products that don’t cut it in the world most of us inhabit.
EPA ratings: 31/42mpg; 35mpg combined
0-60mph: 8.2 seconds
Price as tested: $26,515
Here is what VW has to say.
