2015 VW Sportwagen: Efficient SUV alternative

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 16, 2015

AUSTIN, TX — People love their SUVs and CUVs and their spacious and flexible cargo capacity. That usually comes at the price of efficiency, and most agree that fuel prices aren’t about to stay at their historic lows. Volkswagen’s 2015 Golf Sportwagen is perhaps the perfect SUV alternative, with car-like ride and handling and an exceptionally efficient diesel engine option.

For the past several years, VW’s small wagon has been known as the Jetta Sportwagen. For 2015 it carries the Golf nameplate, and rides on the Golf’s outstanding new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture.

Since its introduction, the new Golf family has been raking in the industry’s top awards, including the coveted 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year honor.

Two engines are available for 2015. TSI models carry a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 170-horsepower on regular unleaded gas. Mileage for TSI models is up by five miles per gallon, compared with the outgoing gasoline-powered Jetta Sportwagen.

The engine you really are going to want is the new EA288 2.0-liter turbocharged clean diesel. At 150-horsepower, the new TDI makes 10 more horsepower than the last version while achieving EPA estimated mileage of up to 43 mpg on the highway. Like most diesels, the EPA estimated mileage is beatable with a bit of self-restraint on the accelerator pedal.

Drivers looking for top mileage and a great driving experience can opt for the excellent 6-speed manual gearbox. The diesel’s torque, matched with a confident short-throw shifter makes for a satisfying combination of engagement and efficiency.

I recently spent some time in several versions of the new Sportwagen on a Portland-like rainy day around Austin, Texas. Equipped with standard all-season tires and vehicle stability control, the Sportwagen was as sure-footed as many crossovers. An all-wheel drive model is expected to be announced for 2016. It isn’t yet known whether it will available with the TDI powerplant.

The Sportwagen’s interior picks up the advanced features of the rest of the new Golf family and adds nearly 3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the outgoing Jetta. The rear seat features a versatile 60/40 split and has a pass through in the center for loads such as skis.

All Golf Sportwagens receive a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, with navigation available on upper trims.

An available Driver Assistance package adds forward collision warning and front and back park distance control systems. Standard on the Golf Sportwagen is post-collision braking applies the brakes after an initial collision is detected by the airbag sensors. Fender-branded premium audio is included on SE and SEL trims.

2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

Base price: TSI $21,395, TDI $24,595

Type: 4-door, 5-passenger station wagon

Engines: Turbocharged 1.8-liter, Turbocharged 2.0-liter Diesel

Transmissions: 5-speed manual (TSI), 6-speed automatic (TSI), 6-speed manual (TDI), 6-speed DSG (TDI)

EPA estimated mileage: TSI 25 city/63 highway, TDI 31/43 (31/42 DSG)

Length: 179.6 inches

Curb weight: 3,063 lbs. (base car)

Final assembly: Puebla, Mexico

John M. Vincent is a third-generation Oregon journalist. Reach him at JMVincent2848@gmail.com or @OregonsCarGuy on Twitter.