The 2015 Volkswagen SportWagen TDI S has a lively ride and a comfortable roomy cabin, and it gets great gas mileage. No surprise, it ranks number one in the U.S. News Weekly list of the 10 Best Wagons.
The latest member of Volkswagen’s seventhgeneration Golf family, the SportWagen models have long been popular with consumers who want a versatile and dependable vehicle that provides a sportier driving experience.
Based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture introduced with the latest Golf generation, the SportWagen replaces the Jetta SportWagen and follows the formula introduced with the new Golf line that won the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year and the 2015 North American Car of the Year awards. Being bigger, lighter and more powerful, yet more fuel efficient, the SportWagen improves upon its predecessor in every way
The Golf SportWagen has two available powertrains:
• EA888 1.8-liter, 170-hp turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission;
• EA288 2.0-liter, 150-hp turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The SportWagen 1.8T model with a manual transmission has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 36 mpg, while the TDI Clean Diesel model with the stick shift gets 43 highway mpg. Other model choices are the 1.8T SE, the 1.8T SEL, the TDI S, the TDI SE and the TDI SEL.
The SportWagen has distinctive elements such as the D-pillar, the roof rails and a unique rear to differentiate it from the Golf hatchback.
The hood has angular horizontal design cues and it slopes down into the front fenders and a slender radiator grille. To the rear, there is a wide window for good visibility, geometric two-part taillights and a wide, low tailgate that integrates the license plate area. With a load height of just 24.8 inches and a width of 40.6 inches, there is plenty of room for cargo. With the rear seats up, there is 30.4 cubic feet of space and, when folded, there is a cavernous 66.5 cubic feet available for storage.
In addition to a long list of standard amenities, several new comfort and convenience features are available, including the Fender Premium Audio System, a 12-way power driver’s seat and Climatronic automatic air conditioning. New available driver assistance features include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, the Forward Collision Warning System, and front and rear Park Distance Control. An available lighting package includes LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System.
Pricing on the 2015 Volkswagen SportWagen ranges from $21,395 for the 1.8T S model to $30,345 for the TDI SEL.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
