Volkswagen of America, Inc. will be introducing concept version of the newest SportWagen model at the New York Auto Show, which will feature the new EA288 TDI Clean Diesel engine and a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The concept previews the new Golf SportWagen, which goes on sale early next year. Based on the new MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen will continue the trend introduced by the 7th generation Golf whereby it is bigger, lighter, more fuel efficient, more powerful and roomier as compared to the outgoing SportWagen model.
Thanks to the extensive use of high and ultra-high strength steels, the SportWagen bodyshell is lighter than the current Jetta SportWagen and provides an enhanced crash structure. Throughout the vehicle, incredible attention to detail has optimized components such as the air conditioning unit, seats and even the electrical architecture to help save weight. The Golf SportWagen is 0.7 inches wider and 1.1 inches longer as compared to the current SportWagen model. It is also 0.9 inches lower, which benefits both the car’s proportions and aerodynamic performance: the CdA number has been reduced by almost 10% unlike its predecessor. The interior package has been optimized for providing more rearseat shoulder and leg room. Although the overall height of SportWagen was lowered by nearly an inch, rear and front headroom has been improved by 0.4 inches.
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has long been a top choice for customers who want a vehicle that’s fun to drive and provides a large cargo area, which is truly versatile. This new SportWagen is even more appealing, providing nearly 10% more cargo room with rear seats folded than the outgoing model. Essentially, the Golf SportWagen offers a sportier alternative to compact sports utility vehicles. It will be available with two engine choices. The Golf SportWagen will be motivated by a 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder TSI engine, which is good for producing 170 horsepower. The engine will be mated to 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions. These powertrains provide manufacturer highway fuel economy that’s enhanced by as much as 17% unlike the 2.5-liter Jetta SportWagen.
The TDI Clean Diesel model will be propelled by the new EA288 common rail, 2.0 liter direct injection, turbocharged diesel powerplant, which is good for pumping out 150 horsepower, an enhancement of 10 hp over the current SportWagen model. The TDI model will have a choice of DSG dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmissions.
Design
The design team, led by Klaus Bischoff (VW Brand Design) and Walter de Silva (Group Design), created a sophisticated and timeless new SportWagen, using the principles of Volkswagen’s Design DNA. Thanks to the MQB platform, which dictates a fixed relationship between the pedals and the front wheel centerline, the vehicle’s proportions have changed. The front wheels, for example, are now 1.7 inches further forward than on the current SportWagen design. This has created what Bischoff calls “‘a cab backward impression’. That’s what we call the proportions of premium-class vehicles, where the passenger compartment is a long way towards the back and the hood is long.” Unlike the previous generation SportWagen, the new car’s front end looks completely different, thanks to the way that the hood slopes down into the front fenders instead of the fender peaks being higher than the hood. This new SportWagen features more angular horizontal design cues, with a slender radiator grille.
At the back, the clean surface around the Volkswagen badge, the wide rear window, and the geometric taillights are typical SportWagen features, even though the lines are completely different. The tailgate, for instance, allows for a lower load height than before, while the overall effect emphasizes the additional width of the new car.
Features
Along the lines of the new Golf 7, the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen will bring numerous available new features to market including 12-way power driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, Climatronic automatic climate control, Park Distance Control, available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Advanced Front lighting System.
In addition, the new SportWagen features a new standard driver assistance system dubbed Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, a system which automatically engages the vehicle’s brakes after it is involved in a collision in order to help reduce secondary collisions and to help bring the vehicle to a stop. The system is triggered when the airbag sensors detect a primary collision and it is limited to a maximum retardation rate of 0.6g by the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) unit. The driver can effectively override the system at any time; for example, it is disabled if it recognizes that the driver is accelerating. The system is also deactivated if the driver initiates braking at a higher rate than 0.6g.
