Volkswagen is further expanding the model range of the eighth Golf generation. The four-door model is now followed by the second body version: the completely new Golf Variant. Launched for the first time in 1992 with the third generation of the Golf, the Variant quickly became a successful model which, with its extra space and variability, has to date impressed more than three million vehicle drivers around the world. Volkswagen is now launching a Golf Variant that brings a new design dynamic to the segment of compact space wonders. The new Golf Variant sports new contours that are characterised by maximum aerodynamics, a distinctive front end and a powerful shoulder section in the style of a Shooting Brake. Despite this new sportiness, the Volkswagen remains a complete multifunctional tool with plenty of space: with more than 1,642 litres of luggage compartment volume and significantly more passenger legroom, the new Golf Variant offers even more variability and comfort than its predecessor.
Three economical engines at the market launch. Thanks to new engines and aerodynamic design, the driving performance and fuel consumption figures have also been improved. For the market launch this November, the new Golf Variant comes to the market for the first time with a mild hybrid drive (eTSI with 81 kW (110 PS) and 48-volt technology) and two twin dosing turbodiesel engines (TDI with 85 kW (115 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS)). As economical as they are powerful, all engines meet the latest Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emissions standard. They will be followed by three petrol engines with 66 kW (90 PS), 96 kW (130 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS). The range of mild hybrids will be rounded off by two eTSI with 96 kW and 110 kW. A version with 147 kW (200 PS) will also be launched as the most powerful diesel for the new Golf Alltrack.
First TSI engine with 81 kW. The 200 Nm petrol version is a 48 V mild hybrid. Paired as standard with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), this Golf Variant completely switches off the electrically “charged” turbo engine (eTSI) whenever possible in order to cruise silently and without emissions, while at the same time saving energy. The Golf Variant 1.0 eTSI has a combined fuel consumption of only 4.5 to 4.3 l/100 km – as a spacious five-seater that can travel at a speed of 200 km/h if required and can easily handle the holiday luggage of a family with three children.
First TDI engines with 85 kW and 110 kW. The new twin dosing turbodiesels (TDI) with double SCR catalytic converters (twin dosing converts nitrogen oxides into water and harmless nitrogen) represent a major technical leap forward. The 85 kW (115 PS) Golf Variant 2.0 TDI with 6-speed manual gearbox and 300 Nm torque consumes only 4.0 to 3.9 l/100 km combined; the version with 110 kW (150 PS, 360 Nm) and 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) has a consumption of 4.1 to 4.0 l/100 km.
Range of up to 1,220 kilometres. Compared with the equally powerful TDI engines in the predecessor, the consumption has been lowered by up to 0.4 l/100 km. There was no eTSI as a mild hybrid with DSG for the previous Golf Variant. The comparable engine in terms of performance with a manual gearbox consumed 0.5 l/100 km more than the new eTSi. Refuelling stops are rare with all three engines: depending on the drive version, the new Golf Variant can reach a theoretical range of up to 1,220 kilometres.
Vehicle interior of a new age. In the interior, hardly anything is like it was before – apart from the perfect ergonomic design. Digital touch panels, touch sliders and screens perform the function of conventional buttons and analogue displays. An optional head-up display projects important information onto the windscreen. The new digital interfaces catapult the Golf Variant into a new era.
Interactive assist systems. The new assist systems are progressive. Travel Assist facilitates assisted driving up to 210 km/h and increases comfort, especially on long journeys. A new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function and the also new Car2X warning system considerably improve safety. For the first time, the new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights also turn night into day in a Golf Variant.
Design DNA of an icon. The new exterior design exudes charisma. With its clear-cut lines and LED technology light systems, it creates a visual bridge to the digital world. At the front and on the sides up to the B-pillars, the traditional four-door Golf and the new Golf Variant share the same iconic contours. Further back, the Variant shows its typical uniqueness. Thanks to the pronounced shoulder section, the long roof section above this, which is drawn in slightly in upward direction and slopes down to the rear, and with a coupé-like, sloping rear window, the Golf Variant appears sportier than ever before. The increase in length also rearranges the proportions and makes the Golf Variant appear more elongated and visually flatter. The new Variant generation is 4,633 mm long and now boasts a wheelbase of 2,686 mm (a 66 mm increase compared with the predecessor in each case). The Golf Variant is 1,789 mm wide and 1,455 mm high (without roof rails). In comparison, the current four-door Golf is 4,284 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,619 mm.
Equipment matrix. Volkswagen has reconfigured the equipment matrix of the Golf Variant: above the basic Golf version, there will now be the Life, Style and R-Line equipment lines. The Golf Alltrack will be launched on the market with 4MOTION all-wheel drive system as an independent model.
Added equipment. The equipment levels have been enhanced. Details such as the lane keeping system Lane Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, the new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, Driver Alert System, the electronic differential lock XDS and the Car2X local warning system are fitted as standard. Likewise always on board: the Digital Cockpit Pro (digital instruments), the Discover Media navigation system with 10-inch touchscreen, the We Connect and We Connect Plus online services and functions, a new multifunction steering wheel, the Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioner, the keyless comfort start function Keyless Start, a Bluetooth mobile phone interface, comfort seats as well as LED headlights and LED tail light clusters including automatic headlight control.
Golf Alltrack – crossover between Variant and SUV. The new Golf Alltrack will be launched parallel to the Golf Variant. As a crossover between the Golf Variant and the SUV world, the Alltrack comes as standard with permanent all-wheel drive system (4MOTION), increased ground clearance, an all-terrain look including specific bumpers and a custom interior. The new Golf Alltrack can take the rough with the smooth in light off-road terrain, is the perfect choice as a towing vehicle (up to 2,000 kg maximum trailer weight; braked with 12 percent gradient) and also impresses as an individual lifestyle model. The new generation of the Golf Alltrack, which was presented for the first time in 2015, adopts all the new technological features of the new Golf Variant.