2017 GOLF SPORTWAGEN: AS VERSATILE AS A COMPACT SUV, AS FUEL EFFICIENT AND FUN-TO-DRIVE AS A COMPACT
09/13/2016
Volkswagen
The popular SportWagen model joined the Golf family in 2015, shedding its Jetta nameplate to reflect its seventh-generation Golf underpinnings. Volkswagen SportWagen models have long been a top choice for customers who want a versatile and quality vehicle that is fun to drive.
New for 2017
The Golf SportWagen is a more attractive value proposition across all trimlines in 2017. The most important change is the availability of the 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive system on the S trimline, with both six-speed manual and six-speed DSG(R) automatic transmissions, using the latest generation center differential, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
The 2017 SEL trim adds Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). An available Driver Assistance Package (sold order) includes front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Bi-Xenon headlamps with High Beam Control (Light Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SE trim (sold order only) has an available Driver Assistance Package that includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. A rearview camera now comes standard on all models.
Exterior
The Golf SportWagen is wrapped in sheetmetal that is modern, yet unmistakably part of the Volkswagen Golf DNA. The shape and design elements remain as defined and recognizable as ever, although distinctive elements such as the D-pillar, the roof rails and the unique rear design differentiate the SportWagen from the Golf hatchback.
The front end features a hood that slopes down into the front fenders and sports angular horizontal design cues and a slender radiator grille. At the back, the wide rear window, geometric two-part taillights and a wide, low tailgate that integrates the license plate area pay homage to the previous Jetta SportWagen and solidify the car's place in the Golf family. With a load height of just 24.8 inches and a wide aperture of 40.6 inches, the Golf SportWagen is even more practical than its predecessor.
At 179.6 inches long and 70.8 inches wide, the Golf SportWagen is larger than the previous Jetta SportWagen, although overall vehicle height was reduced. These changes help improve the aerodynamics and thus the fuel efficiency, while giving the car sporty proportions. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front-wheel centerline and the pedalbox, the front wheels sit 1.7 inches further forward, giving a premium "cab backward" aesthetic. Along with the styling, these updated proportions help the SportWagen achieve a lower visual center of gravity and a more dynamic stance.
The SportWagen TSI(R) S model is equipped with 15-inch "Lyon" aluminum-alloy wheels. The SportWagen TSI S 4Motion trim is shod with 16-inch "Toronto" aluminum-alloy wheels. The SE trimline has 17-inch "Dijon" wheels, while the topline SEL trim has 18-inch "Durban" wheels. A panoramic sunroof is standard equipment on all trim models except the S. The SEL has silver roof rails to further set it apart from the S and SE.
In addition to the foglights that are fitted on SE and SEL models, a joint Driver Assistance and Lighting Package is available (sold order only) for the SEL, which consists of Bi-Xenon headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights, as well as the Volkswagen Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). This system swivels the main headlight beams by up to 15 degrees as the steering wheel is turned to illuminate bends in the road more effectively at speeds of more than 6 mph.
Interior
The upscale environment of the SportWagen cabin is largely shared with the Golf models upon which it is based, but interior volume is increased because of the wagon body style. Occupants are treated to 94.3 cu ft of passenger area volume.
Rear-seat leg- and shoulder room are 35.6 and 53.9 inches, respectively. Front seat passengers also benefit from the spacious SportWagen interior, with 41.2 inches of legroom and 55.9 inches across the shoulders. Both front and rear headroom are 38.6 inches.
The SportWagen has a spacious cargo hold that's in line with those of compact SUVs. With the rear seats up, the SportWagen boasts 30.4 cu ft of space: when the 60:40 split rear seat is fully folded, that figure rises to 66.5 cu ft of storage. The split folding rear seats are accessed by release levers in the cargo area, helping to maximize convenience.
In addition to the expansive interior space, the driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver, a feature frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles. White backlighting for the controls further highlights this upscale ambience, as well as the use of premium materials throughout, such as the leather-wrapped handbrake, shifter knob and steering wheel, the soft-touch plastics and piano-black trim.
An equal amount of attention has been paid to helping to maximize comfort and convenience, even on the entry-level S trim. This base model comes well equipped with a long list of modern comfort, convenience and entertainment features, including power windows, locks and mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, rearview camera, Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices and Volkswagen Car-Net(R) connected vehicle services.
KESSY(R) keyless entry with push-button start is standard equipment on SE and SEL trim levels. The Fender(R) Premium Audio System is standard on all SE and SEL trims. The top-of-the-line SEL variants come loaded with the navigation system, Climatronic(R) automatic dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting with LED interior reading lights, and front comfort sport seats that include a 12-way power driver's seat.
The 2017 Golf Sportwagen features Volkswagen's latest MIB II touchscreen infotainment system with USB and Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect, and is standard on all models. The infotainment system offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. Features available through VW Car-Net are divided into three key areas, App-Connect, Security & Service, and Guide & Inform.
App-Connect. The Composition Media unit is available on the S and SE models. Featuring an 800x480 capacitive color touch display with proximity sensor with a 6.5-inch screen, standard features include AUX-in, two SD card slots, a USB multimedia interface with Apple iPhone(R) and iPod(R) compatibility, reverse camera display, and Bluetooth technology with the ability to sync two phones simultaneously, and send and receive SMS text messages with compatible phones, App-Connect smartphone integration, a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM(R) Satellite Radio, and HD Radio and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC).
SEL models feature the Discover Media unit, which captures the features available in the previous unit and adds 2.5D Navigation, one-shot voice destination entry, predicts possible destinations based on often used routes, and Destination Entry with Quick Search and Auto-complete, and Car-Net Guide & Inform.
Security & Service. With the Car-Net Security & Service suite, owners can access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app, and an in-car Car-Net button console, providing access to the features available from virtually anywhere your mobile device is connected to wireless internet.
Available security related features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can contact first responders in the event of an collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses VW Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
In addition, Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service offers layers of convenience, such as remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash (of lights), last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows).
The Car-Net Security & Service also offers Family Guardian, a suite of features that help families. Features including speed alert, which can notify the owner of the vehicle when the preset maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which can alert you if the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary.
Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through VW Car-Net. A Vehicle Health Report allows Volkswagen customers to check to see an overview of vehicle diagnositcs. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service can not only alert the customer, but also provide a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case you need a recommendation.
Guide & Inform. Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for Volkswagen drivers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that can empower owners.
Satellite navigation is refined with Car-Net Guide & Inform, incorporating several layers of information right onto the infotainment screen. Every CC features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. Volkswagen customers will also enjoy traffic information and a complimentary four-year SiriusXM Traffic trial.
Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of Volkswagen Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99.
Powertrains
Like the rest of the seventh-generation Golf family, the Golf SportWagen features compact turbocharged and direct-injection engines. The TSI 1.8-liter gasoline unit is a member of the latest EA888 engine family and this 170 horsepower engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, the Golf SportWagen's EPA estimated highway fuel economy is 34 mpg. The EPA rating for the manual transmission model is 35 mpg on the highway.
The S 4Motion(R) trim is mated to either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Regardless of transmission, the S 4Motion models achieve 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Chassis
The Golf SportWagen shares the same MQB chassis architecture as the rest of the Mark 7 Golf line. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes new technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces "wobble seam" welds in a wave pattern to maximize strength in a limited space, offering up to four times the strength of a traditional spot weld.
The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology, along with the use of newly developed ultra-high-strength steels, allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without any loss in strength. Additionally, thanks to the use of selective thickness for parts, a single component can be tailor-rolled to have as many as 11 zones of varying thicknesses.
Thanks to the extensive use of modern construction techniques and high- and ultra-high strength steels, the SportWagen is lighter than the previous Jetta SportWagen, despite a plethora of new and upscale features, and offers an enhanced crash structure. Throughout the car, incredible attention to detail has further optimized components-such as the seats, air conditioning unit, and even the electrical architecture-to help save weight.
The Golf SportWagen features a strut-type front suspension. At the back, it has a multilink arrangement with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar.
The seventh-generation Golf braking system has 11.3-inch vented front discs and 10.7-inch solid rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The rack-and-pinion steering features electric power assist and features a 13.6 to one ratio that allows for 2.76 turns from lock to lock.
All 2017 Golf models are equipped with the XDS(R) Cross Differential System-a feature previously only seen on the performance-oriented GTI model. This technology acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps the Golf's stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance.
4Motion all-wheel-drive system
For 2017, the 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system is available on the S model, with automatic or manual (late availability) transmissions. The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.
In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDL) that are a function of the electronic stability control system act laterally. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Safety
Like the rest of the Golf line, the SportWagen provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems. All Golf models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
A standard feature on 2017 Golf SportWagen models is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Golf SportWagen also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions where the airbags deploy.
Driver Assistance Systems
The SE model is available with a Driver Assistance Package (sold order only) that adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. The SEL models are available with a Driver Assistance Package (sold order only) that includes front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Bi-Xenon headlamps with High Beam Control (Light Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can use the accelerator, brake pedal, or steering wheel to cancel or override the ACC function. All system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Golf SportWagen models fitted with automatic transmissions and ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop, as well as resume ACC control after the driver presses the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel. On manual transmission Golf SportWagen models, the ACC ceases to operate below 19 mph.
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning helps warn the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster, and, if necessary, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to slow the vehicle if the driver fails to brake. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system.
If there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane, the Lane Departure Warning system can actively countersteer to help keep the vehicle in the lane above 40 mph. The system's camera can recognize visible lane markings (one side suffices) and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes their hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, or the vehicle crosses a lane marking without use of a turn signal, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system works in the dark and/or in fog, but will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Departure Warning system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can "override" the system at any time by applying minimal force, and is not relieved of responsibility to make conscious driving decisions.
Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and help warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors.
The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor will vehicles more than one lane away from the vehicle.
The Rear Traffic Alert system not only helps alert the driver to stationary and moving vehicles directly behind, but also helps detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 to 80 feet, depending on model, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, before applying the brakes if a potential impending collision is detected. The system is activated either by selecting reverse gear or by the optional Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) when starting off.
Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight situations. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.
The Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist) can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces in reverse. After pressing the Park Assist button-once for parallel and twice for perpendicular-the driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected.
The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, disengaging reverse gear or pressing the button. Below 25 mph, the system can scan both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the road, for example in a one-way street, for any parking spaces as it drives past. By activating the turn signal, the driver stipulates which side of the road they wish to park on.
Limited Warranty
The 2017 Golf SportWagen models are offered with Volkswagen's standard five-year/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty and three-year/36,000-mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty.
Model Line-up
TSI S
$21,580 with manual transmission (plus $820 destination)
$22,680 with automatic transmission (plus $820 destination)
4Motion S
$23,830 with manual transmission (plus $820 destination)
$24,930 with automatic transmission (plus $820 destination)
TSI SE
$27,030 with automatic transmission (plus $820 destination)
TSI SEL
$29,970 with automatic transmission (plus $820 destination)
Competitive Set
Subaru Outback
Subaru XV Crosstrek
Toyota Prius v
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Touareg vehicles through approximately 652 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.