Much bigger, livable and comfortable than its predecessor, the Golf Plus, and all the qualities that the Golf VII MQB modular platform and can contribute. Thus presents the new Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan, the new compact MPV of the brand, with clear claims: first, to provide a sporty character that ‘hides’ the minivan category, and on the other, have great versatility focused on their meager 4.3 meters long.

The new Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan It is positioned as the new compact MPV of the German mark. Yes, also market the Touran, and with very similar dimensions. However, the latter has a seven-seat variant does not incorporate still MQB modular platform Volkswagen Group (yes Sportsvan) and, when it is renewed in 2-3 years, will grow in size to make room for the new Sportsvan. East It is larger than the five-door Golf VII, but smaller than the Golf Variant; yes, with a distance between upper axes respect their brothers in range.

What this means? In a greater habitability on board. In front, driving position has risen, and opens a new center console on the dashboard, which is specific for this model. Behind highlights the great legroom and height to the ceiling. This second row is also longitudinally slidable in 180 mm and the folding backrest, both functions in 60:40 configuration. Thus, cargo space is gained in the trunk, whose capacity will from 500 to 1520 liters and an almost flat floor with backrests folded down.

You’ve come to realize that Volkswagen He changed the name this variant. ‘Sportsvan’ intended to have a more character and a sportier look. Aesthetically, designers have drawn a more dynamic profile, with a long glazed area and also it provides a increased visibility from inside. As far as dynamics are concerned, you can expect the same feelings as the seventh generation Golf and it earned him be European Car of the Year in 2013: Qualities leaders in the segment, transmitting sportiness and comfort at the same time, both for long trips to get around the city daily.

Golf Golf Sportsvan opens in the system range blind spot detection, which detects when a car approaches an adjacent lane by and notifies you by a light signal in the rearview mirror. This feature is also accompanied the system ‘exit assist’, which alerts you at the exits of parking in battery, if a car or person approaches your position, even to automatically activate the brakes if there could be a collision.

Engine and trim

The new Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan uses the mechanical themselves we are in the seventh generation Golf hatchback and Variant. In gasoline, They take center stage engines 110 hp 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI in two steps, 125 and 150 hp. In Diesel, the initial offer the form the 1.6 TDI 110 hp and the 2.0 TDI 150 hp. The fastest consumer awaiting release BlueMotion which will arrive in late 2014, it takes the basic Diesel, with 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers approved.

All variants come as standard with the front differential XDS + we already know from the Golf range, with Start system&Stop and except for the 1.2 TSI, they can join the Automatic dual-clutch DSG six or seven relationships, depending on version. Standard, is provided with a manual gearbox 5 speed for the 1.6 TDI and 6 for the rest. In total, the Golf is available in Sportsvan three finishes: ‘Edition’, ‘Advance’ and ‘Sport’, the latter with sports suspension together with 17-inch tires.

At our making contact with the variant 2.0 TDI Diesel 150 hp, with automatic DSG, we could see the value of a well known engine and excellent performance of DSG. Golf Sportsvan stands behind the wheel, not like the typical minivan: You can not find a shred of rolling curves (almost same ground clearance than other Golf) and responds like himself five-door Golf VII. And also, together with available driving modes, allows you to check both sides: the efficient consumption below 5 liters per 100 km, with mode ‘Eco’… and sports, squeezing the maximum in the mode ‘Sport’ which allows the engine to stretch beyond 3,000 rpm.

Among the optional items of equipment, we highlight the following: heated steering wheel, which opens in the Golf; passenger seat with folding backrest, to win load length; DCC adaptive suspensions, with ‘Comfort’ and ‘Single’, configure modes allow comfortable suspensions own driver, steering, engine response and change, and the air conditioner; and driving profiles, adding the ‘Normal’ mode, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’.

Prices

– Gasoline:

1.2 TSI 110 hp 6-speed Manual Edition .: 21,020 euros

1.4 TSI 125 hp 6-speed Manual Advance .: 24,270 euros

Advance 125 hp 1.4 TSI DSG 7 vel .: 26,130 euros

Sport 1.4 TSI 150 hp 6-speed manual .: 29,290 euros

150 hp 1.4 TSI Sport DSG 7 vel .: 31,130 euros

– Diesel:

1.6 TDI 110 hp 5-speed Manual Edition .: 23,940 euros

110 hp 1.6 TDI Advance Manual 5-speed .: 25,430 euros

Advance 110 hp 1.6 TDI DSG 7 vel .: 27,310 euros

2.0 TDI 150 hp 6-speed Manual Advance .: 26,830 euros

Advance 150 hp 2.0 TDI DSG 6-speed .: 29,740 euros

110 hp 1.6 TDI Sport Manual 5-speed .: 28,370 euros

110 hp 1.6 TDI Sport DSG 7 vel .: 30,240 euros

150 hp 2.0 TDI Sport Manual 6-speed .: 29,780 euros

2.0 Sport TDI 150 hp 6-speed DSG .: 32,790 euros