Golf Variant: Longest Golf Of All Time

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Volkswagen is launching the third generation of the Golf Variant. Commercial and fleet customers in particular can now enjoy a stylish mix of everyday and commercial vehicles.

From Thomas Flehmer

Volkswagen took its time again. Eight years after the last edition, the Wolfsburg-based company refreshed the Golf Variant. The third generation of the Kombi Golf, which will be available from June 1st, has grown with the trend. “It's the longest Golf ever,” said Thomas Bentes, Head of Product Marketing, at the presentation in Wolfsburg. And the burden for the Variant is very high. But the first test drives showed that the car can continue the success of its predecessors.

Two thirds business customers

Since its introduction in 1993, the car has been sold 1.2 million times in Germany, and around 650,000 models roll off the assembly line in Western Europe every year. 65 percent of all buyers are business people who use the Variant as a business car during the week and as a family car at the weekend.

In order to increase the incentive, VW has given special attention to the design. While the front has the typical VW face, the main changes were made in the rear area. Instead of offering an angular rear, the D-pillar gives the station wagon a significantly sportier look than its predecessor. The dynamic lines are underlined by the large rear lights that extend far into the side line. Not quite typical for VW, but still a Volkswagen.

Space for Euro pallets

In addition to the dynamic aspect, emphasis was placed on practicality. The Variant has grown by 15.9 centimeters to 4.56 meters in length. The wheelbase also grew by 6.3 centimeters to now 2.58 meters. This not only offers the driver and passengers enough space, but also creates space for bulky items. 560 liters are available at the beginning, if the seats are folded down it is 1550 liters.

Optionally, the passenger seat back can be folded down to create a continuous loading area. Should a Euro pallet be accommodated - no problem. This has to be raised 57 centimeters in order to find shelter in the trunk. Small parts can be stored in the luggage compartment floor beforehand. Up to 629 kilograms can be loaded.

Sloppy entry-level petrol

For the entry-level petrol engine with 75 kW / 102 PS that we drive, the 1.2-tonne payload means a lot of work. Even when empty with two people, speed is not the strength of the station wagon. The petrol engine needs 12.3 seconds to sprint up to 100 km / h.

Only 148 Nm, which are only available at 3800 rpm, are available. Sure, a solid machine when empty, but it lacks sixth gear when you approach the top speed of 184 km / h. Therefore 7.4 liters of premium gasoline per 100 km / h and 176 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer are also relatively poor values as an entry-level model.

Diesel the better choice

The diesel we also drive, apostrophized by VW as a volume model, is the better choice. Although 77 kW / 105 PS are also here, the torque of 250 Nm at 1900 rpm shows more power. 5.2 liters per 100 km / h are a value that is not excessively exceeded - when empty. Because the now antiquated pump-nozzle technology ensures a louder noise volume from 160 km / h at the latest. On the other hand, the 137 grams of CO2 emissions are already very close to the EU emissions standards that will apply from 2012.

If you want more performance, you have to wait for the third quarter of 2007. Then a new 1.4 liter TSI engine with 90 kW / 122 PS and a seven-speed DSG comes onto the market. If you can't wait, you have to shell out at least 18,875 euros for the base model in the Trendline equipment variant. If air conditioning and radio are to be added in the package, a further 800 euros are due, a detachable trailer hitch costs 692.46 euros. And the list of surcharges is far from over, not to mention the chic panoramic sliding roof for 1130 euros.

10,000 pre-orders

The entry-level diesel model Trendline starts at 20,975 euros, the other equipment variants Comfortline and Sportline start at 22,625 and 24,075 euros. There seems to be no question that the new Golf Variant will continue the success of its predecessors. Even before the market launch on June 1, the group had over 10,000 orders.