Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

Say you're looking for a new car. You become interested on mid-size models because they aren't small or expensive. So you start to pay attention to 308, Astra, Focus or Mégane. Maybe even to dream with their performance versions. But sooner or later you end waking up, remembering you have spouse and children: how would you take them to the everyday tasks in one of those? If only there was a way to concile both worlds... Well, if you live in Europe, Volkswagen has made an attempt to tell you "There actually is".

For those who are at least a little interested in the car world, the answer is yes; this is only the new generation of what used to be Golf Plus. And if you dig a little deeper, B-Class could be considered its only direct competitor, if it weren't for the equipment and price differences. Sportsvan is VW's second attempt of combining minivan and hatchback into the same car, which is easily expressed through the use of hatchback dimensions paired with higher roof. If you think of "sportiness" and "family" as the limits of a dimmer switch, this automaker's mid-size lineup would be set as Scirocco, Golf, Golf Sportsvan, Golf Variant, Touran and Caddy. Bigger families have to give up and take a complete minivan, but if it isn't your case...

Sure, since this version's purpose is different, you can't expect any GTI or R versions here - the only sportiness in this car will be the irony of its name. However, Sportsvan is still a Volkswagen car, so the company's obsession with sharing mechanical parts actually pays off here. There is the same MQB platform, and therefore pretty much the same structure seen on the latest Golf's urban versions, whether regarding mechanical components, electronic systems, powertrain options, etc. In other words, this car's overall technology still outtakes several hatchback competitors even at their sporty versions. But unfortunately some of them won't ever have to worry with that, because the company plans to offer it only in Europe.

Like what happened with the hatchback, taking a look at Golf Sportsvan’s exterior won’t give any surprises. First for simply being a Volkswagen, and second because the entire car made its first appearance as a “concept” some weeks ago. The company’s design language shows its most recent interpretation once again, using more straight lines than before. But since this is a taller car, grilles, bumpers and lights became taller too, in order to keep the proportions well-dimensioned. On the other hand, the familiar use imposed the use of third side windows behind the doors, replacing Golf’s typical “C” pillar for improved visibility. But, once again, the overall result looks as good as predictable.

Sportsvan’s raison d’être is really restricted to the interior. Besides the increased space for all five occupants, the rear seat has longitudinal sliding and can be folded down separately – the latter option reveals a 1,500-liters cargo capacity when loading to the roof. The equipment list includes XDS+ differential lock, seven airbags, 5” touchscreen, multi-collision brake and electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and can be upgraded with heated steering wheel, 400-watt Dynaudio Excite sound system and other items. The trim list will have Trendline, Comfortline and  Highline, and there will be four engine options: the TSI line offers the 1.2L with 85 cv or 105 cv and the 1.4L with 122 cv or 140 cv, while the TDI uses a 110-cv 1.6L and a 150-cv 2.0L. This car can already be ordered at German dealerships.