2013 Geneva Motor Show was the place where new VW Golf7 Variant has been presented. The main advantage of a station wagon version of the seventh-generation Golf is (for this vehicle class) exceptional luggage compartment. It has 605 liters of luggage capacity, 100 liters more that its predecessor.

The first Variant version of this top selling model was introduced in 1993 and since then 1.8 million cars have been sold.

Beautifully designed Golf Variant – finally!

Volkswagen dealers are probably jumping for joy because Wolfsburg designers drew the most beautiful golf station wagon ever! The argument is not mine but is taken from words of Volkswagen men. I have to agree with them. Just look at the rear side of fifth and sixth generation. They simply did not raise much enthusiasm.

Why is this so important? Well, I do not believe that new buyers will run to VW car dealers solely because of design. After all this is classic rational German vehicle. But I am sure it will not happen again that this vehicle will be deleted from anyone’s potential shopping list because of its shape.

Interested in 2017 VW Golf 7.5 face-lift review?

VW Golf7 Variant Video preview

Advanced safety electronics included

Great design should be essential because of the first impression. However, it is not the most important thing, otherwise the predecessor would not be a bestseller. The good side of this story is in its roots because the variant is based on extremely convincing model golf.

Golf VII Variant is the same as hatchback version in terms of technical approach. There is the same advanced technology, including lane preservation assist, stopping automatically at low speeds as well as active cruise control.

This last feature works very well in combinationt with the DSG automatic transmission. It can stop and start completely by itself if you are stuck in a traffic jam.

Interesting fact

Electronic parking brake releases automatically only if the driver has the seat belt on. This can be quite impractical in the moments when you only need to quickly move the car on your home parking lot.

Huge luggage volume

Besides the great design and a lot of useful equipment the main trump card of Golf7 Variant is in its luggage space. It can store up to 605 liters of baggage which is 100 liters more that 6th generation. The maximum available boot space stops at 1620 liters if you fold rear seats which is enviable figure.

Customers will appreciate that this big trunk has double bottom with drawers on the sides and a deep hole in the size of another spare wheel compartment.

The longest objects you can buy without the need to rent a van to transport it home is 2.7 meters. Of course you will have to fold the front passenger seat.

Numerous engine options – Golf 7 Variant also available with all-wheel drive 4 motion

Following engines are available in new Golf7 Variant:

• 1.2 TSI 63 kW
  1197 cm3, 63 kW, torque: 160 Nm, top speed: 180 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 12.6 s; consumption: 5.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 115 g/km

• 1.2 TSI 77 kW
  1197 cm3, 77 kW, torque: 175 Nm, top speed: 193 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 10.7 s; consumption: 5.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 117 g/km

• 1.4 TSI 90 kW
  1395 cm3, 90 kW, torque: 200 Nm, top speed: 204 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 9.7 s; consumption: 5.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 117 g/km

• 1.4 TSI 103 kW
  1395 cm3, 103 kW, torque: 250 Nm, top speed: 213 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 8.9 s; consumption: 5.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 121 g/km

• 1.6 TDI 77 kW (available as 4motion)
  1598 cm3, 77 kW, torque: 250 Nm, top speed: 193 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 11.2 s; consumption: 3.9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 102 g/km

• Blue 1,6-TDI 81 kW
  1598 cm3, 81 kW, torque: 250 Nm, top speed: 196 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 11.0 s; consumption: 3.9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 102 g/km

• Bluemotion
  1598 cm3, 81 kW, torque: 250 Nm, top speed: 200 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 10.5 s; consumption: 3.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 85 g/km

• 2.0 TDI (available as 4motion)
  1968 cm3, 110 kW, torque: 320 Nm, top speed: 218 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 8.9 s; consumption: 4.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 108 g/km

Blue line means BlueMotion

Most economical engine option is now available in Variant also. According to factory data it needs only 3.3 liters of diesel fuel per hundred kilometers. That means over 70 MPG!

The new BlueMotion is made on the basis of the 1.6 TDI diesel engine, a more powerful one. They added sixth gear instead of five as in other TDI models. Transmission matches nicely with this fuel saving oriented engine.

VW Golf Variant prices

The new VW Golf7 Variant has a starting price of 18.950 EUR (basic Variant with a 1.2 TSI engine) and ranges all the way to 30.850 EUR (2.0 TDI DSG Higline model).

In general Variant is about 1,000 EUR more expensive than Golf Hatchback, which is in my view, according to the increment of the space, a fair mark-up. Especially for families with children who will be grateful every day for additional space in the trunk.

VW Golf 7 Variant rivals and competition

Golf as a role model in its class has a lot of competition and rivals. Virtually all brands are represented in this class with their models, so I will list just a few of the most important ones:

• Seat Leon ST
• Škoda Octavia Combi
• Opel Astra Sports Tourer (video comparison below)
• Peugeot 308 SW
• Hyundai i30 CW
• Kia Cee’d SW
• Honda Civic Tourer
• Renault Megane Grandtour (video comparison below)
• Ford Focus Karavan

VW Golf Variant vs. Opel Astra Sports Tourer (video)

Renault Megane Grandtour vs. VW Golf Variant (video)

Conclusion

What to say at the end? I think Volkswagen did a great job. VW Golf7 Variant is convincing. Large, beautifully treated luggage compartment is useful and additionally adjustable and flexible. Folding the seats is an effortless task, the loading edge is conveniently low. 30 centimeters of length increment compared to the hatchback do not affect on the driving characteristics but is a great gift for families. Engines are generally strong enough, refined, and very economical.

Having all the facts above in mind, this car remains a trend setter, icon and one of the first choices of customers in this automotive class.

Image credit: Volkswagen