Topic: Day-by-Day Review: 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportswagen TDI; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

Volkswagen has the market cornered when it comes to compact wagons, but can this Golf Sportwagon diesel deliver the kind of efficiency James is expecting?
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[Ex-airbalancer]

I do not like how the centre dash curves in on the driver side , reducing the space for your legs
Does it come in Brown ? 

[JohnnyMac]

I'm sure we are all interested in how this wagen makes out in this review.  I'm happy to see a spare tire being outfitted with the subwoofer/upgraded stereo, I do wonder why they don't give you this when you buy a Golf R (at least the 2015 US models didn't have this, they got foam insert & tire repair kit instead).  The other thing that really bugs the crap out of me, why do manufacturers tint the rear windows in all but the most basic CUV/SUV's but practically none of the wagon/hatch back cars?

[OliverD]

The other thing that really bugs the crap out of me, why do manufacturers tint the rear windows in all but the most basic CUV/SUV's but practically none of the wagon/hatch back cars?

Because it's only legal to tint light trucks from the factory for some reason. Mazda 5 is classified as a car which is why it never came with tinted windows.

[Blueprint]

I'm sure we are all interested in how this wagen makes out in this review.  I'm happy to see a spare tire being outfitted with the subwoofer/upgraded stereo, I do wonder why they don't give you this when you buy a Golf R (at least the 2015 US models didn't have this, they got foam insert & tire repair kit instead).  The other thing that really bugs the crap out of me, why do manufacturers tint the rear windows in all but the most basic CUV/SUV's but practically none of the wagon/hatch back cars?

The spare-tire sub is a dealer-installed accessory available for all VWs, base stereo or not.

James: please review that sub! I wonder how it does with the base stereo - a 500$ upgrade vs 2400$ to get the Fender bundle.

[vasyapirh]

There are a few competitors: While a bit smaller: Audi A3, MINI cooper Clubman and Subaru Outback.

[JohnnyMac]

There are a few competitors: While a bit smaller: Audi A3, MINI cooper Clubman and Subaru Outback.

The Audi A3 is a sedan, the Clubman is a hatchback not a wagon, and the Outback is a CUV.  So none of those are true competitors.

[tazcubed]

The other thing that really bugs the crap out of me, why do manufacturers tint the rear windows in all but the most basic CUV/SUV's but practically none of the wagon/hatch back cars?

Because it's only legal to tint light trucks from the factory for some reason. Mazda 5 is classified as a car which is why it never came with tinted windows.

Which, ironically, makes SUVs and minivans the bane of existence in a parking lot - can't see around them for beans! No wonder why more and more vehicles are getting cameras and cross-traffic alert systems.

[OliverD]

There are a few competitors: While a bit smaller: Audi A3, MINI cooper Clubman and Subaru Outback.

The Audi A3 is a sedan, the Clubman is a hatchback not a wagon, and the Outback is a CUV.  So none of those are true competitors.

A3 hatch is coming (diesel and electric only) and the new Mini Clubman will be a proper wagon.

[Solstice2006]

Quite a leap from the Comfortline TDI DSG (base 28,395), and the Highline TDI DSG ($34,195).  I would just add the Sight and Sound ($1510), and Nav ($600) on the Comfortline which is cheaper than the Multimedia Package on the Highline.  You get the bi-xenon, adaptive lights, fender stereo, LED DRL, and nav.  You don't get the forward collision system.  So you save $6000. 

The extra $6000 gives you this:

17" Madrid alloy wheels with all-season tires (vs 16" alloy)
12-way power driver seat
Ambient LED interior lighting (can be added with convenience pkg)
Automatic headlights with “coming home” feature (convenience pkg)
Chrome exterior window surrounds
Chrome front grille (TSI only)
Chrome matte interior trim
Chrome roof rails
Climatronic® dual-zone electronic climate control (convenience pkg)
Interior rearview mirror, auto-dimming (convenience pkg)
KESSY keyless access with push-button start
Leather seating surfaces
Light Assist
Panorama tilt and slide power sunroof
Rain-sensing wipers
Sport seats

I like the packaging, well equipped, many options, and be added on most trims. 

[OliverD]

I'm sure we are all interested in how this wagen makes out in this review.  I'm happy to see a spare tire being outfitted with the subwoofer/upgraded stereo, I do wonder why they don't give you this when you buy a Golf R (at least the 2015 US models didn't have this, they got foam insert & tire repair kit instead).

I wonder if the Fender system is a North America only thing. Might explain why the German built R doesn't have it.

[JohnnyMac]

There are a few competitors: While a bit smaller: Audi A3, MINI cooper Clubman and Subaru Outback.

The Audi A3 is a sedan, the Clubman is a hatchback not a wagon, and the Outback is a CUV.  So none of those are true competitors.

A3 hatch is coming (diesel and electric only) and the new Mini Clubman will be a proper wagon.

They aren't here, hence they do not count as competitors.

[JohnnyMac]

I'm sure we are all interested in how this wagen makes out in this review.  I'm happy to see a spare tire being outfitted with the subwoofer/upgraded stereo, I do wonder why they don't give you this when you buy a Golf R (at least the 2015 US models didn't have this, they got foam insert & tire repair kit instead).

I wonder if the Fender system is a North America only thing. Might explain why the German built R doesn't have it.

Might explain it yes.  But the Audi S3 gets this spare tire/subwoofer combo and I assume the S3 is made in Germany.

[Triple Bob]

Best car in the world, bar none!

 

[vasyapirh]

They aren't here, hence they do not count as competitors.
[/quote]

Yeah... I forgot they discontinued old Audi A3 hatch. I would also argue that MINI cooper hatch is a hatchback and MINI Cooper Clubman is a wagon (although a bit small, upcoming one will be bigger)

[mlin32]

The Fender system is North America specific......rest of the world uses Dynaudio as the upgrade.

[tpl]

I'm sure we are all interested in how this wagen makes out in this review.  I'm happy to see a spare tire being outfitted with the subwoofer/upgraded stereo, I do wonder why they don't give you this when you buy a Golf R (at least the 2015 US models didn't have this, they got foam insert & tire repair kit instead).

I wonder if the Fender system is a North America only thing. Might explain why the German built R doesn't have it.

Might explain it yes.  But the Audi S3 gets this spare tire/subwoofer combo and I assume the S3 is made in Germany.

My Q5 has it as standard  as well.

[jyarkony]

They aren't here, hence they do not count as competitors.

Yeah... I forgot they discontinued old Audi A3 hatch. I would also argue that MINI cooper hatch is a hatchback and MINI Cooper Clubman is a wagon (although a bit small, upcoming one will be bigger)
[/quote]

while the Cooper 5 Door is comparable for driving and layout, it is quite a bit smaller and the Subaru Outback quite a bit bigger (and it's a crossover).

[tortoise]

Love this car and it's right at the top of my list to replace the 5.

But is it me, or is this power port just asking to be coated in a double double?  Also, what are the holes for?

[OliverD]

The slots are for coins or parking/toll cards.