Topic: Long-Term Test Update 1: 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI Diesel

[Autos_Editor]

Today, we begin a long-term test of a car with an intriguing combination of attributes: the Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI.

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[tpl]

I don't know about 2013 but annoyingly the 2012 Highline wagon was not available with Xenon lights in Canada, even as an option, but they were standard in the USA.

The shuttle driver at Guelph VW uses one of these TDI ones with DSG and he complained that the DSG in the diesel can be a bit rough in its changes in the low gears...he put it down to too much torque

[Solstice2006]

This is one of my favourite vehicles out there.  But I can't justify the price of the diesel, when new there is a $3000 differance on the Comfortline trim ($24000, and you don't even get bluetooth, buttons on the steering wheel, or the multifunction trip computer).  When getting one used (about 1 year), the same trim, the differance is $5000.  I know driving a diesel is more than just the fuel efficiency, but people buying compacts are often trying to save money, so I think the 2.5L is good enough, if it had the missing items I mentioned from the highline trim, it would be perfect.

[redman]

 

Diesel is typically less than a G note option in Europe. For some odd reason the novelty diesel tax jumps exponentially when it crosses the pond.

[OliverD]

It's too bad that you can't get the Sportline goodies (18" wheels, sport seats, and sport suspension in particular) with the Highline TDI.

[libraman]

Is the diesel still not available on the base model? I don't get that.

[mixmanmash]

Looking forward to updates on this.  VW is supposed to be coming out with the EA288 Diesel engine that in the same displacement generates 190 hp and 280 lbft.  That would definitely spruce up the acceleration.

[carcrazed]

That cargo area is very roomy from the picture.  Maybe this could be an option to my CUV (RDX is at the top of my list) purchase. 
A visit to a VW dealership is in order

[CountOfGamble]

I don't know about 2013 but annoyingly the 2012 Highline wagon was not available with Xenon lights in Canada, even as an option, but they were standard in the USA.

The shuttle driver at Guelph VW uses one of these TDI ones with DSG and he complained that the DSG in the diesel can be a bit rough in its changes in the low gears...he put it down to too much torque

The Golf Wagon (Jetta SportWagen) in US does not get HIDs or fog lights as an option. HIDs are only an option on the TDI hatchback.

[jyarkony]

That cargo area is very roomy from the picture.  Maybe this could be an option to my CUV (RDX is at the top of my list) purchase. 
A visit to a VW dealership is in order

yeah, even having driven it before, when taking pictures of the cargo bay it still surprised me how big it was, but when my wife first saw it in our driveway, she immediately commented on how long it is—especially true relative to the Golf hatch, which seems much shorter—the wagon is over a foot (35 cm) longer...

[CountOfGamble]

Looking forward to updates on this.  VW is supposed to be coming out with the EA288 Diesel engine that in the same displacement generates 190 hp and 280 lbft.  That would definitely spruce up the acceleration.

Early reports are suggesting that the new Golf/Golf Estate will be powered by the EA288 150hp diesel. The 190 hp version will be reserved for the GTD.

[Fobroader]

That cargo area is very roomy from the picture.  Maybe this could be an option to my CUV (RDX is at the top of my list) purchase. 
A visit to a VW dealership is in order

yeah, even having driven it before, when taking pictures of the cargo bay it still surprised me how big it was, but when my wife first saw it in our driveway, she immediately commented on how long it is—especially true relative to the Golf hatch, which seems much shorter—the wagon is over a foot (35 cm) longer...

Didnt you have a Jetta wagon?? Isnt this just a rebadged Jetta wagon??

[Solstice2006]

the ea288 diesel will be coming in 2 outputs.  150hp and 184hp - at least in europe.  the new ea288 engine is suppose to address any potential "heater" issues in the winter as well.   the new a3 sedan will come with this engine first i would think, followed by the new golf next summer.   i love this wagon but isn't it long overdue for a redesign?   it must be coming soon.  i would think that the vws will get the ea288 150hp version all across the board and hopfully the 184hp 2L diesel will go to the audis.  too bad vw is the only company that brings manual diesels to NA  (Take note bmw!!!!)

Not sure what you mean with BMW, the only diesel they have on a sedan is the 335d at $52,000 (which is no longer available, because no one bought it). This forum is about a wagon.   I like BMW, but they should have brought a smaller diesel.  At least you can get a manual gas wagon from BMW, with Audi you can't. 

I would complain more about the lack of wagons available, never mind diesels and manual combos.  VW needs some competition for wagons, but they aren't going to get it, because it's such a small market share no one cares.  And it is the fault of the US.  For instance, I don't understand why we don't get the Mazda6 wagon, the same plant the makes the sedan, makes the wagon, so why not ship us some.  Even if it is small market, your going to sell some, and Mazda likes to be unique.  I still see a lot of sport hatches and wagons from the 1st generation.

[CountOfGamble]

the ea288 diesel will be coming in 2 outputs.  150hp and 184hp - at least in europe.  the new ea288 engine is suppose to address any potential "heater" issues in the winter as well.   the new a3 sedan will come with this engine first i would think, followed by the new golf next summer.   i love this wagon but isn't it long overdue for a redesign?   it must be coming soon.  i would think that the vws will get the ea288 150hp version all across the board and hopfully the 184hp 2L diesel will go to the audis.  too bad vw is the only company that brings manual diesels to NA  (Take note bmw!!!!)

Not sure what you mean with BMW, the only diesel they have on a sedan is the 335d at $52,000 (which is no longer available, because no one bought it). This forum is about a wagon.   I like BMW, but they should have brought a smaller diesel.  At least you can get a manual gas wagon from BMW, with Audi you can't. 

I would complain more about the lack of wagons available, never mind diesels and manual combos.  VW needs some competition for wagons, but they aren't going to get it, because it's such a small market share no one cares.  And it is the fault of the US.  For instance, I don't understand why we don't get the Mazda6 wagon, the same plant the makes the sedan, makes the wagon, so why not ship us some.  Even if it is small market, your going to sell some, and Mazda likes to be unique.  I still see a lot of sport hatches and wagons from the 1st generation.

The E90 335d is no longer available because the new generation (F30) of 3 series came out. If you visit the diesel forums you will see that there are a lot of individuals who bought the 335d, especially in US. It was only outfitted with an automatic since BMW has no manual transmission that can handle 425 lb-ft of torque at 1750 rpm. BMW has confirmed that they will bring the F30 320d in MY 2014, which will have 181 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque available with both the 6-speed manual and the 8-speed ZF auto. It comes in sedan and wagon forms. The question is: "Who amongst us common folk is ready to dump 50k on a 320d 6-speed manual BMW estate?"

[SaskSpecV]

That Sportline trim is interesting.  Seems like a lot of goodies for a pretty reasonable price - but damn, NOT choosing the 2.0 diesel would be tough.  That shove-in-the-back torque nearly sold me on it, as did the sweet 6MT.  I'm sure the autos.ca folks will be enjoying this test vehicle.

Any word on the MK VII golf wagon yet?  I assume it will be coming to North America, given the relative popularity of Golf/Jetta Wagons on the road, and lack of competition.  Of course, many of us said the same thing about the new Focus wagon, and that sure didn't go anywhere...

[Vanstar]

Is the diesel still not available on the base model? I don't get that.

I get it completely; the TDi is a niche model here so VW tacks on a nice fat premium to make the bottom line very nice.

Anyway,you would have to do a heck of a lot of driving to make up the cost of the TDi engine and I would live in quaking fear that something would go wrong out of warranty. As soon as the base warranty expired I would be either selling the car or buying the best factory extended warranty available.

I like this car a lot but were it mine, I would go for a gas/5 speed. The cost of the automatic at $1400 is absurd.

[OliverD]

The E90 335d is no longer available because the new generation (F30) of 3 series came out. If you visit the diesel forums you will see that there are a lot of individuals who bought the 335d, especially in US. It was only outfitted with an automatic since BMW has no manual transmission that can handle 425 lb-ft of torque at 1750 rpm. BMW has confirmed that they will bring the F30 320d in MY 2014, which will have 181 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque available with both the 6-speed manual and the 8-speed ZF auto. It comes in sedan and wagon forms. The question is: "Who amongst us common folk is ready to dump 50k on a 320d 6-speed manual BMW estate?"

Considering that the upcoming 328i wagon will be offered only with an automatic in North America I highly doubt we'll see a manual 320d wagon, if we see a wagon version at all. It will be interesting to see if BMW will offer the 320d with AWD; without it, it's almost a non-starter here as only enthusiasts and budget minded buyers seem to opt for the RWD models these days. I'm sure that partly explains why the 335d had such a low take rate (in addition to its very high price).

[safristi]

Wait a few years (if the grim reaper is not mowing yer lawn!!! ) IN A FEW YEARS (YEAH WE KNOW ...SAID BEFORE MUTLIPLE TIMES) Diesel weasels  are inserting their snouts into many a vehicle...if CAR SITES are to be Believed !!???...................

 those "premium " prices will disipate like an NOx fairy sipping on an Urea Martini.......................

[Solstice2006]

the ea288 diesel will be coming in 2 outputs.  150hp and 184hp - at least in europe.  the new ea288 engine is suppose to address any potential "heater" issues in the winter as well.   the new a3 sedan will come with this engine first i would think, followed by the new golf next summer.   i love this wagon but isn't it long overdue for a redesign?   it must be coming soon.  i would think that the vws will get the ea288 150hp version all across the board and hopfully the 184hp 2L diesel will go to the audis.  too bad vw is the only company that brings manual diesels to NA  (Take note bmw!!!!)

Not sure what you mean with BMW, the only diesel they have on a sedan is the 335d at $52,000 (which is no longer available, because no one bought it). This forum is about a wagon.   I like BMW, but they should have brought a smaller diesel.  At least you can get a manual gas wagon from BMW, with Audi you can't. 

I would complain more about the lack of wagons available, never mind diesels and manual combos.  VW needs some competition for wagons, but they aren't going to get it, because it's such a small market share no one cares.  And it is the fault of the US.  For instance, I don't understand why we don't get the Mazda6 wagon, the same plant the makes the sedan, makes the wagon, so why not ship us some.  Even if it is small market, your going to sell some, and Mazda likes to be unique.  I still see a lot of sport hatches and wagons from the 1st generation.

The E90 335d is no longer available because the new generation (F30) of 3 series came out. If you visit the diesel forums you will see that there are a lot of individuals who bought the 335d, especially in US. It was only outfitted with an automatic since BMW has no manual transmission that can handle 425 lb-ft of torque at 1750 rpm. BMW has confirmed that they will bring the F30 320d in MY 2014, which will have 181 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque available with both the 6-speed manual and the 8-speed ZF auto. It comes in sedan and wagon forms. The question is: "Who amongst us common folk is ready to dump 50k on a 320d 6-speed manual BMW estate?"

Yes, I was aware the model was discontinued due to the new BMW generation..."With the introduction of the all-new 2012 3 Series BMW quietly axed the low-selling 335d diesel model, but now the an ultra-efficient oil-burner is set to return to our shores." as per autoguide.  Not sure what you mean by a lot owning the 335d, I have seen only 4 examples of the car, I have seen more X5,Q7, and Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel models.  Maybe the people on forum, are the only ones who bought them.  Anyway, finally BMW has fixed their mistake, and is offering a smaller diesel in North America.  Not sure how accurate the price of 50k is on the 320d, considering the 335d was more powerful, and that costed 52k.  You can get an Audi A3 TDI (which is smaller I know) for $35k, or an Audi A4 Avant with 8 speed Auto (for $43k), I would predict the base model with 6 speed manual would be $45k.  I guess time will tell.

[tpl]

I would presume that there will be a Golf 7 wagon when they get around to it.