Volkswagen Golf Variant: A Car with a Gentle, Welcoming Feel

Volkswagen Golf Variant

A Car That's Soft and Gentle

New Volkswagen models are arriving in Japan one after another. The Variant, the wagon version of the Golf, recently underwent a model change, becoming the fourth generation. We bring you a test drive report from automotive journalist Fumio Ogawa.

Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Junki Kono

Three Engine Options

The Golf Variant was first introduced to Japan in 1995 as the station wagon version of the Golf 3 (now the Golf 6). Since then, it has undergone full model changes in 2000 and 2007. This latest iteration has been updated, featuring a front fascia that shares a sense of commonality with the recently debuted new Golf.

Considering the engines, the Golf Variant lineup consists of three types.

• The "TSI Trendline" (¥2.72 million) with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, an intercooled turbocharger, producing 122 horsepower.
• The "TSI Comfortline" (¥3.22 million), based on the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but with both an intercooled turbocharger and a supercharger—a so-called twin-charger system—producing 160 horsepower.
• The "2.0 TSI Sportline" (¥3.83 million) with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharger, offering the highest output.

Key features of the new model include the following:

• Adoption of interior and exterior design elements consistent with the Golf (especially the new front fascia design).
• Improved quietness.
• Improved fuel efficiency.
• Inclusion of "Volkswagen Professional Care," which provides three years of complimentary maintenance.

We test drove the "TSI Comfortline" (¥3.22 million), which pairs the 1.4-liter engine with a twin-charger. Its fuel economy is 16.2 km per liter under the 10-15 mode standard, while its maximum output is 160 ps, indicating it's not solely focused on fuel efficiency. Similar to how the current sixth-generation Golf skillfully updates the fifth-generation chassis with measures like sound-insulating windshields, the Variant also features an improved level of refinement while using the previous generation's chassis.

Attention to Detail Creates a Sense of Luxury

If I had to define the Golf Variant TSI Comfortline in one word, it would be a car that's soft and gentle. I had just test-driven the rather sporty Golf GTI before this, so I thought its impression might be weak, but that wasn't the case at all; it immediately revealed its distinct charm. The ample torque for daily driving comes from the seamless and skillful transition where the supercharger engages from low RPMs and then hands over to the turbocharger.

Furthermore, the 7-speed DSG with its dry clutch delivers a smooth engagement and a direct, satisfying acceleration feel. This excellent synergy makes me question why Japanese manufacturers don't produce something similar every time I experience it. Well, they seem to be developing such systems. Alongside this, what impresses me about Volkswagen's skillful car manufacturing, not just with the Golf Variant, is, for example, the steering wheel grip. Along with the supple feel of the leather, the cross-section isn't just an oval; it must be a combination of complex curves. This results in a comfortable grip. It's something often overlooked, but it reminds us that such details contribute to a sense of luxury.

For Those Who Want Driving Performance and Ambiance in Their Daily Car

The ride comfort is excellent, with the suspension moving precisely to absorb road shocks. Even the rear seats, which European wagons often set with firmer rear suspension damping, felt comfortable in the Golf Variant. While the handling isn't overtly sporty, it even evokes a sense of fun on winding roads. It offers a respectable level of driving pleasure.

The styling is somewhat emotional. The rear gate is slightly sloped, emphasizing that it's not merely a utilitarian commercial vehicle (in Germany, passenger wagons are sometimes distinguished as 'Variant' and commercial wagons as 'Kombi'), but the design of the rear section is almost identical to the previous generation. This might be unavoidable, but it makes it difficult to expect replacement demand. As it's a popular car with a more premium image than the Golf, perhaps there was a judgment that they could capture a larger market share as is.

Personally, I find the new front grille appealing. At least compared to the previous chrome-heavy 'Wappen Grill,' it has a sportier image, and I think it suits the well-performing Golf Variant better. For those who desire respectable performance and ambiance even in their daily car, the Golf Variant is worth considering. Moreover, its fuel efficiency is remarkable.