If you want a car that can haul sufficient cargo but that is not an SUV, consider the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and specifically, the TSI SE trim. It offers the familiar benefits of the regular Golf, such as a premium cabin, great fuel economy, and sufficient cargo space. Further, it adds a foot of length to the regular Golf’s size, resulting in more cargo space. The turbocharged engine and the available front-wheel drivetrain further make the SportWagen TSI SE a great value.
The SportWagen has a host of impressive features. It offers as much cargo space as most compact crossovers, and its turbocharged engine offers enough power to haul heavy loads.
Features
The SportWagen is a regular Golf hatchback but with the additional foot of length provides drivers with a more sufficient cabin space. You will have access to up to 66.5 cubic feet for your cargo with the rear seats folded down. This is almost the same amount of space that crossover SUVs such as the Ford Escape offer. The efficient turbocharged engine and an available FWD system make this wagon a great option when you do not need an SUV.
The SportWagen TSI SE comes with a long list of standard features, including:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Power-adjustable side mirrors
- Heated side mirrors
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel
- Roof rails
- Power-adjustable front seats
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Rearview camera
- USB and SD inputs
- Fender Premium audio system
- Imitation leather upholstery
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
- Bluetooth
- Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect
- Satellite and HD radio
Other features that are unique in the SE include automatic headlights, automatic wipers, fog lights, heated windshield washer nozzles, keyless entry and ignition, and a panoramic sunroof. Unlike the S model of the SportWagen, the SE feels more luxurious and has a more upscale cabin.
It is also eligible for the VW Driver Assistance package that adds a host of security and safety features. Some of the features in this package include forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Although the package adds to the price of the wagon, it keeps you safer on the roads.
Interior and Comfort
The VW SportWagen TSI SE offers comfortable and ergonomic seating. Its central panel faces the driver for fast access. Its imitation-leather seats offer great comfort and add to the interior beauty of the car. Both the front seats are power-adjustable for even more comfort, and the rear seats have enough legroom.
The advanced suspension tuning makes the car comfortable when you hit potholes and drive on rugged terrain. The only missing feature on the SE is the dual-zone climate control. VW only offers this in the higher SEL trim.
On the dashboard is a simple control panel with a simple layout. The conservative design and the high-quality materials make the cabin impressive and user-friendly. All controls have labels and great spacing for ease of use. You can also read the gauges with ease.
It is easy to get in and out of the car, but the front doors are wider than the rear doors. The front seats can slide back for passengers with long legs. The driver will enjoy the driving position as it is the same as the ordinary Golf. The steering wheel telescopes to offer comfort for drivers of all sizes. Also, the driver’s seat height range makes the driving position more comfortable.
Performance
The VW Golf SportWagen TSI SE Wagon 4D sports a turbo 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine generates 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The SE trim comes in a front-wheel drivetrain. Front-wheel models pair with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine is highly efficient, with a fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 29.
According to Edmunds, the brake pedal offers a firm feel that makes it easy to brake. This pedal feels predictable at all speeds. The vehicle’s steering wheel also feels responsive and comfortable. Further, the car offers a modest handling capability, allowing you to drive on rugged terrain and take sharp corners with ease. The automatic models drive smoothly, but they accelerate slowly.
Technology Features
The SportWagen has so many strengths, but tech is a small weak spot for used models. The central touch-screen display offers simple graphics with a robotic navigation voice. Also, the Fender Premium audio system offers a subwoofer that makes entertaining in the car a better experience.
Although navigation is only available in the SEL, you can access directions in the SE when you connect your smartphone. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations make it easy for you to access apps such as Pandora, TuneIn internet radio, and Spotify.
Cargo Capacity
The VW Golf SportWagen TSI SE Wagon 4D offers 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Instead of an ashtray, the SportWagen offers a shelf where you can place your phone with its USB and auxiliary jack. The shelf offers great convenience when you need to connect your phone. There are also two cupholders and a small bin by the armrest. The silver roof rails are ideal for those who love camping or adventure.
How Reliable Is the Wagon?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2017 VW SportWagen model an overall rating of five stars. The car got perfect scores in NHTSA tests in categories like the overall side crash rating as well as overall, driver, and passenger side barrier ratings. The VW also got five out of five on the front and back seat combined side barrier and pole ratings.
J.D. Power rated the wagon three stars out of five on safety and reliability. This is an average rating for most cars in its category.
The wagon sports standard safety features such as:
- Anti-lock disc brakes
- Front-side air bags
- Stability and traction control
- Full-length side air bags
VW also offers a standard post-collision braking system that applies the brakes following an impact to reduce the chances of a secondary crash. Further, VW adds a standard Car-Net emergency Telematics system that:
- Shows crash notifications
- Allows access to roadside services
- Allows tracking of a stolen vehicle
- Gives remote vehicle access
- Allows geo-fencing
You can control all the features of VW Car-Net through the Car-Net app.
The SportWagen competes directly with models like the VW Passat and the Subaru Outback. It offers more room in the cabin and cargo space than the Passat, and it is more affordable than the Outback. The Passat is more powerful with a V-6 engine, but it means that you have to sacrifice cargo space. The Outback has a standard AWD system but is more expensive.
VW’s 2017 SportWagen TSI SE offers you the benefits of a small SUV-like vehicle with the fuel economy and price of a hatchback. It is ideal if you are shopping for a family car with lots of cargo space and good fuel economy.
