2018 Golf SportWagen

 Volkswagen SportWagen models have long been a top choice for customers who want the space and utility of an SUV, but the nimbleness and fun-to-drive capabilities of a Golf. The stylish 2018 Golf SportWagen model presents a winning combination of versatility, comfort and high-performance.

New for 2018

The 2018 Golf SportWagen is available in three trims—S, SE and SEL. Visually refreshed front and rear, all Golf models feature newly-designed LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and striking LED taillights. The S trim adds automatic headlights with rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment for model year 2018, as well as a 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen infotainment display.

The Golf SportWagen SE trim now sits on 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and adds an 8-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment display. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert are now standard driver assistance features. Pedestrian Monitoring will be added mid-model year.

The Golf SportWagen SEL now rides on newly-designed 17-inch “Karlskoga” aluminum-alloy wheels, features a new 8-inch Discover Media infotainment and navigation display, and adds an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror. New driver assistance features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). 

For the 2018 model year, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen models in the United States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.

Pricing for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen with a standard five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive starts at $21,685. The six-speed automatic transmission starts at $22,785. Pricing for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 4Motion® with a standard five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive starts at $23,935. The six-speed automatic transmission starts at $25,035. The destination charge for all Golf SportWagen models is an additional $850.

Exterior

The Golf SportWagen carries the unmistakable DNA of the Volkswagen Golf, with a shape and design elements that are defined and internationally-recognizable. Distinctive elements of the SportWagen, however, include a D-pillar, roof rails and a unique rear design that differentiate it from the Golf hatchback.

The front end features a hood that slopes down into the front fenders and sports angular horizontal design cues.  An updated front grille, with upper chrome and lower chrome freshen the SportWagen’s look.

At the back, the Golf SportWagen features a wide rear window, new LED taillights and a wide, low tailgate that integrates the license plate. With a load height of just 24.8 inches and a wide aperture of 40.6 inches, the Golf SportWagen has been designed with maximum functionality in mind.   

The Golf SportWagen is 179.6 inches long and 70.8 inches wide—dimensions that ensure sporty proportions and aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front-wheel centerline and the pedal box, the front wheels sit forward, giving a premium “cab backward” aesthetic. Along with the styling, these updated proportions help the SportWagen achieve a lower visual center of gravity and a more dynamic stance.

The SportWagen S model is equipped with 15-inch “Lyon” aluminum-alloy wheels. The SportWagen S 4Motion® trim is shod with 16-inch “Toronto” aluminum-alloy wheels. The SE trimline has 16-inch “Dover” wheels, while the topline SEL trim has new 17-inch “Karlskoga” wheels. A panoramic sunroof is standard equipment on SE and SEL models. The SEL has silver roof rails to further set it apart from the S and SE, which sport black roof rails.    

Interior

The upscale environment of the SportWagen cabin is largely shared with the Golf model, with increased interior space due to the wagon body style. Occupants are treated to 94.3 cu ft of passenger area volume.

Rear-seat leg- and shoulder room are 35.6 and 53.9 inches, respectively. Front seat passengers also benefit from the spacious SportWagen interior, with 41.2 inches of legroom and 55.9 inches across the shoulders. Both front and rear headroom are 38.6 inches.

The SportWagen has a spacious cargo hold that’s in line with those of compact SUVs. With the rear seats up, the SportWagen boasts 30.4 cu ft of space: when the 60:40 split rear seat is fully folded, that figure rises to an enormous 66.5 cu ft of storage. The split folding rear seats are accessed by release levers in the cargo area, helping to maximize convenience.

In addition to the expansive interior space, the driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver, a feature frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles. White backlighting for the controls further highlights this upscale ambience, as well as the use of premium materials throughout, such as the leather-wrapped handbrake, shifter knob and steering wheel, the soft-touch plastics and piano-black trim.

An equal amount of attention has been paid to helping to maximize comfort and convenience, even on the entry-level S trim. This base model comes well equipped with a long list of modern comfort, convenience and entertainment features, including power windows and mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, and rearview camera.

The SE trim features KESSY® keyless entry with push-button start. The top-of-the-line SEL variants come loaded with a navigation system, Climatronic® automatic dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting with LED interior reading lights, front comfort sport seats that include a 12-way power driver’s seat, and the Fender® Premium Audio System.

MIB II Infotainment. As standard equipment across the Golf SportWagen line, the MIB II infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net® connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today.

The SportWagen S is equipped with the Composition Color unit, which features a new 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system also offers SD card and USB (one port) multimedia interfaces, as well as a rearview camera and standard Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices.

All other SportWagen models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen display—SE models with the Composition Media unit; SEL models with the Discover Media system with navigation. The new 8.0-inch display is not only brighter than previous generation of MIB II, it also offers better color reproduction, response time and improved viewing angles due to the switch to In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.

Both units feature one USB port, a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio for a three month trial period, HD Radio, and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC). Both units also have the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with Bluetooth with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously. The Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, featuring one-shot voice destination entry, destination entry with quick search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on often used routes.

Volkswagen Car-Net. Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Volkswagen Car-Net® connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through VW Car-Net are divided into three key areas: “App-Connect,” “Security & Service,” and “Guide & Inform.”

VW Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all SportWagen models. App-Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle’s display through services like Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. 

Equipped on SE models and above, VW Car-Net Security & Service is a suite of elements that provides security features and also allows owners to access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app.

Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net Security & Service will receive a no-charge, six-month trial subscription from Verizon Telematics. To extend the benefits of this system after the trial, customers can choose from a number of payment options: One year for $199, two years for $378, and three years for $540, or month-to-month for $17.99, plus applicable taxes and fees.  App-Connect can be used with no additional charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services. 

Available VW Car-Net Security & Service features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses VW Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

In addition, VW Car-Net Security & Service offers remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected compatible smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers who prefer a more personal touch, agent destination assist is also available.

VW Car-Net Security & Service also includes Family Guardian, which offers features such as: speed alert, which notifies the owner of the vehicle when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary.

Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through VW Car-Net Security & Service. In addition to the vehicle’s warning and indicator lights, a Vehicle Health Report provides customers easy access to diagnostic information. When it’s time for scheduled service, VW Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case owners need a recommendation.

The available VW Car-Net app for smartwatch (supports select Apple WatchTM and Android WearTM operating systems) allows VW customers to control a host of Security & Service features and functions available through the iPhoneTM and AndroidTM apps as well as the Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Smartwatch wearers can keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle more quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, and get walking or driving directions to the vehicle. Drivers can check their fuel level and receive alerts with a compatible smartwatch.

Car-Net Guide & Inform is included on SEL models and offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that helps empower consumers. The in-vehicle navigation system features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.

Powertrains

The Golf SportWagen features a compact turbocharged and direct-injection 1.8-liter four-cylinder EA888 TSI® gasoline engine. It produces 170 horsepower at 4,500 rpm, and with an automatic transmission, torque peaks at 199 pound-feet (184 pound-feet with a manual transmission) with the broad torque band starting at 1,600 rpm and lasting until 4,400 rpm. The TSI engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission in front-wheel-drive models. Golf SportWagen models with 4Motion are mated to either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed DSG® automatic transmission with Tiptronic®.

Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the five-speed manual achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the optional six-speed automatic are rated at 24 mpg in city driving and 33 mpg on the highway.

4Motion models equipped with the six-speed manual have an EPA-estimate fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. 4Motion models equipped with the optional six-speed automatic are rated at 22 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway.

Chassis

The Golf SportWagen shares the same MQB chassis architecture as the rest of the Mk7 Golf line. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes new technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces “wobble seam” welds in a wave pattern to maximize strength in a limited space, offering significantly more strength than a traditional spot weld.

The Golf models’ stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without any loss in strength.

The Golf SportWagen features a strut-type front suspension. At the back, it has a multilink arrangement with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar.

The seventh-generation Golf braking system has 11.3-inch vented front discs and 10.7-inch solid rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The rack-and-pinion steering features electric power assist and features a 13.6 to one ratio that allows for 2.76 turns from lock to lock.

All 2018 Golf models are equipped with the XDS® Cross Differential System—a feature previously only seen on the performance-oriented GTI model. This technology acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system can automatically apply braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps the Golf’s stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance.

4Motion all-wheel-drive system

The Volkswagen 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system is available on the S model, with automatic or manual transmissions. The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, which can help save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.

In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDL) that are a function of the electronic stability control system act laterally. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.

Safety

Like the rest of the Golf line, the SportWagen provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on 2018 Golf SportWagen models is Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Golf SportWagen also includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions where the airbags deploy.

Driver Assistance

The Golf SportWagen offers a standard rearview camera and number of available driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control with Maneuver braking (ParkPilot), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), High Beam Control (Light Assist) and Overhead View Camera (Area View).

Front Assist, standard on SE and SEL models, helps warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles, and in some cases can provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking). Pedestrian Monitoring is standard on SEL trims for 2018 and will be added to SE trims mid-model year.

Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning helps warn the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster above 18 mph. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard on SEL models, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons or the brakes to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. SportWagen models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop. The driver can resume ACC control after pressing the accelerator pedal or the “resume” button on the steering wheel.

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert is standard on SE and SEL models. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and can help warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor will vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.

The Rear Traffic Alert system helps detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, before applying the brakes if a potential impending collision is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.

Warranty

For the 2018 model year, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen models in the United States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.

The six-year/72,000-mile People First Warranty includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive systems. Additionally, all the elements of the People First Warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners for up to six years or 72,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date it was first sold new.

Most mainstream competitors to the Volkswagen brand in the United States such as Honda, Toyota and Ford offer only a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty on their cars and SUVs. While Hyundai and Kia offer a five-year/60,000 mile basic warranty and a higher time and mileage limit on their powertrain limited warranties, if the vehicle is sold to a second owner, the powertrain limited warranty is not transferable beyond five years or 60,000 miles from the date it was first sold new.

Competitive Set

Subaru Outback
Subaru Crosstrek
Toyota Prius V 

Full Specs: https://newspress-vwusamedia.s3.amazonaws.com/documents%2Foriginal%2F7960-2018GolfSportWagenTechnicalSpecifications.pdf