2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportswagen Review
Overview:
This is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportswagen TSI S with 4Motion or as the name implies… all wheel drive. What a great fun transportation car in part because of the Turbocharged engine. Small displacement as they are the turbo removes all sluggishness when speed / acceleration is needed.
Love it also because from all my experience with the industry VW as a company has always been forward thinking and the Germans have a great work ethic.
General Information:
It is assembled in – Mexico; Parts – US/Canadian 11%, Mexico 34%; Germany 15%, Engine and Transmission – Germany; Classification is Small Station Wagons. Cars from Volkswagen: Beetle, CC, e-Golf, Eos, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Gti, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan & Touareg.
Opinion / Observation:
Lately there has been an absence of CHP on the highways of Southern California. Do you have knowledge of the phenomena or an opinion? Let me know your thoughts. joe@atthewheel.com.
My intuition and observation is that: 1) the economy is bad and tempers are deadly 2) cops have not been supported for many years under the Obama Administration demonizing police. 3) Revenues are up tremendously from all the rampant rush for revenue because of California Governors reckless spending. Where am I going wrong here?
Driving Tips:
Stay alert at all times. Driving a car is a great responsibility, which I’m sure you know, but we all need to be reminded from time to time.
Handling & Performance:
Well if you don’t have a large number of people you need to carry, this is a perfect size for a few people. It is easy to maneuver and tight spots are not a problem. I contrast that handling with my Ford F350 crew cab long bed hunk of metal and plastic that is near impossible to park anywhere.
On the power side the Turbo makes all the difference in the world. I can’t imagine having a car without a Turbo. The technology takes a smaller displacement engine and makes it as good or better than a bigger engine.
Styling:
VW has surely been a distinctively designed car over the years. . . the Beetle (Bug), of course, being the leader in ‘different’.
Fit and Finish:
Assembly in today’s world tends to be good, and VW is typically as good as it gets in class.
Cost:
All are very close in purchase pricing and good values generally. Chevy Cruze stands out as having the best Warranty of the bunch and the best fuel economy.
Conveniences and comfort:
For the money I particularly appreciated this model being equipped with Adaptive or Smart Cruise Control. This almost always is an option but well worth the added cost, as it is perhaps the most convenient and contributes most to a stress free comfortable driving experience.
Consumer Recommendations:
Fortunately there isn’t that many in class, so you can test drive all pretty easily to get a feel for the best one for your application. For me, since the prices are very close I’d opt for the VW for performance, the Cruze to support American made products at this particular time and best warranty and fuel economy, Hyundai because it is the new kid on the block and I like the company and finally Mazda and Toyota bring up the rear.
Recognized Competition:
Volkswagen Golf Sportswagen $22,000, Chevrolet Cruze $23,000, Mazda 3 $21,000, Hyundai Elantra GT $21,000, Toyota Corolla $20,000.
Good News:
Great value,fast and fun to drive.
Bad News:
n/a.
Standard Equipment:
1.8 liter TSI (meaning it is a Gasoline Direct Injection as for a distinction between the TDI that designates Diesel Direct Injection) 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4Motion (meaning AWD – all wheel drive), four wheel independent suspension, power steering, front and side airbags with side curtain bags, 4-wheel ABS discbrakes, stability control, intelligent crash response system, LATCH child safety system, tire pressur monitor, 16” alloy wheels, halogen headlights, power heated foldable mirrors, front wipers with heated washer nozzles, rear window washer wiper, black roof rails, manual air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, leather trimmed steering wheel, brake lever and shift knob, heated manual front seats, split folding rear seat with armrest and pass through to trunk, cloth seating surfaces, front and rear reading lights, rearview camera, 6.5” touchscreen, AM/FM/HD radio with CDE player, USB and Aux-in, 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth mobile telephone connectivity, Sirius XM satellite radio, cruise control, multifunction display with trip computer, power door locks and windows. adjustable multifunction sport steering wheel, leather trimmed steering wheel brake lever and shift knob, heated power drivers seat, split folding rear seat with armrest and passthrough, leatherette seating, rearview camera.
Gas Stats:
$2.75/ Gal avg. February 12, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
22 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $24,930.