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Golf Sportsvan takes Golf Plus concept into the future

  • Worlds of compacts and MPVs merge into the new all-round Volkswagen

  • Golf Plus successor delivers sporty design and high level of everyday utility

Wolfsburg - With the new Golf Sportsvan, Volkswagen is also continuing its product offensive in the compact class in 2014. The seventh generation Golf made its debut in autumn 2012; following in 2013 were the new Golf Estate, 4MOTION models with all-wheel drive, the sporty icons Golf GTI, Golf GTD and Golf R. The range was completed this spring by the e-Golf with an all-electric drive system.

Before the Golf GTE, the first plug-in hybrid model, appears on the market this autumn, the Sportsvan is now entering the segment of compact MPVs.

   

The successor to the successful Golf Plus (which sold over 500,000 units in Germany alone) is equipped with an interior that is as sophisticated as it is versatile (rear bench seat has 180 mm longitudinal adjustment), it offers a maximum cargo capacity of 1,520 litres and impresses with a significantly sportier charisma than the predecessor. Not only were the body and interior newly designed, the range of engines was also updated.

 

The new engines are equipped with a stop-start system as standard, and in conjunction with other vehicle improvements, they make the Golf Sportsvan up to 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than the versions of the previous model.

produce 63 kW / 85 PS, 81 kW / 110 PS, 92 kW / 125 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS of power. The range of the turbodiesel direct-injection engines (TDI) covers two power levels: 81 kW / 110 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS. Except for the 63 kW TSI, all of the engines may be combined with an optional automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The 1.6 TDI BlueMotion with 110 PS is representative of just how efficient the new engines of the Golf Sportsvan are: It consumes just 3.9 l/100 km (equates to 101 g/km CO2). An independent BlueMotion version that features aerodynamic modifications and tyres optimised for low rolling resistance is already available in Germany; the Golf Sportsvan TDI BlueMotion consumes just 3.6 l/100 km (equates to 95 g/km CO2).

 

Technically, the Golf Sportsvan follows the layout of the modular transverse matrix (MQB). And so it exhibits significant differences from the previous model: the proportions of the Golf Sportsvan were designed to be much more dynamic; the front overhangs are shorter, and the wheelbase is longer. In addition, innovative lightweight design by Volkswagen has reduced the weight of this MQB model by up to 90 kg. The interior also has a perfected package thanks to the MQB, which further optimises its utility. The driver and front passenger once again enjoy an elevated seating position in the Golf Sportsvan, but the driver's seat was made noticeably sportier. Having a large influence on the further optimised ergonomics is the cockpit, which was also re-designed for a clean layout and sophisticated look. Despite the elevated seat position, the feeling is more of sitting in an elegant and sporty SUV than in an MPV.

No more blind spot. In this Volkswagen, the worlds of compacts and MPVs meld together into a new Golf that offers more space for active recreation, family and the job. The Golf Sportsvan impresses with state-of-the-art assistance systems. They include the Blind Spot Monitor which integrates Rear Traffic Alert, which is a first for the Golf. While driving, the Blind Spot Monitor warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spot. When reversing out of a parking space, the system also recognises cross-traffic approaching behind the car that can be difficult for the driver to see; not only can it then warn the driver, but if a collision is imminent, the system automatically activates an emergency braking function.

Volkswagen is also offering numerous other high-tech systems in the Golf Sportsvan. They include technologies such as the XDS+ electronic differential lock, innovative progressive steering, DCC adaptive chassis control, Front Assist ambient monitoring system with City Emergency Braking, adaptive cruise control (ACC), Automatic Post-Collision Braking system (standard), Driver Alert System, PreCrash occupant protection system, Light Assist and Dynamic Light Assist main beam control systems, driving profile selector, Lane Assist lane-keeping system and Park Assist. A new generation of radio and radio-navigation systems (top system Discover Pro with WLAN hotspot) and a 400 Watt sound system (Dynaudio Excite) with subwoofer and new centre speaker (in upper dashboard) bring a perfected infotainment world into the cars. Fitting in well with these systems are new mobile online services such as "Google Earth™ map service", "Google Street View™" and "Online Traffic Information".

Photos: VW

(May 2, 2014)

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