A road on his commute was being resurfaced and a car travelling too fast in the opposite direction flicked a stone up at the Golf's windscreen. All too aware of how quickly a chip can turn into a crack, I was straight onto the phone to get the chip repaired. A man in a van appeared a day later, telling me that a new windscreen would be required because the chip was in the driver's eyeline. But there was a problem - he'd brought what he thought was a suitable windscreen with him, but it wasn't in fact the right one. At that point, thoughts about how the e-Golf must require a different windscreen to a petrol or diesel Golf rushed into my mind. Perhaps it's a special, lightweight windscreen designed to be more efficient? Or perhaps it's more pedestrian-friendly for those occasions when other road users don't hear the Golf approaching? But that's not the case - it's the same windscreen as any other Golf. Except it's heated, and the man had brought an unheated one. A day later he returned and the windscreen was replaced within the hour. It was all very easy. Cracked windscreen aside, Dan came back full of enthusiasm for the Golf, praising its refinement and how relaxing it is to drive. He could comfortably drive home and back to work on a Golf, plugging it in for a charge at the office using our trusted 'lead through the window' technique. « Earlier: How far does the e-Golf go on a single charge? Later: How good is the charging infrastructure?
For years now, this version has proven to be the most successful car of any German car producer in America. The new version 4: The Golf Variant - not only as a TDI that outputs 77 kW / 105 PS and is economical (5,2 liters diesel per 100 km) and clean (137 g/km CO2). More than 1.2 million Golf Variants have been sold over two model generations since 1993. The new generation of the five-door Volkswagen is meant to continue this success story. Once again, the Golf Variant is characterized by an ideal ratio of interior and exterior dimensions. This is precisely what has always been a key factor in its formula for success: Impressive cargo space dimensions together with reasonable exterior dimensions. When the rear bench is folded, the continuously f lat cargo area of the new Golf Variant measures 1,74 meters up to the driver's seatback. There are additional storage compartments under the cargo area and in its side trim. Even if the asymmetrical split bench is not lowered, a respectable 1,07 meters of cargo space depth is still available. The maximum width: 1,29 meters. Another dimension that is crucial when it comes to cargo capacity: Payload capacity.
And here too the new Golf Variant has a whole lot to offer with 607 to 629 kilograms capacity (depending on engine version). And it is easier to load cargo with a liftover height of just 57 centimeters. A synthesis of new and classic style elements marks the design of the third Golf Variant. In its silhouette, the lines of the new Volkswagen definitely forge links to the Passat Variant. Nevertheless, from this side perspective the Golf Variant also exhibits a high level of autonomy. One unmistakable characteristic: The taillights that wrap around far into the car's flank. The rear end of the new Variant shows an entirely new side of the Golf. While about half of each taillight is integral to the rear hatch on other body versions of the model series, on the Golf Variant they are integrated completely in the fender. Visually, the taillights emphasize the large load width of the hatch opening.
And it is actually over one meter wide. Simultaneously, the rear design of the Golf Variant attains a very independent character due to the newly designed taillights. 0.31. In parallel, spoiler accentuates the decidedly sporty image of the new Golf Variant. The front end design is distinguished by the chrome-plated insignia radiator grille. This is also ref lected in the chrome bumper protector strips. Taken 1:1 from the general model series were its headlamps (optional bi-xenon for low and high beam lamps), fenders and engine hood. At its market introduction Volkswagen will be offering the Golf Variant with two gasoline and two diesel engine options. The gasoline engine outputs 75 kW / 102 PS. The two diesels of the Golf Variant deliver even more power with extraordinary economy: 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS, and they are among the most efficient engines ever. The smaller of these two TDIs is content with just 5,2 liters fuel per 100 kilometers.
CO2 emissions: Just 137 g/km. Moreover, the large TDI of the new Golf Variant is as fuel efficient as it is environmentally friendly. In spite of its hefty maximum torque of 320 Nm, the Golf Variant 2.0 TDI, which can attain speeds up to 205 km/h, consumes just 5,6 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. Its CO2 value is 148 g/km. Like the Golf, Golf Plus and Jetta, the Golf Variant will also be available with different six-speed automatic transmissions, including the DSG dual-clutch transmission. Like the "classic" Golf, the new Golf Variant will also have the "Trendline", "Comfortline" and "Sportline" equipment lines. Even the "Trendline" base model exhibits extensive convenience and safety features including six airbags and ESP. All versions get bumpers and accent protector strips in car color, as well as a chrome insignia radiator grille and roof rails. As a feature of all versions of the Golf Variant, there will be a newly designed panorama sunroof. With a length of 1,36 meters and a width of 0,87 meters the transparent sunroof spans a large section of the interior, providing for a light-filled, friendly ambiance. The roof consists of two halves, the front section of which can be raised as well as completely opened. To preserve full interior height, the opening segment is driven out above the closed section of roof. An electrically-powered sunshade can be used to protect against intense sunlight.
