Press Release
Enormous space at compact dimensions
- Aerodynamic fine-tuning improves cW value and reduces consumption
- Cargo area offers versatile utility; easy to operate rear bench seat mechanism
The everyday utility realized throughout the Golf Variant begins with effortless access to the cargo area. The cargo door can be unlocked either by central locking or by a separate key on the RF remote fob before it is opened by a pushbutton located beneath the VW logo. The tailgate swings 2.06 meters wide and is easy to close again with little effort by grasping special hand holds molded into the interior trim.
More space for greater flexibility: 15.9 centimeters longer
The body of the new Golf Variant is 178.1 centimeters wide, 150.4 centimeters high and 455.6 centimeters long. Compared to its predecessor, this represents a gain of 4.6 centimeters in width and 15.9 centimeters in length. Compared to the classic Golf hatchback, although the Variant has an identical wheelbase (257.8 centimeters) it has grown by 35.2 centimeters: This is the kind of growth that especially counts in terms of increased cargo capacity.
High level of functionality and quality characterize the interior
In the interior of the new Golf Variant, Volkswagen is also continuing on a path marked by a high level of functionality, tactile and visible quality, and a high level of visual aesthetics. Of course, in a station wagon model it is primarily the functional and practical advantages of the cargo area that stand in the forefront.
Loading of the cargo area is made easier by a low 57 centimeter liftover height. When the cargo partition net is installed, the new model can carry 690 liters of cargo, even with five persons on board. If it is loaded to the roof liner, as much as 745 liters fit in the car; when loaded to window level out to the load sill this still amounts to 560 liters (with spare wheel well). When the rear bench seat is folded, its full interior height (0.83 meters) and spare wheel well can be utilized, and up to 1,550 liters of cargo (VDA measurement: 1,495 liters) can be stowed in the new Volkswagen, 80 liters more than on the predecessor model.
When the rear bench is folded, the continuously flat cargo area of the new Golf Variant up to the driver’s seatback measures 1.70 meters. Bins are also waiting to be filled under the cargo floor and in the side paneling. Even when the standard factory-installed asymmetrical split bench is not lowered, a respectable 1.07 meters of cargo length is still available. Maximum width: 1.29 meters. Its liftover height of just 57 centimeters makes it easier to stow cargo.
Well thought-out: Folding rear bench seat
The cargo area is variable in its potential uses. It is as easy as child’s play to stow the factory-installed asymmetrical split bench rear seat, for example. Release buttons next to the outer head restraints disengage the seatbacks from their anchorages so that they can be folded forward.
Clever: A red indicator, visible from the front seats too, serves as a warning if one of the two rear seatbacks is not fully engaged after lifting the seatback up again. As a special option the front passenger seatback can also be folded forward, resulting in a continuous loading surface.
The rear bench seat – i.e. the seat surface – can also be folded with just a few hand movements. First, the front end of the seat base is elevated slightly by pulling on the handle provided for this, and then the upholstered seat unit is folded forward. The head restraints are removed first, to allow the seatbacks to fit into the space that is freed up.
The variability of the interior is also enhanced by the center armrest in the rear seating area, which is standard equipment starting at the Comfortline level. When folded down, it creates an especially large through-loading opening to the cargo area, making it easy to stow long and bulky sports equipment such as skis.
Cargo safety: Practical solutions
To protect against cargo shifting into the passenger area during a collision or hard braking, the new Golf Variant can be equipped with a cargo partition net. Normally, it is installed behind the rear bench seat. However, when the rear seatback is folded forward, the net can be anchored near the front seatbacks.
Providing for additional cargo safety are four tie-down eyes located on the right and left side panels in the cargo area, and at the front of the cargo area. When they are not in use, they can be folded away without leaving any corners or edges protruding.
Another extremely practical way to secure individual objects in the cargo section is to use the variable cargo floor. It is set in place manually and latches securely in the notches provided for it. Smaller objects, especially flat objects, will also fit in the recess beneath the variable cargo area floor.
Just as practical: The special bag hooks that can be folded out from the side paneling. They are standard equipment and prevent the contents of store bags from spilling in the cargo area during the drive. Auxiliary 12-Volt outlets enable connection of coolers and other electrically operated appliances. The first aid kit and hazard triangle are at an easy-to-reach location behind a cover in the left side panel of the cargo area.
Creates a bright ambiance: The new panorama sunroof
As a special equipment option, and even standard on the Golf Variant Sportline, Volkswagen is offering a newly designed panorama sunroof. With a length of 1.36 meters and width of 0.87 meters, its transparent surface spans a large section of the interior, creating a light-filled, friendly ambiance. The roof consists of two halves; the front section can be raised or fully opened. To preserve full interior height, the section that opens is driven out above the closed section of roof. An electrically-powered sunshade offers protection from intense sunlight.
