The 2015 Golf SportWagen is due at U.S. dealers early next year.
The car, which has been sold as the Jetta SportWagen in the U.S. is redone using VW's so-called MQB underpinnings that are shared with the latest Golf and Golf GTI. The new model is roughly an inch bigger outside than the current version. Cargo space is about 10% greater with the rear seat folded.
A concept model that's nearly a dead-ringer for the production model will be at the New York auto show next week, wearing a "2.0 TDI 4Motion" badge.
The Puebla, Mexico, factory that builds the Golf for the North American market isn't set up to produce the 4Motion all-wheel-drive model, but it has been a staple in other markets and VW's U.S. unit is lobbying hard to get it here.
With 4Motion, the SportWagen becomes a direct rival to Subaru's awd models. The TDI diesel accounts for a whopping 80% of U.S. Jetta SportWagen sales and gives small-wagon shoppers a relatively roomy and very fuel-efficient model.
And, as VW sees it, dealers could tout the Golf SportWagen as a more fun-to-drive alternative to small SUVs.
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The SportWagen TDI is VW's new-design EA288 diesel and will be rated 150 horsepower, up 10 hp from the current model.
VW doesn't offer a mileage forecast. The current Jetta SportWagen TDI is rated 30 mpg in the city, 42 mpg on the highway, 34 in combined city/highway driving when fitted with six-speed manaul, and 29/39/33 mpg with automatic.
The new car is to be more aerodynamic and lighter, so it would be extraordinary if the new TDI didn't get better mpg ratings that the current model does.
The gasoline version will switch to VW's 1.8-liter turb! ocharged four-cylinder, dropping the hoary 2.5-liter five-cylinder. The new gas engine is expected to get mileage ratings as much as 17% better than the 2.5-liter does, or as much as 39 mpg on the highway.
Base prices are expected to be similar to today's version -- about $22,000 -- but the 2015s will come with more features.
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