Before us is the Golf Variant. It's curious that the fifth-generation hatchback went on sale three years ago, and only now has the manufacturer gotten around to the wagon. If you walk around the car and look at it from behind, its kinship with the original model is hardly guessable. This is a completely different car that from a distance resembles the Passat Variant. The rear lights, seemingly placed on the fenders, immediately catch the eye — this is how designers decided to emphasize the huge trunk opening, 1014 mm wide. In profile, the new model vaguely resembles a road suitcase packed to the brim. This feeling is enhanced by the sloping roof with massive roof rails, which directly hint at the car's working purpose. Compared to its predecessor, the new Variant has stretched by 15.9 cm. The trunk in maximum configuration has grown from 1470 to 1550 liters, and with the seats folded and including the spare wheel niche, 560 liters of cargo fit in the compartment. The interior remains true to Volkswagen pragmatism. True, the inexpensive plastic on the dashboard reveals the car's utilitarian character. Perhaps the most attention is drawn to the two gasoline engines that are installed on the Golf Variant. Both TSI engines are of the same displacement of 1.4 liters but different power. The younger one produces 140 hp and works with a 6-speed manual, although DSG with two clutches is also available on order. Thanks to direct injection and twin charging (turbo plus supercharger), this "little giant" accelerates the wagon to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. No less impressive is the torque of 220 Nm, which is confidently maintained in the range of 1500–4000 rpm. The top speed is 205 km/h. When you first floor the gas pedal, your brain, pressed into the headrest, refuses to believe what is happening. It feels as if a regular two-liter engine is hiding under the hood, consuming no less than fifteen liters. Scary to think! But in reality, the combined fuel consumption of the 1.4-liter TSI is only 7.1 liters per 100 km. The second TSI, producing 170 hp, is no worse. Its peak torque of 240 Nm is available in the zone of 1500–4750 rpm, which is very reminiscent of a naturally aspirated 2.3-liter five-cylinder. Unaccustomed, both the driver and passengers get the feeling of a roller coaster. The speedometer needle reaches the "100" mark 8.5 seconds after the start. And if you press the gas all the way, the same needle easily crawls to 220 km/h. Fantastic! The appearance of innovative engines does not mean abandoning the time-tested 1.6-liter engine with 102 hp — it will remain the base. The Golf Variant will go on sale in August-September. Prices for Russia have not yet been announced. Most likely, the main buyers will be companies that need a fast and spacious city wagon. **Corporate clientele** The Golf Variant has good prospects for success thanks to corporate purchases. Speed, capacity, efficiency — three main trump cards of the new model that can ensure its market recognition. True, much will depend on prices and leasing programs that can interest legal entities. With private buyers it is more difficult: Russian wagon buyers are not used to overpaying. But who knows... The Variant will be useful for those who need non-standard solutions — for example, a spacious trunk for transporting a large dog. **Small but mighty** The new Golf Variant offers three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline, and Sportline. Already in the base there is ESP, six airbags, 16-inch wheels, electric windows front and rear, central locking with keyless access, a liftable trunk floor, and an asymmetrically folding rear bench with armrests. In the Sportline version, one cannot miss the panoramic glass sunroof measuring 1.36 x 0.87 m — it is included in standard equipment, and for other trims it can be ordered separately. **Driving** The car is tuned for dynamic driving. Acceleration to 100 km/h — 8.5 s, top speed — 200 km/h. **Interior** Inexpensive trim materials reveal the car's utilitarian nature. **Comfort** The right passenger lacks legroom. **Safety** At the level of the Golf V. **Price** In Germany, the base VW Golf Variant costs from 18,875 euros. It can be assumed that in Russia they will ask about 25,000 dollars for the new model. | Dimensions, mm | 4556/1781/1504 | |---|---| | Engine | gasoline, with supercharger and turbocharger, 1390 cm³, 170 hp/6000 rpm | | Transmission | DCT (DSG) with dual clutch, 6-speed | | Dynamics 0-100 km/h, s | 8.5 | | Top speed, km/h | 220 | | Competitors | Renault Megane, Toyota Corolla | **Advantages and disadvantages** + Large interior space, innovative engines. – In Russia they don't like this: the modest interior trim speaks of the car's utilitarian purpose. **Our opinion** Four points