Test Drive: 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI SEL

The new, Golf SportWagen (with Android Car Gps) replaces the former, Jetta SportWagen in Volkswagen's 2015 lineup. The move aligns the car's name with that of its European counterpart. The all new, front-wheel-drive SportWagen is offered in three trim levels — S, SE, SEL — with a choice of two engines and three transmissions. Prices start at $21,395 (for a stick shift, TSI S) and range to $31,445 (for an automatic, TDI SEL ). My TSI powered SEL automatic had an as-delivered price of $31,855.

The new SportWagen is slightly larger, lighter and lower than the outgoing version. It wears the seventh-generation Golf styling well. The design is sporty and slightly stretched to somewhere between hatchback and wagon. My test car was silver — a color that I find boring on pretty much any vehicle. But, with a better hue and the right rims, I could see the SportWagen as a pretty rakish ride.

Two, distinct engine choices are available. Standard is a 1.8L TSI four-cylinder. The turbocharged, direct-injection engine makes 170 horsepower @ 4,500 r.p.m. Torque ratings are 199 lb. ft. @ 1,600 r.p.m. (automatic) and 184 lb. ft. @ 1,600 r.p.m. (manual). A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the base, S model, with a six-speed automatic offered for $1,100. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 25 mpg's city and 36 highway (manual), 25/35 (automatic). The other motor option is the 2.0-liter turbo diesel four. With a starting sticker $3,200 north of the gas engine, VW's direct injection, diesel four has been revamped for 2015. Though similar in specs to the outgoing diesel, only the cylinder bore spacing carries over from the former, EA189 to the new, EA288 engine family. Compared to the former diesel, the new unit produces 15 percent less friction, with 40 percent less emissions. TDI motor models are matched with a standard, six-speed manual gearbox, or an available six-speed DSG (dual clutch) automatic. The DSG unit adds $1,100 to the bottom line, and is notable for the speed of its shifts, when used in manual mode. What about install a Car DVD?

The torque converter automatic fitted in gas powered models (like my tester) is less entertaining to drive than the DSG is, in manual mode, owing to the lag between shift request and shift response. But, it works well enough with the 1.8T in automatic mode. The 1.8T engine cuts a nice balance between efficiency and responsiveness. Despite its small displacement, there's enough torque at low rpm's to get up and go, and the engine doesn't sound or feel stressed at highway+ speeds.

Rear suspensions in SportWagen differ according to engine choice. TSI equipped models get a multilink setup while TDI cars use a torsion beam. Effectively, gas powered models have a sportier suspension, but not the sportier automatic transmission option. SportWagen's mixed heritage — part sport sedan, part station wagon — shows through in drivability. Steering and handling in TSI models are strong points. The car invites the driver to find corners to carve. That's something that can't be said about many/most crossovers — the breed most likely to be cross-shopped by prospective Golf wagon buyers. Depending on trim level, wheel/tire size is anywhere from 15-18 inches. My Golf was shod with a set of size 18s. On balance, the ride quality felt fine to me, but if you find it too stiff, remember to sample shorter rim/wider sidewall combos. All Sportwagens are front wheel drive — as of now. An all-wheel drive version is said to be in the works. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!