Along with the new Shelby GT350 Mustang that surfaced a couple of days ago, the LA Auto Show is seeing the debut of a host of other new performance cars this week – including the world premier of the new Volkswagen Golf R Wagon. Whether you call it an Estate like the Brits, or a Variant like VW does, there’s no denying the coolness of the Golf R equipment in a roomy and useful station wagon package.
The wagon version of the Golf R comes with the same 296 horsepower TSI engine as the Golf R hatchback, along with the same 4Motion AWD system. A six-speed DSG gearbox is standard.
Everything else that makes the normal Golf R stand out also carries over to the wagon, including the unique exterior treatment and upgraded cabin. The only difference is you now have the space of a small SUV.
Despite the extra heft, Volkswagen claims the car will go from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in just 5.1 seconds. Whether you consider this as the ultimate Golf daily driver or a baby version of Audi’s high performance wagons, the Golf R Wagon is a very solid proposition.
European sales are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2015, and while no info on a US release has been given, VW’s choice to debut the car in LA shows that they are at least toying with the idea.
Please bring it Stateside!
Mike Garrett
Instagram: speedhunters_mike
mike@speedhunters.com