While the VW Golf 7 GTI is the car of the moment in the German manufacturer’s stable, the more modest Golf 7 Estate has been launched in the U.K. South African’s haven’t seen the stretched variant of the Golf since the Mk4 generation, but it remains a popular seller overseas and one we still like to keep an eye on.
As the wagon is based on the Golf hatchback, its engine line-up, specifications and trim levels are all shared with the 2013 World Car of the Year winner.
The choice of petrol engines includes: a 1.2-litre TSI with 62 kW and 5-speed manual transmission, or 77 kW with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG; a 1.4-litre TSI with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission with a choice of power outputs of 90 kW or 103 kW.
The diesel engines include a 1.6-lite TDI with 66 kW and 5-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.6-litre TDI with 77 kW and the option of a 7-speed DSG. The flagship engine is the 2.0-litre TDI with 110 kW and a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission. Engine stop/start is standard and an even more efficient BlueMotion model will be launched at a later date.
The list of standard equipment includes: bluetooth and iPod connectivity; radio/CD/MP3-player with touch screen interface; seven airbags; and somewhat surprisingly, Voolkswagen’s XDS electronic differential, which so far we’ve only seen on the GTI models here in S.A. Sports suspension, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, park distance control and sat-nav, all make their way onto the spec list the higher up the model range you go.
Of course we’ve saved the best for last and naturally the highlight of the Golf 7 Estate is its boot. 605-litres is the official figure when loaded up to the rear seat backrest. This is 100-litres more than the Mk5 Estate and 225-litres more than the Golf 7 hatchback.
Folding the rear seats flat, will grow available space to 1 620-litres. In addition to the increase in volume, the load space is also more generous at 1 832 mm long and 1 003 wide at its narrowest point.
