The latest generation of the Golf Estate joins its hatchback siblings, in a range comprising three stylish load-lugging models.
The entry-level is the Golf Estate Life 1.0-litre TSI 110PS six-speed manual. The new model is not only the most comfortable and capacious to date but, like the hatchback range, offers the option of a digital cockpit, eTSI 48V mild-hybrid engine technology and cutting-edge safety and driver assistance systems such as Car2X. The new Golf Alltrack has also launched and has a 2.0-litre TDI 200PS engine combined with seven-speed DSG and 4MOTION.
The Golf Estate is available in a range of specification and drivetrain configurations split across three trim levels: Life, Style and R-Line. The new Alltrack variant is characterised by increased ground clearance, an all-terrain look and 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive.
Engine and gearbox
The initial wave of engine and gearbox options in the new Golf Estate opens with a 1.0-litre 110PS engine, fitted with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but available also as an eTSI-designated 48V mild-hybrid powerplant with seven-speed DSG. Depending on the Golf Estate trim level, the other engines available to order are a 1.5-litre 130PS TSI, 1.5-litre 150 PS TSI, 2.0-litre 115PS TDI and 2.0-litre 150PS TDI, all available with six-speed manual gearboxes. In addition, 1.5-litre, 130PS eTSI and 150PS eTSI mild-hybrid units are also available, exclusively with the seven-speed DSG transmissions as standard. A 2.0-litre 200PS TDI engine with seven-speed DSG and 4MOTION is reserved exclusively for the Golf Alltrack.
Performance figures for the Golf Estate and Golf Alltrack are respectable: the Alltrack is capable of 0-62mph in as little as 7.1 seconds (2.0-litre 200PS TDI), while even the entry- level 1.0-litre 110PS TSI unit will carry the Golf Estate to 62 mph from a standing start in a sprightly 10.5 seconds.
The new model is 4,633mm in length and boasts a wheelbase of 2,686mm (respectively 349mm and 66mm increases compared with its predecessor). The new Golf Estate is 1,789mm wide and 1,455mm high. In comparison, the current Golf hatchback is 4,284mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,619mm.
Extra capacity
The car’s extra capacity increase the rear legroom from 903mm to 941mm. When loaded to the top edge of the rear seat backrest, today’s Golf Estate offers 611 litres of storage (six litres more than the Golf Estate Mk 7) and when loaded to the roof with the integrated luggage net partition up to the front seat backrests, the volume increases to 1,642 litres (up 22 litres).
The entry-level Life specification includes automatic LED headlamps with separate LED daytime running lights. Life buyers also benefit from a 10.25-inch high resolution TFT dashboard screen, Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist and parking sensors front and rear.
The Golf Alltrack returns with rugged, SUV-inspired styling and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The Golf Alltrack also benefits from an enhanced suite of driver assistance systems, with Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, Side Assist and Lane Change Assist as standard.
The Life specification is available with three petrol engines, each with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, or the option to include a seven-speed DSG alongside a 48V mild-hybrid system. These are available in 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 110 PS, or 1.5-litre, four-cylinder 130 PS and 150 PS versions. The Life’s diesel option is the frugal and flexible 2.0-litre 115 PS TDI, allied to a 6-speed manual gearbox.