Volkswagen Golf Variant Review: 2007-2015 Model Improvements and Features

The Golf Variant is the successor to the 2nd generation Golf Wagon/Estate. Whilst it shares many of the same principles as its predecessor, the Variant received several significant upgrades; the most notable of which are the powerful engines on offer. Owners/buyers can choose from either a 170ps 1400cc TSI twin-charged (turbo+supercharger) – ABA-1KBLG – or a 200ps 2000cc turbo charged engine – ABA-1KAXX – the same found in the Golf GTI. Impressively, both versions have 8 airbags as standard and feature driving-friendly additions including a tiptronic 7 or 6 speed gearbox and rear luggage net/sliding cover.

Now we examine the Golf Variant from key years 2007 to 2015 to see how this incredible station wagon from Volkswagen has evolved.


2007 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2007 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s third (2007-2008) generation, with the model code ABA-1KBLG and an average fuel economy of 11.2-14.0 km/l.

 

Engine

Choose between the 2007 Golf Variant 170ps 1.4L TSI turbo and supercharger engine or a 200ps 2L TSI turbocharger engine. These two types of direct-injection supercharged engines are combined with a 6-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) to increase output while simultaneously lowering fuel consumption. This specialized electronic DSG clutch system controls two transmission systems in parallel, reducing time lag during shifting for an incredibly smooth ride.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

This model also increases storage space by utilizing a double-folding rear seat system to lie completely flat, and furthers its ability with a rear net partition and included luggage net, plus a sliding rear cover. This hatchback also includes interior lighting updates by putting up the Golf’s first panoramic sliding roof between the front and back sliding glass creates interior light three times that of previous models. In addition, standard equipment on both models includes eight airbags and an ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) that comprehensively controls brakes and engine output in unstable conditions. The advanced “2.0TSI Sports Line” also offers a sportier suspension, 225 / 45R17 tires, front sports seats, paddle shift, and bi-xenon headlights.


 

2008 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2008 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s third (2007-2008) generation, with the model code ABA-1KBLG and an average fuel economy of 15.0km/l.

 

Engine

Like the previous year, the 2008 Golf offers three options – a direct injection in-line 4-cylinder 2L turbo, a 1.4L turbo, and a 1.4L supercharger and turbo.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The “2.0TSI Sports Line” is the top model, combining a 6-speed DSG clutch system with top-notch features like a new sporty suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, dark tinted glass, sports seats, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The “TSI Comfort Line” is equipped with a 160ps 1.4L TSI turbo and supercharger engine. This model upgrades to a 7-speed DSG with a high-efficiency dry clutch, and fuel consumption which is a full 1km/L improvement over previous models. In addition, the AM/FM CD player has been redesigned and enhanced by adding an external audio input terminal to enable playback from various music sources. The entry model “TSI Trend Line” combines the 1.4L turbo with the 7-speed DSG. This line adds lots of customizable options, such as an electric panoramic sliding roof and the RNS 510 entertainment system (HDD navigation, DVD/CD player, MP3 / WMA playback, terrestrial digital TV reception, multi-function steering-linked audio and voice control). Only right-hand drive models are available.


 

2009 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2009 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2009 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s fourth (from 2009) generation, with the model code ABA-1KCAV and an average fuel economy of 12.2-16.8 km/l.

 

Engine

The new 4th generation Golf Variant has a completely redesigned interior and exterior, with a lineup consisting of three grades: the entry level 7-speed “TSI Trend Line”, the advanced 7-speed “TSI Comfort Line”, and the 6-speed sports model “2.0 TSI Sports Line”. The “TSI Trend Line” contains a 122hp 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo engine, while the slightly upgraded “TSI Comfort Line” is equipped with a 160hp 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC twin charger (turbo and supercharger) engine. The DOHC (Double OverHead Cam) system utilizes two separate simultaneous camshafts to increase engine efficiency in this new generation.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The redesign the front lines making it much more sleek, adding front xenon headlights and fog lights for the TSI Comfort Line and 2.0TSI Sports Line, and the electric panoramic sliding roof has been set as an option for all models. The interior has also been beautifully updated, with genuine leather steering and shift knobs, and the 2.0TSI sports line will be equipped with leather seats, genuine leather steering with linked audio control, and paddle shift system.


 

2010 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2010 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s fourth (from 2009) generation, with the model code DBA-1KCAV and an average fuel economy of 16 km/l.

 

Engine

The 2010 Golf Variant has the classic lineup consisting of three grades: the 200hp 6-speed sports model “2.0 TSI Sports Line” with a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbocharged engine, the entry level 122hp 7-speed “TSI Trend Line” with a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo, and the advanced 160hp 7-speed “TSI Comfort Line” with a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC twin charger (turbo and supercharger) engine. While the engines may have the same specifications, small improvements throughout the 2010 Golf Variant have increased efficiency, reducing emissions by 75% to receive a new four-star rating.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The Volkswagen proprietary Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) clutch is a large contributor to this improvement, using electronic sensors to compute various conditions and reduce shift times to four-hundredths of a second. The optional paddle shifts also allow manual handling, effectively giving an opportunity to choose either an automatic or manual driving experience. The front bumper has also been redesigned to match the radiator grille for a more cohesive finish. All models are available in right-hand drive.


 

2011 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s fourth (2009-present) generation, with the model code DBA-1KCAX and an average fuel economy of 16-16.4 km/l.

 

Engine

The 2011 Variant enjoys two new upgrades. The equipment has been enhanced and the model names have been changed to add two grades: the entry grade “TSI Trendline Premium Edition” and the advanced “TSI Comfortline Premium Edition”.  The TSI Trend Line has a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC IC turbo (122 hp) engine, while a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC twin charger (turbo with IC and supercharger) engine is installed in the TSI comfort line (160 hp).  Both include a 7-speed DSG for eliminating lag time during shifts.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The interior is equipped with a genuine leather steering wheel and shift knob, and the TSI Trendline Premium Edition adds a 12V power socket (in the luggage compartment), front grille, chrome molding to the side window, and comfort seating. The “TSI Comfort Line Premium Edition” is equipped with chrome roof rails, air intakes, alcantara & fabric seats (change front seats to sports seats), and multi-function indicators (additional functions added).  Both come standard with 16-inch aluminum wheels. All models are right-hand drive.


 

2012 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s fourth (2009-present) generation, with the model code DBA-1KCBZ and an average fuel economy of 18.4 km/l.

 

Engine

The premium lines feature a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC IC turbo (122 hp) for the TSI Trendline Premium, and a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC twin charger (turbo with IC and supercharger) engine for the TSI Comfort Line (160 hp). For the new Trendline Blue Motion, the engine changed from a conventional 1.4L TSI engine to a 1.2L TSI engine (105 horsepower). This new engine is equipped with a Start/Stop system (idling stop system) and brake energy regeneration system. As a result, the fuel efficiency has improved by approximately 12%, making the 2012 Variant the most fuel-efficient Variant yet.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The VW Variant is the right-hand drive station wagon version of the Golf, one of the world’s most popular cars. It comes in two premium grades: the “TSI Trendline Premium Edition” and the slightly more refined “TSI Comfort Line Premium Edition”. The 2012 Variant also introduced a new grade based on the popular “TSI Trendline Premium Edition,” the entry model “TSI Trendline Blue Motion Technology”. The 2012 Variant also introduces elevated standard features like a new auto light system, rain sensor, and automatic anti-glare rear view mirror.


 

2013 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s fourth (2009-present) generation, with the model code DBA-1KCTH and an average fuel economy of 15.9-19 km/l.

 

Engine

The 2013 Variant lineup consists of the “TSI Trendline Blue Motion Technology,” equipped with a 1.2L inline 4-cylinder SOHC IC turbo engine (105hp), and a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC IC turbo and supercharger engine (160hp) available in the two grades of the “TSI Comfort Line Premium Edition”. The new Volkswagen proprietary Start/Stop system (idling stop system) is installed only in the “TSI Trendline Blue Motion Technology” models. This system turns off the engine when the car stops, restarting when the clutch or accelerator is engaged. This fuel efficient technology makes the Blue Motion a great option for both city and highway driving.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

All models also come standard with great safety features, like brake assist, full side/front/rear airbags, electronic stabilizing system, and ABS (anti-lock brake) for better safety in bad weather conditions. All models remain right-hand drive only. Both the Trendline Blue Motion and Comfort Line Premium come in five different body colors: Tempest Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Reflex Silver Metallic, Tornado Red, and the coveted Candy White.


 

2014 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2014 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2014 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s fourth (2009-present) generation, with the model code DBA-AUCJZ and an average fuel economy of 19.5-21 km/l.

 

Engine

The 2014 Golf Variant has been completely overhauled, improving all standard safety features by improving basic safety equipment such as ABS, ESP (skid prevention device), and nine airbags as well as emergency brakes that operate at speeds of less than 30 km/h, with a new Proactive Occupant Protection system to keep your precious cargo safe. The “TSI Comfort Line Blue Motion Technology” has a turbo with 1.2L inline 4-cylinder DOHC IC and “TSI High Line Blue Motion Technology”  with a turbo with 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC IC. Both new engine lineups include a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The advanced High Line is equipped with advanced safety and comfort equipment such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist System. All vehicles are also equipped with a multi-collision brake system that reduces danger.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The 2014 Variant also includes some cosmetic updates, with a lower and wider body for a sportier look and three new body colors. As for the interior, the center console has been improved with simple and clean operation systems such as a navigation touch screen and air conditioner.


 

2015 Volkswagen Golf Variant

2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT

BROWSE LOW COST 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VARIANT MODELS

 

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf Variant is a member of the model’s fourth (2009-present) generation, with the model code DBA-AUCHP and an average fuel economy of 21 km/l.

 

Engine

The 2015 lineup includes the “TSI Comfort Line Blue Motion Technology” equipped with a 1.2L inline 4-cylinder DOHC IC turbo and the “TSI High Line Blue Motion Technology” equipped with a 1.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC IC.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

There are also two special vehicles: the “Lounge” (limited to 800 units), based on “TSI Comfort Line Blue Motion Technology”, and the “Anniversary Edition” (limited to 700 units), to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the import of the compact station wagon model “Golf Variant” in Japan. The heated seats, usually a premium option for the high-grade “High Line”, comes standard, so you can enjoy a comfortable drive even in winter. In addition, bi-xenon headlights, Volkswagen genuine infotainment system “Discover Pro”, smart keyless entry and start system, and leather 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel are standard features, greatly improving functionality and convenience. The body color limestone gray metallic has been made available for exclusive use only in the 2015 limited editions, and in addition, all three colors, including the deep black pearl effect and the ORIX white mother of pearl effect, are available.


 

Is the Volkswagen Golf Variant the Right “Wagen” for You?

If you want to know if the Volkswagen Golf Variant is your best option and want to know more about VWs, see how it compares to other Volkswagen vehicles.

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