Volkswagen Golf 2014 News

There are plenty of deals on wheels in the race to the end of the year.The two best-selling cars in Australia -- the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 -- are in a neck-and-neck race to become Number One for the year.The Corolla leads the year-to-date tally and Toyota as a brand is trying to eclipse 200,000 sales for the 10th time -- as market leader for a record 12th year in a row.The reigning champion Corolla overtook the Mazda3 in the year-to-date tally in July by just 21 sales -- but the pair have swapped the monthly lead three times in the past four months.The Mazda3 landed the most recent punch, outselling the Corolla in November and closing the gap to top spot and now either brand could win for the year. In decades of Ford versus Holden rivalry the finish was never this close.Even if these two cars are not on your shopping list this is still good news because their discounting has dragged other brands into the battle, giving buyers more bargaining power than usual.December and January customarily make for sharp buying because dealers are trying to clear 2014-built stock.But the tight battle at the top of the charts has increased the pressure in the biggest segment of the market. Here are the best deals we found this week, in order of each car’s popularity on the 2014 sales charts.Toyota CorollaThe discounts are hard to find online but they’re available at the dealer if you go in with a reasonable target price rather than a made-up one.Toyota is trying to walk customers up to the Ascent Sport ($23,990 drive-away for manual and $25,990 drive-away for auto) but the best deal is still on the most affordable model.Aim for $21,990 drive-away for the Corolla Ascent hatch or $22,740 drive-away for the sedan. Both come with seven airbags but the sedan gets a standard rear-view camera and parking sensors.Mazda3Mazda is being discreet with its discounting and dealers will try to upsell you to the dearer models. Once again, the cheapest models are the best buying. The website says "free on-roads", which effectively means you can take the RRP and turn that into a drive-away price. Aim for $19,990 drive-away for a manual and $21,990 drive-away for an automatic.Hyundai i30The Hyundai i30 hatch comes with a $1000 EFTPOS card, but you can turn that into a $1000 discount. Aim for $19,990 drive-away for a manual or $22,540 drive-away for an auto -- if you don’t take the spending card. There’s also a finance offer: no deposit or repayments until 2016, but be sure to check the interest rate.Holden CruzeThe Australian-made Holden Cruze is struggling, sales are down, and it is on track to go out of production at least one year before the Commodore (when Holden will import the new generation Cruze). Which is why Holden has an epic deal: $19,990 drive-away with automatic transmission plus a five-year warranty. The only catch: metallic paint is $550, the dearest of the mainstream brands.Vokswagen GolfThe German brand wants to overtake Toyota for global sales leadership by 2018 and is dropping Golf prices the world over. At $22,990 drive-away for the manual and $24,990 drive-away for the automatic it is about $4000 off the full RRP. But the best buying is the Jetta sedan (an updated model is due early next year). The price is an unbelievable $19,990 drive-away for a manual and $22,990 drive-away for an auto, about $7000 off the full RRP.Ford FocusThe Ford Focus Ambiente sedan and hatch have been trimmed to a super-sharp $18,490 drive-away for a manual or just $19,990 drive-away for an auto -- once you take up the $1000 discount or “cash back” offer funded by Ford.Nissan PulsarThe Nissan Pulsar is the sharpest buying in the small car class: $18,476 drive-away for a manual or just $19,476 drive-away for an automatic if you ask politely. There is just one catch: Nissan wasn’t very good at clearing stock this time last year, so these deals are on 2013-built cars.Even though they’ve been sitting around for at least a year, the dealer will prep them so they’re as good as new and the three three-year warranty starts the day you take delivery. But it’ll be marked down slightly at resale time because you’re trading in a 2013 model, not a 2014.Mitsubishi LancerGiven that the Lancer is one of the oldest cars in the class (it has been with us in this guise for seven years) its discounting could be a little sharper than this: $18,990 drive-away for a manual and $21,490 drive-away for an auto -- once a $1000 cash back is taken into account.Hyundai ElantraRecently given a freshen up the Elantra can be had for the same money as the Hyundai i30 hatch: aim for $19,990 drive-away for a manual or $22,540 drive-away for an auto if you don’t take the $1000 spending card. Not the sharpest deal around but not the worst.Kia CeratoLast but certainly not least, the Kia Cerato is among the sharpest deals out there, especially when you consider the market-leading seven year warranty: $19,990 drive-away for a manual or an automatic (yes, same price for both), about $4000 off.

New-car sales have slowed for nine out of the past 10 months as Australian-made cars fall out of favour and we embrace luxury cars.Australians are falling out of love with locally-made cars faster than expected, putting increased pressure on the industry to make it all the way to the end of 2017 before Ford, Holden and Toyota factories shut down.Official sales figures for October show that sales of Australian-made cars have tanked and we are buying imported and luxury cars in greater numbers than ever before.The Ford Falcon, once our top seller, hit a new record low of just 396 deliveries in October as the new-car market slowed for the ninth time in 10 months, figures released at midday Thursday are expected to show.The new Commodore has also hit the skids, with sales down by a staggering 33 per cent, which dragged Holden’s tally across the range down by 28 per cent in the same month that company boss Gerry Dorizas left Holden suddenly after a little more than six months in the job.VIDEO: Holden says it's here to stay RELATED: Holden boss makes sudden exit MORE: Govt must boost funds to stop early shut downs Even the bulletproof Toyota Camry is off the boil, with sales down by 15 per cent compared with the same month last year.The Ford Falcon and Toyota Camry are due to receive updates in the next few months and a dip in sales is usually offset by heavy discounting. But both cars have failed to attract buyers as they once did.Despite record low interest rates and car affordability at a 38-year high, official sales figures for October show the market is down by 1.5 per cent compared with the same month last year, with 91,236 deliveries, although we are still on track to buy more than 1 million vehicles in 2014.Private buyers kept their hands in their pockets (sales down 3.9 per cent), as did business fleets (down 2.0 per cent). Only government (up 2.2 per cent) and rental fleets (up 18 per cent) showed growth in October, the latter injecting new cars into the system ahead of the summer holidays.The Toyota Corolla has stretched its lead over the new Mazda3 as Australia’s favourite car for 2014, although the pair is separated by fewer than 1000 sales year-to-date.This means if you’re in the market for a new Corolla or Mazda3 in the next two months you will likely get an even sharper deal as each tries to secure the top-seller title.In other upsets, South Korean car maker Hyundai was the second best-selling brand for the first time ever, ahead of Holden and behind Toyota. Hyundai Australia has been led by CEO John Elsworth, a former Holden executive for 22 years, since 2012.Meanwhile German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz made it into the Top 10 for only the second time ever (the first time was in May this year), ahead of mainstream brands Jeep and Kia.Luxury vehicles now account for approximately 10 per cent of Australia’s new-car sales; the global average is 7 per cent.Top 10 cars in OctoberToyota Corolla 3819 down 1.1 per centToyota HiLux 3228 up 1.7 per centMazda3 2928 down 19 per centHyundai i30 2475 up 4.0 per centFord Ranger 2405 up 18 per centHolden Commodore 2210 down 33 per centToyota Camry 1908 down 15.2 per centMitsubishi Triton 1787 down 2.6 per centVolkswagen Golf 1755 down 10.8 per centMazda CX-5 1594 up 3.5 per centTop 10 brands in OctoberToyota 17,382 down 4.1 per centHyundai 8401 up 3.3 per centHolden 7542 down 28.4 per centMazda 6880 down 13.6 per centFord 6337 down 15.3 per centNissan 5759 up 8.9 per centMitsubishi 5115 up 0.9 per centVolkswagen 4764 down 3.0 per centSubaru 4003 up 40.0 per centMercedes-Benz 3150 up 39.3 per centSource: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, VFACTS. Percentage change compared to the same month last year.

New Volkswagen Golf Wagon and Tiguan R-Line models added to existing Golf hatch, Beetle and Touareg R-Line lineup.Volkswagen has expanded its range of R-Line sports-flavoured models with new R-Line option packs for the Golf wagon and Tiguan, along with a new standalone Tiguan 155TSI R-Line flagship.The R-Line packages bring unique body styling and wheels, chassis improvements and other spec upgrades, without going for the full-house GTI or R performance boosts. Golf Wagon with R-Line packageUnlike the Tiguan 155TSI R-Line and the larger Touareg V8 TDI R-Line, the Golf R-Line is not a standalone model, but a $2200 option pack that can be applied to both the Golf 103TSI and 110TDI Highline versions of hatch and now wagon bodystyles.The R-Line package brings with it special front and rear bumpers, colour-coded sideskirts, tinted windows, R-Line badging, aluminium trim and 18-inch alloy wheels on the Golf's exterior.Inside the cabin there is aluminium finished brake and accelerator pedals, leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and sports seats.The R-Line package also improves the handling of the Golf by giving it 15mm lower sports suspension and progressive power steering for a sportier feel.Tiguan R-LineThe standalone Tiguan 155TSI R-Line takes its model name from the 155kW/280Nm  2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that sits in the engine bay.It's coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission - with paddle shifters on the steering wheel - that delivers drive to all four wheels via VW's Haldex 4Motion system.The Tiguan R-Line gets similar R-Line external styling to the existing models - rear roof spoiler, unique front and rear bumpers, and R-Line badging. It also receives leather upholstery, adaptive suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and satnav.A $2500 R-Line package is also optional for the regular Tiguan 132TSI and 130TDI models, which comes with all of the 155TSI R-Line's extra goodies aside from the leather trim and adaptive suspension.

Tiguan R-Line, new Scirocco R, expanded Golf range, new Polo GTI, revised Jetta and new Passat to help maintain Volkswagen sales growth.  Volkswagen has a range of revised and new models planned to help maintain the brand's current sales strength, despite the overall Australian new car market being down 2.1 per cent so far this year. VW Australia's managing director John White expects these new models to help strong sales of the existing Golf, Polo, Tiguan and Touareg to top the brand's 54,892 unit 2013 result, particularly considering the 32,562 units sold by VW to the end of July already represent a 3.8 percent increase year to date. "Overall this year, we believe that even with a market that's going to be down, we should be ahead of last year," he said.Starting with the revised Polo light hatch that arrives in showrooms this week, a revised version of the strong-selling Tiguan SUV will also touch down in September, strengthening its appeal ahead of an all-new model that is still at least two years away. TIGUAN R-LINEThis will see the Tiguan fitted with a standard reversing camera, rear parking sensors and a colour touchscreen display for the first time, plus the addition of a performance-themed Tiguan R-Line model with a 130kW turbodiesel engine as a new range-topper. GOLF R-LINE WAGONA wagon version of the Golf R-Line will appear in October, based on the success of the sports styled option pack available on existing Highline Golf hatch models.SCIROCCO RThis will be followed in November by the surprise arrival of the refreshed Scirocco R performance coupe, which was widely tipped as a non-starter for Australia after the also slow-selling Up and Eos models were discontinued in April. The revised Scirocco R made its first appearance at the Geneva motor show in March, with styling that has been brought in line with the Mk7 Golf R that arrived here in April.Mr White cited a positive response from the public, media and dealers as a key reason for the model's return to our shores, but it will be accompanied by a new sales strategy."There is going to be significant simplification in terms of colours and option packs, and significant reduction in the expectation of sales, where we are going to focus on making the Scirocco R a low volume, highly desirable vehicle," he said. POLO GTIA revised version of the hot Polo GTI is set to appear at the Paris motor show in September, before arriving down under in the first half of 2015. The GTI will score similar visual and interior upgrades to the regular Polo, but will boost power from 132-141kW and is also tipped to bring a manual transmission for the first time in a Mk5 Polo GTI.JETTAA refreshed Jetta mid-size sedan will also make its way to Australia in the first half of 2015, and John White is expecting the new model to better challenge segment leaders like the Toyota Camry and Mazda6, unlike the current model which has fallen 35 per cent year to date and is currently outsold by the 6 by more than 3:1."We're taking a look at the way that we're going to be configuring the car line, and you can count on the car line having more features and benefits to it, as we look to maximise the opportunities for the Jetta and make it a much better volume competitor," he said.  GOLF ALLTRACKMr White also confirmed the local future of a high-riding all-wheel drive Golf Alltrack wagon near the end of the first half of 2015, with the new model to follow a similar formula to the Alltrack version of the Passat wagon.PASSATRounding out 2015 for Volkswagen will be the all-new Passat that is due to make its public debut at the Paris motor show in September. Mr White confirmed that we will see  the new model late next year, and will be available in sedan, wagon and Alltrack bodystyles.NOT COMINGVW Australia Polo product manager Todd Ford confirmed there are no plans to put a Polo R into production, despite various reports to the contrary and the media being given the chance to drive prototype versions of the Audi S1 mechanical twin earlier this year."We'd love it if we could, but there won't be an R version of the current generation Polo," he said.Mr Ford was also unable to shed any light on the expected Golf R wagon's local future, despite several prototypes being spied testing in recent months."There  has been no model confirmed for production, so I cannot speculate on any Australian future," he said.  He also reiterated that there are no plans to bring the Mk7 version of the hot diesel Golf GTD to Australia, due to a lack of suitable business case.  Upcoming Volkswagen modelsTiguan spec upgrade and R-Line – September 2014Golf Wagon R-Line – October 2014Scirocco R update – November 2014Polo GTI update – first half 2015Jetta update – first half 2015Golf Alltrack – mid-2015Passat redesign – late 2015

Ute sales boom to new record in June but not everyone was a winner.

THE Audi A3 small car -- which owes much of its DNA to the Volkswagen Golf -- has won the 2014 World Car of the Year, as voted by 69 jurors from 22 countries. The luxury hatch toppled the widely-tipped favourite, the Mazda3 from Japan, in the awards announced at the New York motor show today.The Audi A3 was among five German cars that took out a cleansweep of the 2014 World Car of the Year categories, and it was Audi’s second win in 10 years, having won the inaugural award. Indeed, German cars have won seven of the past 10 World Car of the Year awards, Japanese brands have won the remaining three.Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Audi's North America president Scott Keogh said: “The Audi A3 has only been on sale three weeks and already it’s off to a flying start.”Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi, said: “This major award win is an achievement that the whole company can celebrate.”The Audi A3 was among 24 finalists that included the BMW i3 electric car, which won the Green Car of the Year and the Car Design of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the Luxury Car of the Year while the Porsche 911 GT3 was awarded top performance car honours.But the Mazda3 had emerged as an early favourite for the outright World Car of the Year award following rave reviews globally since it went on sale late last year. The previous generation Mazda3 has been Australia’s top selling car for two of the past three years, and was the vehicle that ended the Holden Commodore’s record 15-years as the market leader, in 2011.The Mazda3 is returned to the top of the sales charts so far this year -- after being overtaken by the Toyota Corolla in 2013 -- and is likely to take out top-seller status this year buoyed by the new model which went on sale in January.World car of the year winners2014 – Audi A32013 -- Volkswagen Golf Mk72012 -- Volkswagen Up2011 -- Nissan Leaf2010 -- Volkswagen Polo2009 -- Volkswagen Golf Mk62008 -- Mazda22007 -- Lexus LS4602006 -- BMW 3 Series2005 -- Audi A62014 World Car of The Year category winnersGreen car of the Year -- BMW i3 electric carCar Design of the Year -- BMW i3 electric carPerformance Car of the Year -- Porsche 911 GT3Luxury Car of the Year – Mercedes-Benz S-ClassThis reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

Volkswagen has crowned its Australian small hatch lineup with the new Golf R performance flagship; the fourth-generation Golf to wear the R badge.Building on the Mk4 and Mk5 R32 models and the Mk6 Golf R, the new model continues as the quickest Golf in the lineup, and the only version to come with all-wheel drive. Priced at $51,990 with a six-speed manual and $54,490 with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto, both versions represent a $2000 increase over the previous Mk6 Golf R. Australian versions of the new Golf R use a 206kW/380Nm version of the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, representing an 18kW/30Nm over the previous Australian Mk6 Golf R, but detuned from the European-spec 221kW/380Nm to suit the Australian climate.Australian Golf R buyers will have to settle for the DSG version until the third quarter of the year though, with the manual delayed due to European demand for the self-shifter.A maximum torque band of 1800-5100rpm is retained from the European-spec, and 0-100km/h acceleration has dropped to 5.0 seconds with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto, and 5.2 seconds with the six-speed manual.These figures may trail the Euro-spec’s 4.9/5.1 second times, but are a significant improvement on the previous Australian spec’s 5.7/5.9 second figures, the current GTI Performance’s 6.4 seconds, and the garden variety GTI’s 6.5 second claim.Top speed is limited to 250km/h, and fuel consumption has dropped significantly from 8.7-7.3L/100km for the manual, and 7.1L/100km with the DSG auto. The new Golf R’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system uses a fifth-generation Haldex coupling, which sends power to the front wheels under normal conditions, and redirects to the rear when more traction is required.In addition to the front-rear Haldex coupling, the Golf R uses a version of the standard GTI’s brake-actuated electronic diff lock system to distribute drive from side to side for the front and rear axles. The electronically controlled mechanical front differential found in the new GTI Performance is not fitted to the Golf R.Brakes are a GTI Performance-matching 340mm up front and 310mm at the rear, with black ‘R’ labelled calipers, and the R’s specific suspension setup is 20mm lower than a standard Golf and 5mm lower than GTI. Adaptive dampers integrate with the DSG (where fitted) through five different driving modes; including Eco, Normal, Individual, Comfort and Race to vary the Golf R’s personality according to the driver’s mood or road conditions.A scaled-back ESP Sport mode loosens the stability control’s electronic safety net, and the stability control can now be deactivated altogether with a button press of longer than three seconds. The Golf R is distinguished from the lesser Golf and GTI models with unique but subtly more aggressive front and rear bumpers and side skirts, matte chrome and gloss black detailing, standard Bi-Xenon headlights with unique LED indicators, tinted LED taillights, 19 inch ‘Cadiz’ alloys with 235/35 tyres and quad exhaust outlets.On the inside, the Golf R’s matte aluminium detailing continues, with Alcantara/fabric leather trim on ‘R’ embossed sports seats, and specific instrumentation. Vienna leather trim is optional, but dual-zone climate control and a 5.8 inch multimedia screen with satnav are standard. Watch the desktop version of the Volkswagen Golf R video review here. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

Volkswagen has added a new Performance grade to its Australian Golf GTI lineup, positioned between the existing Golf GTI and the new Golf R performance flagship.Other markets get the 'Performance Pack' as an option for the regular GTI, but is being offered as a standalone GTI Performance grade for Australia. At $48,490, the GTI Performance asks a $4,000 premium over a DSG-equipped regular GTI, but adds an assortment of goodies that should easily justify its price.Available with the six-speed DSG dual clutch auto only, the GTI's direct and port injected EA888 2.0-litre turbo gains 7kW to 169kW, while torque remains at 350Nm. Claimed acceleration drops just 0.1s over the regular DSG to 6.4 seconds, and Alice Springs residents may appreciate a 2km/h top speed boost to 248km/h.Combined fuel consumption is unchanged from the regular DSG-equipped GTI, with an official figure of 6.6L/100km. Building on the regular GTI's already impressive brake package are 28mm larger front rotors -now 340mm- while the rears grow 10mm to 310mm and are now ventilated.The GTI Performance's headline act is the addition of a new electronically controlled mechanical differential lock, stepping up from the brake-actuated electronic diff lock on the standard GTI. Unlike regular mechanical limited slip diffs, the GTI Performance's electronic control offers more finite control over the driven wheels, locking only when drive to both wheels is needed, and with torque vectoring capability to send 100 percent of drive to one wheel.The GTI Performance diff integrates with the existing electronic traction aids and stability control, and is set to greatly help acceleration out of corners by reducing acceleration-induced understeer and integrating with yaw sensors to also counter oversteer. Visually, the GTI Performance gains unique 19 inch Santiago alloy wheels -up from the 18 inch Austin design fitted to the regular GTI -  but the lower profile tyres are no wider at 225mm.It also scores the GTI 'lipstick' integrating Bi-Xenon headlights as standard, tinted LED taillights, tinted windows and GTI logos on red front brake calipers. On the inside, the Golf GTI Performance scores Alcantara bolsters and headrests to the Clark tartan cloth seats, and Vienna leather remains optional. Watch the desktop version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance video review here. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance list price - $48,490 

The first R-Line upgrade on a Golf and price cuts on the Jetta are Volkswagen’s model-year 2014 range revision highlights. Showroom-wide changes include a welcome upgrade to the Beetle but price increases of up to $2000 on some models.The R-Line Package - $2200 on the popular Golf Highline and $2000 on the niche Beetle - adds a raft of racy badges, trim, go-fast kit plus sports suspension, 18-inch alloys, faster steering and paddle-shifters.Such items should bring the Golf even closer dynamically to the GTI but the latter is now $500 more. Most Golfs cop a price rise - $250 on the Car of the Year Comfortline and $300 on the Highline. An extra $400 is now asked for the Cabriolet and $300 for the Beetle. Steeper stickers adorn the Polo - $250 on the Comfortline, $350 on the GTI. The three-door version of the hot hatch has been dropped.Tiguan buyers are looking at $400 extra on the Pacific or $500 for the top-line 155 TSI. A Passat adds $500 for the 130 TDI and Alltrack and $750 for the V6. Touareg buyers have to find $800 extra for the V6 diesel and $2000 for the V8.Only the slow-selling Jetta gets price relief - $1500 off the 118TSI and $3250 from the Comfortline. It also loses the 103 TDI Comfortline and quick 147TSI Highline. Elsewhere the Beetle, to date one of the few locally sold VWs with basic rear suspension, now features the multi-link independent setup of the superseded Mark VI Golf. There’s new paint too - “candy white”, if you like.Next month the new Golf R and GTI Performance version arrive. 

Volkswagen has added a wagon body style to its award-winning Mk7 Golf lineup this week, joining only Skoda, Peugeot, Hyundai and Holden in offering the longer and more spacious five-door shape.The new model replaces the Mk6 Golf Wagon that has sold alongside the Mk7 hatch since its arrival in April last year, and brings a new reduced entry price of $25,540 (down $1450) and a reshuffled spec lineup.The new wagon rides on the same 2620mm wheelbase as the hatch, but with a 308mm longer rear overhang to boost cargo space to 605L with the seats up and 1620L seats down, up from the hatch’s 380/1270L figures, and also the previous wagon’s 505/1495L.Ensuring that this load space is uninterrupted during family use are three top-tethered child-seat anchorage points in the rear, with ISOFIX mountings in the outer positions.Rear seat accommodation is largely identical to the hatch models, save for a 10mm increase in headroom due to the flatter roofline and 5mm increase in overall height. The new Golf Wagon also sees production shift to Volkswagen’s Mosel plant in Germany, unlike the Mexican-built Mk6 Golf wagon.Like all Golf hatches beneath the GTI, the new wagon is available with either a 1.4-litre turbo petrol in 90TSI or 103TSI grades, or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel wearing 110TDI badges. Unlike the current hatch and the previous wagon, the new Golf Wagon is only available with automatic transmissions.The 90TSI makes 90kW/200Nm and is available in the entry $25,540 wagon and $29,290 Comfortline trim with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and carries a 5.3L/100km combined fuel figure. The $33,840 103TSI makes 103kW/250Nm is available only in Highline trim and also comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, but impressively betters the 90TSI’s fuel figure with 5.2L/100km combined.The $36,340 110TDI turbodiesel makes 110kW/320Nm and is also Highline-only, with a six-speed dual-clutch auto that manages an impressive 4.7L/100km. Both petrols need 95RON Premium unleaded, and the 90TSI and 110TDI fuel figures are 0.1 and 0.2L/100km better than their hatch counterparts due to the more aerodynamic wagon body’s 0.02 better 0.27Cd drag coefficient.The entry 90TSI Golf wagon comes equipped with a 5.8 inch multimedia screen, Bluetooth phone and audio, air conditioning, leather steering wheel and gearknob, speed-limiting cruise control with rear air vents, heated mirrors and 15 inch alloys.The 90TSI Comfortline scores chrome roof rails, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera with parking sensors front and rear, overhead console, storage drawers beneath the front seats, auto headlights and wipers, brushed silver interior details, a ski port and 16 inch alloys.Highline models can be identified by their chrome detailed front bumper and lower window trim, and upgrade to sports bolstered seats with partial alcantara trim, satnav, piano black interior details, LED ambient interior lighting and 17 inch alloys. Like the current Golf hatch, all variants of the new wagon come with a spacesaver spare underneath the cargo floor.Standard safety gear includes seven airbags including driver’s knee and front and rear curtain airbags, multi-collision braking, XDL electronic diff-lock, fatigue detection, and ABS and stability control. An optional Driver Assistance package is available on Comfortline and Highline models, which adds adaptive cruise control, front assist with City Emergency Brake automatic braking, driver profile selection, the Park Assist 2 automatic parking system, and a proactive occupant protection system that pretensions seatbelts and closes windows if an impending collision is detected.Further options include a powered panoramic glass sunroof, leather trim and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs on Highline models, satnav on Comfortline models, and an anti-theft alarm system on Comfortline and Highline models. The new wagon weighs as much as 79kg over the Golf hatch, but is up to 165kg lighter than the previous wagon due to the Mk7’s use of Volkswagen’s new MQB platform. Stepping above the Skoda Octavia wagon that shares this same platform, the Golf features a four-link independent rear suspension across all variants. Watch the desktop version of the Volkswagen Golf Wagon video review here. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon pricingVolkswagen Golf Wagon 90TSI – 7sp DSG auto - $25,540 (down $1,450)Volkswagen Golf Wagon 90TSI Comfortline – 7sp DSG auto - $29,290Volkswagen Golf Wagon 103TSI Highline – 7sp DSG auto - $33,840Volkswagen Golf Wagon 110TDI Highline – 6sp DSG auto - $36,340