As I've noted in previous threads, the New York Auto Show is likely the largest consumer auto show. What I mean by that is one of the shows with the largest amount of foot traffic and soon-to-be buyers. As an automaker trying to move units off of showroom floors, obviously, you want to meet their expectations and close a deal.
That said, there's a couple debuts that struck us as a head scratcher. One of them was the all-new Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen TDI, which is slated to make an appearance in NYC.
Thing is, I don't see too many of these on the road as it stands. Once and a while I see one and it's driven by a younger lad that may have a sticker — or 20 — adorning their whip. So, uh, is this really a hot consumer item?
While visiting my local VW dealer today, I asked my salesguy to give me the lowdown — do people actually shop for the Sportwagen. According to him actually a lot of people come in to talk turkey about it, but get turned off when they hear it currently does NOT feature all-wheel drive.
Well, then. Perhaps VW is onto something with this all-new Golf Sportwagen featuring AWD. VW is currently labeling it as a concept — go figure.
For MORE information, check out the company-issued release below and the accompanying shots. below!
Volkswagen's press release follows:ALL-NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN MAKES ITS NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
All-wheel-drive TDI® Clean Diesel concept version of VW’s popular SportWagen model previews a bigger, more spacious, and more fuel-efficient replacement for the Jetta SportWagen
- Thrifty TDI® Clean Diesel, and 1.8-liter turbocharged Golf SportWagen models will be offered
- Uses the new MQB modular architecture, like the 2015 Golf and Golf GTI
- Golf SportWagen will go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2015
- New SportWagen model is estimated to have fuel economy improvements of up to 17 percent
- New Golf SportWagen offers increased cargo volume, matching compact SUVs for size and versatility
2014 New York Auto Show Preview
Herndon, VA – Volkswagen of America, Inc. will debut a concept version of the latest SportWagen model that features a 4MOTION® all-wheel drive system and the new EA288 TD®I Clean Diesel engine at the New York Auto Show. The concept previews the all-new Golf SportWagen that goes on sale in early 2015. Based on the new MQB (modular transverse matrix) architecture, the Golf SportWagen will continue the trend introduced by the seventh generation Golf whereby it is lighter, bigger, roomier, more fuel efficient and more powerful than the outgoing SportWagen model.
Thanks to the extensive use of high and ultra-high strength steels, the new SportWagen bodyshell is lighter than the current Jetta SportWagen and offers an enhanced crash structure. Throughout the car, incredible attention to detail has optimized components—such as the seats, air conditioning unit, and even the electrical architecture—to help save weight.
The Golf SportWagen is 1.1 inches longer and 0.7 inches wider than the current SportWagen model. It is also 0.9 inches lower, which benefits both aerodynamic performance and the car’s proportions: the CdA number has been reduced by almost 10 percent compared with the previous generation. The interior package has been optimized to give more rear-seat leg- and shoulder room. Although the new SportWagen’s overall height was lowered by nearly an inch, front and rear headroom has been improved by 0.4 inches.
The SportWagen has long been a top choice for customers who want a car that’s fun to drive and offers a large cargo area that is truly versatile. This new SportWagen is even more appealing, offering nearly 10 percent more cargo room with the rear seats folded than the outgoing model. Essentially, the Golf SportWagen provides a sportier alternative to compact SUVs.
The new SportWagen will be offered with two powertrains. The Golf SportWagen will be powered by a 170 horsepower, 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine, mated to five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. These powertrains offer manufacturer highway fuel economy that's improved by as much as 17 percent compared to the 2.5-liter Jetta SportWagen.
The TDI Clean Diesel model will be powered by the new EA288 2.0-liter common-rail, turbocharged and direct-injection diesel engine that makes150 horsepower, an improvement of 10 hp over the current SportWagen model. The TDI model will have a choice of six-speed manual or DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
Design
The design team, led by Walter de Silva (Group Design) and Klaus Bischoff (VW Brand Design), created a timeless and sophisticated new SportWagen, using the principles of Volkswagen’s Design DNA. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front wheel centerline and the pedals, the car’s proportions have changed. The front wheels, for example, are now 1.7 inches further forward than on the current SportWagen design. This has created what Bischoff calls "'a cab backward impression'. That's what we call the proportions of premium-class vehicles, where the hood is long and the passenger compartment is a long way towards the back."
Compared with the previous generation SportWagen, the new car’s front end looks completely different, thanks to the way that the hood slopes down into the front fenders instead of the fender peaks being higher than the hood. This new SportWagen features more angular horizontal design cues, with a slender radiator grille.
At the back, the clean surface around the VW badge, the wide rear window, and the geometric taillights are typical SportWagen features, even though the lines are completely different. The tailgate, for instance, allows for a lower load height than before, while the overall effect emphasizes the additional width of the new car.
Features
Along the lines of the new Golf 7, the SportWagen will bring a number of available new features to market including a panoramic sunroof, 12-way power driver’s seat, Climatronic® automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and the Advanced Front-lighting System, Park Distance Control, and available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
In addition, the new SportWagen features a new standard driver assistance system called the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This system automatically engages the vehicle’s brakes after it is involved in a collision in order to help reduce secondary collisions and to help bring the vehicle to a stop. The system is triggered when the airbag sensors detect a primary collision and it is limited to a maximum retardation rate of 0.6g by the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit. The driver can effectively override the system at any time; for example, it is disabled if it recognizes that the driver is accelerating. The system is also deactivated if the driver initiates braking at a higher rate than 0.6g.
The 2014 New York Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.
2014 New York Auto Show Preview
