2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 1.8T S

A performance wagon feisty with horsepower

017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. Courtesy of Volkswagen

This VW Golf wagon is a performance wagon. The performance credential is bolstered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four TSI engine with direct injection and inter cooler. This turbo-four is capable of thrusting the Golf SportWagen forward with a maximum of 170 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. 

Gear change on the test vehicle was carried out through a five-speed manual transmission for purist enjoyment, but I would recommend the six-speed DSG automatic transmission with the Tiptronic with Sport mode for $1,000 more. I didn’t like wrestling the five-speed standard, whose clutch is as skittish as a new colt.

The SportWagen comes with four-wheel independent suspension and Servotronic electro-mechanic power steering. Its agility and versatility, plus its grip on the road with poise and clarity, make it a blast to drive.

The SportWagen has a high level of street smarts as well as open country savvy.