2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen | KISS Principle | TestDriveNow

There is a surprisingly large faction of car buyers who don’t want “stuff.” I see it in my comments section all the time: “I don’t need...just more to go wrong, more I’ll have to fix, too complicated.” Well, this review is for those people: the VW Golf SportWagen. There’s no smart key, no push button start, no power liftgate, no full-power seats, no leather, no sat radio, no navi, no LED headlights, no sunroof, no USB ports in the rear, no adaptive cruise control. So those who prefer basic can rejoice because this VW offers up a whole lot of no for about $27k.
MSRP as-tested: $26,840
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Welcome to TestDriveNow official KZbin channel! I deliver trusted, top-rated popular car reviews on cars like the Honda Accord, Audi s5, Dodge Durango, Subaru Crosstrek and more! TestDriveNow.com features Drive Time with Steve Hammes offering video program segments showcasing the newest vehicles and industry innovations coming to market.
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[@logans919]

Keep up the great work! You've become one of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@stevehammes]

Thanks, Logan!

[@jtwebb72]

I have an Alltrack and love the overall form factor of these cars!

[@rightlanehog3151]

It would be great to see some more wagon alternatives in the 25K range.

[@fuffthebucks7266]

for some reason I love these

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

If you don't need AWD and want a basic wagon with modern features but not a bunch of unnecessary dodads, get a Sportwagen S with the 6 speed manual.......but good luck finding one. The new VW small crossover that will be coming in 2021 is something like 2020 Volkswagen Tharu/Tarek.

[@MatteoLC]

Finally found my 2019 1.8tsi 4motion Golf SportWagen with the 6-speed manual. The Buick is a nice one too - but they (like most) don't offer it with three pedals. Another "plain-Jane/old school" gotta-have feature for a few of us unicorn enthusiasts. Had it for a couple months so far...love it. Kind of like a GTI all-wheel-drive wagon, just minus a bit of power. For now.

[@bosse641]

Such a nice car. Sure want one. Maybe the Alltrack would be a better choice. So fine.

[@michaelremington1493]

We bought a 2019 Sportwagon FWD 8 speed. We test drove a Buick TourX and the road feel and visibility was dismal. More power but about 900 pounds heavier. Our Sportwagon has the ZF 8 speed with a traditional torque converter. I'm predicting better long term results compared to a dual clutch or chain drive. We live in Colorado Springs and the 16 inch wheels do a better job on potholes and gravel.

[@miguelircontar]

Plain Jane and I like it just get in and drive no distractions

[@hixnada8278]

I’m all about the TourX. I’m looking at them now and buying used can save $15K! I challenge you to find a better $25K vehicle for general purpose use with AWD.

[@K03sport]

... I looked at the tourx as well, but didn't like the lowest trim and found myself spec'ing it way beyond it value. It is also a much larger car and doesn't come with 3 pedals. The good seats are only in the top trim and im not dumping $36k+ on a Buick (or other GM product). the tour xwould make a great Chevy Nomad if buick tanks). The tourx also has a limited life since it is assembled on contract alongside its European opel twin

[@hixnada8278]

You should look at a used one. I found a 2019 with 8800 miles essence trim for $26K. I think that’s a pretty easy decision at $26K!

[@hixnada8278]

Darek M - I’d be all over it but in the USA we don’t get that option. Too bad. I did drove the tourX last night and I can definitely say I’d get this over the Outback or a VW Alltrack. I drove an Alltrack SEL with manual last week, and it was fun, but tiny. The TourX is a much better car, but I would rate the acceleration only as adequate.

[@bextar6365]

Nix Nada...I was shocked to see a Tour-X on the street yest. A very rare sight indeed, prob. wont be long before Buick pulls the plug. My guess sales are very low. Also looks like the roof height is very low for cargo.

[@hixnada8278]

Bextar636 yeah - I saw interviews/info that the 9 speed tranny would move to the tourx in 2019. Obviously that didn’t happen 🙄 so here’s hoping for 2020. If 2020 doesn’t see any changes I’d say the TourX is in the way out. Get them whilst you still can!

[@dancar02]

Thank you for the review of the Golf Sportwagen. Do you recommend the 1.4 engine?

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

I have a 2019 Sportwagen with the 1.4 and 6 speed manual. It's been great.

[@AwesomeKenneth240]

Just picked one up with 25k miles for 17.5, I only wish I could have gotten factory fog lights, other than that I love the car.

[@DadBear72]

The Sportwagen, Alltrack, and Base Golf Hatch are D E A D for the Mk 8 Golf in the US. Only the GTI and Golf R will be coming in 2020. A small SUV will replace the Sportwagen and Alltrack. Thank Chet and Barbie for wanting CUVs and SUVs over wagons.

[@chadjeror6046]

Great review!

[@stevehammes]

Thanks, Chad!

[@adrianharvey3511]

Great review... nothing about this review though made me wanna sign off on purchasing this.. it reminded me of a review from a Subaru.. old and outdated but as u sed Steve it’s bare and some applaud that.. but if the styling would of been updated.. maybe push start and some 17s ..I think it would of for me been a better taste.. I believe this was to much of a throwback.. not saying the driving experience wasn’t pleasant... but it seems that 27k your paying is more about the 4 motion and utility.. which to me there’s others that do it better without to much more in the price.. the Buick wagon is staring this right in the face for bout 5 more grand but with a whole better demeanor..

[@jdawg9481]

He just tested the bare Trendline or in US, S Model. The SE and SEL add all the tech and stylish things such as pano roof, nav, bigger low profile wheels, and fender stereo etc etc.

[@adrianharvey3511]

jdawg9481 got cha

[@ramseyhazemey795]

Excellent video. Love the intro

[@stevehammes]

Thank you!

[@K03sport]

The Alltrack-S (my #2 next car) is a better proposition than this model imo. With the S trim, one can avoid the leak prone panoroof; however, you also miss out on other niceties [I'd rather have a dry interior]. Only downside is that I would have to drive it in sport mode all the time. Negotiate (hard), as these can be slow sellers, and dealers may accept your offer making this car a great deal.

[@fredonia81]

Hay VW, We the People Want Wagons!!!!! No More SUV'S!!!!!!!

[@76carmel]

This VW Golf Sportwagen and the rugged Alltrack variant has the size that's slightly smaller than a Subaru Outback and larger than a Crosstrek. But the price of the Alltrack and Golf Sportwagen is the same like an Outback...

[@leslielucci3182]

But VW doesn’t have the leaky head gaskets, excessive oil consumption and finicky CVT or some other problem of the Outback.

[@TalismanPHX]

Steve, hasn't the Golf been canceled in the US for 2020, except for the GTI?? I read somewhere that VW decided not to send the Mark 8 Golf to the US due to poor sales. 😕

[@jamc204]

I heard the same thing. I hope it turns out not to be the case.

[@stevehammes]

"Meanwhile, U.S. Volkswagen dealers were told last week that the brand will pare its Golf family offerings, eliminating the Golf SportWagen station wagon as well as versions of the base Golf after the current generations. The higher-priced Golf R and Golf GTI models will continue to be offered, dealers were told.

[@stevehammes]

I guess you're right. So don't wait for next year ;-)

[@K03sport]

@@stevehammes... Does the Alltrack count as a sportwagen? Sure, it's based on the same chassis, but isn't called a sportwagen. I thought Alltrack/wagen sales were strong. Since I'm looking, there are only 2 manuals w/in 100mi of me in SW OH (both with the yucky silk interior)

[@76carmel]

Question here is... will the Alltrack get a facelift as well?

[@stevehammes]

The entire Golf family will next year.

[@jsiszero]

What happened to the car sounds in the video?

[@stevehammes]

Some dumbo (me) screwed up the nat sound. Sorry.

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

Comparing to the Buick is like comparing a Tacoma to an F150. It's a different size/class. That Buick is an Opel Insignia and that compares since 40 years to the Passat.

[@stevehammes]

If you had $30k which would you choose? No brainer.

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

@@stevehammes than you could also compare a Porsche 718 and a RAM 1500 within the same price range. I know that the Buick and Golf are closer because both are station wagons. I did like your review and it was nice to see the differences to an european Golf. Different seats, different radio and a mechanical hand brake (what I prefer to that electronic ones).

[@henrymoreira7898]

2:54 a Napster sighting 😇

[@dbdigital57]

There will be no 2020 In the US. Discontinued in US, and few new left to buy. 4motions are only remaining in northern states. These have a sportier ride than TourX which is bloated by comparison. If you want one of these, act fast. Just repacked my wife’s 2016 S with a 2019 SE. She was hooked on it and I couldn’t get her to join the SUV craze. Likes riding low, but I couldn’t get her to try the Kia Stinger!

[@stevehammes]

dbdigital57 I love the Buick! Would much prefer over this. Being an Opel it too has a European sportiness about it but it looks much better and comes with more “stuff.”

[@dbdigital57]

The TourX is one I’d like to drive, but it seems too large for my wife’s taste. I definitely see it as roomier and sporty, but she sees Buick as an old persons vehicle, but I know they are changing.

[@Andrew8126]

Great review. Honest appraisal of this car and its mission. Turns out VW has death in store for this model in the US. Too bad. Tons of goodness for the money.

[@stevehammes]

A week after I post the video VW issues their press release saying it's dead. RIP

[@clothestravel]

Shame on VW for discontinuing the GSW and Alltrack. Not everyone wants a god awful SUV or crossover.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Europe and other places still get the Golf and Passat wagon. Most of the VW products I see where I live are the gas guzzling Atlas.....with one person in it. Shameful what VW has become in USA. I bought one of the last Sportwagens made at the Mexico plant. Have 30,000 miles on it, always get over 40 mpg.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Perfect one!

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video as always Steve! Quick question? I didn't realise you could get the Mark 7 Golf with a manual handbrake, is that a US thing? Over in the UK its electronic (Link to a video I made on the Scottish Mk7 1.5TSI Manual hatch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXO9n62wjMiAb80) Keep up the great work

[@stevehammes]

As far as I know, only the Golf R (and maybe the e-Golf) use an electronic parking brake in the U.S. Thanks very much!

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@stevehammes Thanks Steve for getting in touch! That is a really interesting fact, I learn something new everyday :)

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

Don't get the 1.4 It's a trouble engine. At least the ones with the timing chain. They changed it later back to toothed belt because they couldn't handle the problem. The 1.2 TSI and 1.8 TSI had almost the same issues but the 1.8 not that often. The 2.0 didn't.

[@MrThepervv]

A week after this review and VW has gone and cancelled it.. “didn’t even see it coming” *Lloyd Christmas

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Gave you a like too :D

[@jasanmiguel]

I'm willing to bet that a fully loaded Toyota or Honda with all the electric nannies, is more reliable and will provide way less maintenance headaches than anything VW/Audi could stamp their name on.

[@K03sport]

...I dare you to find me a (new) Toyota/Honda WAGON (not hatchback, not cuv) in the states...

[@BTC909]

Get a TourX, you can get some stupid money off of these.

[@jkidd7608]

SE is way better value.

[@brettpanzer]

Yeah, that leaking sunroof is a total steal. Free showers.

[@jkidd7608]

@@brettpanzer does it have a leak issue???

[@chasemcquown]

@@jkidd7608 yes, and no AWD with the SE

[@jkidd7608]

@@chasemcquown yeah I did some reading up and seems like they had some issues with the pano roofs. Don't care about awd at all especially since it kills the mpg rating. I'm going with something else. I love wagons but unfortunately I don't want the S or AWD. Bummer.

[@chasemcquown]

@@jkidd7608 I absolutely love mine. was lucky enough to find one with a 6 speed and AWD. The gas mileage is still great even with AWD. I think 4motion only works when it senses slip in the front so it’s not a full time AWD system which saves gas. Idk if you’re into the tuning thing but I just went stage 1 apr for $500 with 0 bolt ons and it makes more hp and torque than a stock gti now. Literally an AWD gti wagon. Perfect.