2015 VW Golf Sportwagen TDI 0-60 MPH & MPG & Track Review

[@kulminaator]

As a european - this car is exactly what a diesel family car is supposed to do - haul haul haul and sometimes fill it up with diesel.

[@ShayneWolfe]

I just did a 3500 mile trip in my 2010 TDI Jetta and averaged 51 mpg's at 70 mph. DIESEL BABY!

[@masgordo]

Shayne Wolfe before or after the dieselgate Fix?

[@90FirstGenPGT]

@@masgordo Doesn't the fix reduce mpg's?

[@masgordo]

@@90FirstGenPGT yes, but you can use a Malone tune bro

[@90FirstGenPGT]

@@masgordo sweet

[@leslielucci3182]

You can get 51 mpg after tune if driving by yourself. Packed with 4 passengers and bags +AC gets 43-45 mpg, same as before tune.

[@jameshill1821]

Whoever edited this video did a very good job, it flowed nicely and it was great to have both stories developing at the same time. The jumps between the track and highway made sense and allowed the viewer to recognize the change. Camera angles were interesting too (in a good way). Keep up the good work tfl!

[@TFLcar]

James Hill Thank you!

[@musikkimies]

Completely agree with your comment regarding the editing and storytelling of this review. I've watched some of your other reviews, and I didn't like them nearly as much as I like this one. It might be because you like this car so much, but this one was very good.

[@milisavp]

This is much more interesting and relevant than short reviews.

[@douglasizzo]

Really enjoyed the longer, detailed review! Length of about ~ 10 - 15 minutes is fantastic. Good content and informative!

[@deloreanman14]

I so want one of these. A wagon with cargo space for toting around my large collectibles? Check. Great fuel mileage? Check. Manual transmission available even on the SEL trim? Praise Germany!

[@hipocampelofantocame]

I just bought a new 2015 Golf Sportwagen TDI a couple of months ago, and I love it a lot. My last car was an MB 350 4 wheel drive, and I'm so glad that I switched. This VW is fun to drive, and the MB wasn't, but I've owned MB's in the past that were.

[@oz5wob3]

Vw has been releasing modified tdi's in recent years. I'd love to see y'all bring in a "fixed" tdi and compare / review it.

[@rickyjulian2499]

Yes, I think doing 10-15min reviews is best

[@Antenox]

I have an Audi A3 TDI with the same engine as this thing. I love that 236-lb-ft of torque! It really makes the car feel eager to run, even if it can't run very fast.

[@Challengeyouropinion]

Incredible fuel mileage for a wagon at the speed. Imagine the mileage without the dpf and egr.

[@mikerhyner1]

As a support of yours through Patreon, I want to say thank you for this review. This type of in depth look at cars/trucks is what attracted me to your videos years ago. Please keep this type of review coming. Climbing up mountains is entertaining but very lacking in useful daily driver information.

[@The_Osprey]

Excellent review. I think this format gives the viewer exactly what he wants. You are learning and improving. Nice job.

[@andyhoov]

I very much enjoyed this review. You guys covered all the bases, from the practical stuff like storage space and fuel economy to the more enthusiast oriented stuff like 0-60 times and handling. I would love to see more content like this. Also, am I the only one who kind of liked how the engine sounded from inside the car? From the outside it wasn't much, but inside I liked it.

[@Clodrock]

Glad I snatched my pristine 2013 A3 TDI on the cheap when everyone was giving them back after Dieselgate. Just sent Kerma TDI my stock user file and waiting for them to send back the tuned file. From Dork-mobile to Torque-mobile!

[@andrewhocker2570]

I think your longer reviews are fantastic! Keep them up!

[@chrishorisberger4914]

Just bought a 2015 Golf Sportwagen TDI S trim. I love it so far, and I average about the same 48 mpg hwy. I noticed you guys didn't use the paddle shifters on the track or the 0-60. I think those times could be improved if you stayed in the turbo range just a bit longer. Great review and well detailed. Good job TFL

[@usagentcyclone]

I am impressed at how high the quality can be in these videos. Even if my notebook cant handle extreme HD

[@TheYellowSchoolBusDude]

There was just something about this review that was awesome! Really liked it. Good job guys.

[@mattb7475]

Loved the longer review

[@mgtowfan7032]

As always , great review. I spend a lot of time in Germany, and these "wagons" are very popular. Why they are not in America , I don't know. I saw a Passat wagon that was brilliant. No more Audi A3 Avant, so this is pretty much it. Great car, great review.

[@JoshuaBishop93]

Great review! I appreciate all the details, tests, and information provided. Plus I always appreciate Nathan's energy and passion in what he does, as well as his humor. Thanks again TFL Car for providing great insight into cars!

[@invictusdomini8624]

Just got my Golf Sportwagen TDI SEL 6/std, but in white. Absolutely blown away by it.

This new style of review is really cool. Please keep that!

[@AAron-jj7zx]

I'm into this style of review, the more time you spend with the car the more I believe what you have to say about it. Haha it might sound silly put like that but reviews come a dime a dozen now days. And it seems its all impressions, you guys put a hundred miles on that thing and the observations seem way clearer than when you show up at a media event and don't have a moment to get over all the excitement. So Keep them coming. Thx.

[@JanBartos24]

I like this review much better than the short reviews. I still miss about your reviews how vehicles handle bumpy roads or unexpected holes on roads. Overall, really good review.

[@tincanable]

Yes I want more in-depth reviews, keep em coming The shorter ones are fine but I don't like getting to the end and of them and not getting a review score. There's been lots of firstlook/previews where you say you'll have to wait to get it to the track but then I never see those reviews.

[@supernova1976]

nice review Nathan, I like the mpg test, real world is always better than what you read in the speck sheet, one thing I would have like to see is the track timing, I know it is not a sports car but for a family with only one car, dad will have to use it as a sports car :)

[@DRAGONIKification]

Today is my birthday and you uploaded...a VW,well better this than nothing.

[@yippie6862]

You left out one important negative about the 2015 Sportwagen TDI. It no longer uses the independent rear suspension that the last generation had. Furthermore, the 2015 gas model does use an IRS but the diesel does not. It is something to consider when deciding which engine model to buy.

[@releasetherackem]

Love the detailed review, can't get enough. Keep up the good work!

[@merog2]

Make more of this longer reviews. Its more information in a better way.

[@Larson4Liberty]

Thanks for a realistic, nicely executed MPG test. You guys should do long-term tests.

[@whitb003]

You should definitely do more reviews like this. Great video.

[@4OOQ]

I prefer these kind of videos rather than the short ones

[@jhelwig19781]

Excellent review! Keep them detailed as I am shopping this car! As you just did, I really like the handling and MPG test, not to mention the 0-60. Very entertaining video!

[@MacTechG4]

The older Mk6 Golf and JSW TDI have fully independent rear suspension all around, and the Golf is assembled in Germany, the JSW is assembled in the Puebla, MX The Mk7+ has a twist beam rear axle as they needed the room for the DEF tank, and both Golf and GSW are assembled in Puebla Just interesting bits of trivia...

[@kobbetop]

Longer videos are better, short ones are just like TV and TV is dying, so I hope you will do more of these longer ones!

[@rickhughes8561]

Enjoyed the longer review. Like that you took it for a real world gas mileage review as well. Looking at the Golf Sportwagon (in Canada) as my next vehicle due to the extra utility. Though I am thinking of going with the 1.8L turbo because I do mostly city driving.

[@joshk333]

I really like the untimed track lap to get more of a real world city driving feel. I live in a city with TONS of roundabouts and it’s the favorite of my drives in my little Honda Fit. I am (over) due for a new car so that I quit embarrassing my kids when I take them places in my Fit and this one is on my short list. Although the TSI and not TDI. Thanks for the great review.

[@wocketman1629]

I really like this new review style. it is detailed and good! thank you

[@chrisbaskett808]

I liked the format of this video, love the Golf.

[@lukassfranklin5007]

Love this report format! Please do more!!

[@rycxkid2257]

Im a little late but I loved this type of review, covered literaly everything I needed to know in a short about of time

[@korling99]

I liked the full length review. 👍

[@__Accordion__]

I wonder what the mpg is like now that all the TDIs have software updates to fix their emissions.

[@reactcirca]

Not much difference. Just forced to use more DEF fluid.

[@1GTASANANDREASCJ]

Make more of these videos! As i'm living in Germany, we've got an Golf GTD, which means 184hp, a lot more torque and a speaker in the exhaust that is producing a sort of v8 exhaust note Would love to see, what the Dodge Charger Hellcat mpg ratings on the highway would get :D

[@1guyin10]

Really like this review format.

[@tvanb]

On my 2013 Sportwagen, I manage to achieve between 35-38 mpg on average (per tank.) That is with 60/40 highway to city and with a roof rack, and very sticky rubber. I find that the computer, though, is usually more generous than the actual mpg numbers...maybe be 10%. Oh ! and that's in hilly San Diego area

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Love these detailed reviews! MORE MORE MORE!!!

[@TFLcar]

Brandon Friesen Glad you like it.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

The Fast Lane Car You guys should compare the 1.8t. Or maybe just do an mpg run to see if the TDI is worth the extra money since the only reason for buying it is fuel economy.

[@balanair9384]

Love the detailed review and the sense of humor

[@Briguy1027]

What a dream car. Tons of space, great gas mileage, wonderful handling, good looks, and fairly decent price. I like the spot for the rear cover too, so convenient. This car goes on my list of cars to replace my 2008 Nissan Rogue, so many advantages, until they jack up the price on diesel, but right now it's running about a buck cheaper than gas here in So Cal.

[@Briguy1027]

+Theodore Marakas LOL, honestly though, the Rogue has given me zero problems besides regular maintenance, and I have about 94,000 miles on it. I use it to carry fishing gear as well as commuting, so gas mileage is far more important to me than performance. Although the lack of a USB connector is a negative, although not a deal breaker for me, as I'm getting older I would like some more of those digital nannies that will keep me from moving into someone else's lane or hitting them from behind. Still, there are so many positives to a wagon, including the fact that you can wash it easier than a CUV. The big sunroof is probably not something that important to me, I have one on the Rogue and barely use it. Not sure why fewer companies make station wagons nowadays. I mean I can see why minivans are looked down upon, but wagons give up very little in performance over a sedan yet you get lots of space in return!

[@mdtravis1]

Thanks for that full, good review! Yes, and I like that car...SportWagen.

[@juanda1995]

You should do more reviews of average/economy cars!

[@cadsux]

I don't understand why this isn't called the Jetta Sportwagen. The Golf and the GTI are considered "hatchbacks" because they are shorter than the Jetta sedan it is based on. The Jetta wagon is such because it is longer than the sedan. Great review as always guys.

[@Marchautowerks]

How did you do a “review” on this car and not mention the Jetta sportwagon that it replaced it’s just a slight face lift with a different name but you kept comparing it to a golf

[@kirkwd8829]

Awesome review, thank you. Truly appreciate the in depth review

[@llamataboottaboot1080]

No mention of the AdBlue tank?

[@MrAtomicBlaster]

I also like these longer reviews. Are you gonna do one on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma when it releases? I'd love to see a detailed review of it!

[@Nemofishman]

Mr. Atomic Blaster It's is likely, probably in the fall when it comes out. And don't be surprised for an Ike Gauntlet test as well.

[@4GuilleMusic]

Awesome car and awesome review! Keep up the good work!

[@Pureservize1]

I went to the vw dealer yesterday and sat in the golf sport wagon. When I got in I hit my head on the roof, It just seems small on the inside to me. I was excited to hear about the all wheel drive that is coming out in this model but the car seems small inside. I am 6 ft tall so maybe that should be expected. I also wish that vw would do away with the timing belt setup and also it has exhaust fluid to add to it which is another expense to drive this car.

[@LlyleHunter]

Pureservice That's odd. I'm 6'1" and have a long torso and short calves and didn't find a shortage of headroom. I found a shortage of shoulder room. I liked the quality of materials though.

[@phgamer4393]

Pureservice you can adjust the seat cushion to go lower so your not as up in the car. Its a wierd thing in new cars that ive noticed. I always hate it when i go to car washes and they lower my seat so it feels like im a small grandma driving a big car.

[@LlyleHunter]

PHGamer I can't stand that either. Their only going to be in the car for a minute. They never clean under the seats anyway. That's why I clean my own house. Why would I pay someone not to move the furniture. They never do.

[@robertsmith1768]

Great review. I prefer the longer format. But with all of the chatter everywhere about the TDI I'd like to see more about the 1.8t.

[@shirakawa2]

In the 0-60 mph test the car might have accelerated faster by shifting gears a bit earlier - you can actually hear the engine struggling for the last few hundred rpms in each gear and then resuming its pace as the transmission shifts up.

[@sjwiley10316321]

Thank you Nathan, I’m thinking of getting one.

[@edwardv54]

I would love more of this format. I have 2009 miles on my 2015 Sportwagen, so far I pretty much love it. I'm taking about a 10,000 mile west coast trip in a few months so I'll know more soon enough. Route: Texas. Austin, San Antonio, Fort Stockton, Guadalupe Mountains National Park. New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Santa Fe, Albuquerque. Arizona. Flagstaff, Grand Canyon. Nevada. Las Vegas. California. Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Forest, Bakersfield to Coast highway. San Luis Obispo, then up the Coast highway to San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, back to I-5. Oregon. Eugene, Springfield, Portland. Washington. Vancouver, Tacoma, Seattle. Canada. Vancouver, Banff National Park. Washington. Back to Seattle. Montana. Glacier National Park. Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park. Idaho. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. Utah. Salt Lake City. Colorado. Denver, Pike's peak. New Mexico.. Texas. Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, Fredericksburg, San Antonio. Austin. I averaged 50.8 mpg (trip computer) going from Austin to Dallas at between 70-75 mph. Around town its about 28-30 mpg, which seems like a huge variance to me.

[@SwPiotrek]

Great review! Make more videos like this one! It's very interesting.

[@josephpeoples3910]

First, I like the longer reviews. I learn more about the cars this way. But I do miss the constant wit and wisdom from the quicker reviews. Please keep both coming our ways. Second, after a hundred miles, the difference between 46 and 48.52 miles per gallon is about a tenth of a gallon of fuel. I have no problem believing that there is that much difference in the beginning and ending levels at fillup. I tend to feel the most important thing you proved here is that you do a good job of filling the tank to the same level.

[@josephpeoples3910]

Joseph Peoples oh, and I like the golf wagon tdi. How roomy is it in the driver's seat? I'm a big son of a gun.

[@05Forenza]

Yes please...longer reviews!

[@sanpt7777]

Keep up the long reviews and small ones as well. Sometimes it's nice to have a more comprehensive review, and longer too, so I can concentrate on my snacks instead of reaching to play a new video. But short reviews have their advantages I'm guessing. Also, as a Mexican who loves German cars, keep up the jokes haha Not because they are kinda funny, but because I like to hear the word enchilada

[@traviswheeler9945]

Yes I want more reviews like this

[@ChefDaveWillard]

Good review, thanks. I’m looking at a barely used 2015 just like this one (same color too, sorry). You’re helping me make my decision.

[@cwescapexlt4x4]

I like the detailed review!

[@chillychan3548]

I like this format. Thanks!

[@jeremytd7072]

I own this car except with a 6 spd MT. I can honestly say it's as great a car today as it was 2.5 years ago. Interior has stood up very well. The pleather is surprisingly comfortable and easy to maintain. It's a perfect balance between fun to drive (18" summer wheels and tires anyone?) and comfortable to travel in for long distances. Make fun of the looks all you want but I'm betting it will hold up better than all this swoopy crap that's so popular now. Oh yeah.....and the MPG!!

[@1Harribo]

Yes! More reviews like this!

[@TFLcar]

Jeff Robertson Glad you like it.

[@Drewbie85]

I thought it was a great video, liked the detailed review.

[@liveforever9620]

Longer reviews are better. Great job.

[@KevinTV95]

Longer reviews are neat.

[@jacobbendah6735]

love the in-depth vids

[@moorewr]

good format. needs more track footage

[@usguysholdings4856]

I own a 2015 like the test vehicle. Hard acceleration requires you not floor the car immediately. Push down almost to the floor and wait for the turbo to spool up then floor it. More like squeezing the pedal rather then stapping on it. I usually get 47-49 MPH Highway and 36 city.

[@CaptSavageOZ]

Only just watched this, and loved it, in fact I'm just about to buy one, but the highline version. In Australia they are not called a sportwagon btw. I'm going for the fully spec version with the r-line sports package. My current Mk6 is has the sports pack, but the r-line version looks heaps cooler, at least from my view. Love the fact that the US version of the TDI has a urea filling cap, we don't have that in Australia, just a particulate filter.

[@markk1931]

Good stuff appreciated the extra details.

[@carbrickscity]

I wonder what if this car has CVT and driving at 65mph? Would it get 60mpg?

[@Nemofishman]

vader11111 over 50, 54 with just 1 and the horse.

[@carbrickscity]

+Theodore Marakas I have driven cars with CVT before and I think they are boring.

[@aaronbehindbars]

Should have no problem getting 50 mpg at 75 mpg once that engine is nicely worn in. I bet you could see 70 mpg on some 45-50 mph back roads.

[@geragosian805]

Aaron Fink 48 MPG isn't that impressive for a diesel. 40+ MPG is actually pretty common to see in gas 4 cylinder cars, even in larger cars like an Accord 4 cylinder, Mazda 6 or even RWD cars like a BMW 3 series. I recently made a trip from LA San Diego in a previous generation Mazda 3 and returned 43 MPG at an average of 71 MPH. I'd imagine the newer one to be even better.

[@aaronbehindbars]

Geragosian​ My point was that 48 mpg is impressive for a brand new, tight engine and given the speed. MPG dips significantly at these higher speeds, so 5 mph will make a difference. Also, the payload of 3 big guys is going to hurt fuel economy. I own a 2013 Accord 4 cylinder and that car at 70 on flat terrain will knock down 38-39 mpg. At 75, that drops to around 34-35, so 10%. I would expect this TDI to have no problem getting well into the 50's with less payload and more miles on the clock. Thus, I think these test results are impressive given the circumstances.

[@perry8867]

Aaron Fink With the way modern cars are built, mechanical run-in is much less significant, especially for diesels and turbo gas engines. What can significantly impact mileage is the vehicle's maintenance and condition as a vehicle gets older, even in a 1 or 2 year old car. Tire condition, fuel quality, when the nect fuel servicing is due, too little highway driving, etc. all can impact mileage significantly, making it harder for a car to run optimally. In fact, I've seen cars lose 10% efficiency in just a year of driving due to carbon build up. It's hard to compare a brand new car to a car that's 2 or 3 years old. Also, diesels are very tricky. 48 mpg sounds great, but DPF systems and diesel EGR cause mileage to vary wildly. You shouldn't take 48 mpg as what you will likely see consistently in your day-to-day highway driving. In reality, all mileage testing for all vehicles isn't solid. That's why "Your mileage may vary" is always stressed.

[@geragosian805]

Aaron Fink I've driven many Accord 4 cylinders, even the last generation, and I've always been able to get near or better than 40 MPG out on the open highway. I'm not saying what you say is untrue, but there are many variables.

[@geragosian805]

***** The problem with diesel is that it can't just be better, it has to be way better to justify the premium. With gas prices being $.50+ less on average in the US, with the added cost of DEF, with the higher upfront cost, and with the high cost of repairing a diesel, etc., it's not good enough to only get 4 or 5 MPG better than most gas compact cars.

[@90FirstGenPGT]

Are the back seats fixed? Can you pull them back for more leg room or recline the seats?

[@Mechanix360]

Great review fellas, now the question is either go with the VW sportswagon tdi or the new upcoming 2016 toyota prius??

[@amadeus999]

4WD/AWD version in the future?

[@pulser955]

How did you guys get 48mpg? I have a 2011 Sportwagon TDI and I have to drive it at 70mph or under to get that kind of milage on i25.

[@iamhassan9943]

Yes, more detailed reviews, please.

[@fJimBo]

Best review eve!

[@esmokah]

The turbo spools at low rpm. You dont so much feel the turbo kick in as you do feel torque in every gear 2k-3k as you accelerate

[@fantomtuba]

Hey, I saw the milage test on the Silverado on TFL Truck and saw the 30 second thing at the gas pump. Can you explain that exactly? Does that mean it takes 30 seconds for the gas to travel from the tubes down to the tank?

[@_Mario_PL_]

Diesel fuel foams up so waiting 30 seconds in this case will let it settle and then you'll be able to get a little more in there.

[@fantomtuba]

Cause I saw this on the Silverado, and they put 91 octane gas in it. *****

[@jockosboy17]

fantomtuba Gas or Diesel they do it so they don't get a false top off. It allows the fuel to drain into the tank.

[@TFLcar]

fantomtuba Yes, we wait 30 seconds to let the fuel settle down before the top off. The fuel foams up and diesel can foam up more than gasoline. We decided to wait the same amount of time for diesel and gasoline.

[@mistertraveler71930]

I thought your review was well done. I would like to see more reviews like this.

[@seb5945]

Yes, I like this kind of review.

[@stanos86]

I know this was not designed to tow at least in the US...but I wonder how well it would tow....@tflcar may be a new segment?

[@Nemofishman]

stanos86 most small cars are for 1,000 lbs, even the dinky smart car.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

Now we just need the Golf GTD. I'd gladly own both.

[@meowzers8655]

What are the towing specs?

[@MrCsluggo]

was wondering on that power, your 0 to 60 was about 10.52 but that was in high elevation, what would that translate to in a lower elevation? also is there power for passing? or is it a white knuckle experience? im really interested in the diesel but worry that the horsepower wont be enough and would struggle on mountain grades as well as entering highways like in the bay area in california when you need to dart into traffic

[@madant7777]

Christopher Deguzman Well, I can tell you about a generation older 150 hp 2.0 diesel I drove in a euro Jetta. I was doing 90 mph average and it had no problem going up to 110 mph when needed for passing. After that it was kind of gutless but that is to be expected, and if we take into consideration US has lower speed limits you won't have any problems in everyday driving. Oh, and going uphill it pulls like a truck since it is a diesel, so no problem there either even when it is loaded. Just go and test dirve one on a hill to see what I/they mean :)

[@TFLcar]

Christopher Deguzman This test was done at around 5,200 feet of elevation. Normally aspirated engines lose approx. 17% of power at this elevation. This is a turbo diesel, so it does not lose as much. Expect it to be 0.5 second or 1.0 second quicker at sea level. This car has plenty of passing power and at higher elevations as well. You may not win many drag races, but every day power you can use on the highway is there.

[@dufonrafal]

Officially it's around 8.6 seconds for the 0 to 60. Don't worry for the power. It's a European car and Europeans want their cars to be able to overtake on a steep hill, fully loaded at over 80mph. And this Golf can do it. 150hp alone doas not mean much. This car is light, aerodynamic and has a very efficient gearbox.

[@AdrianoCROST]

dufonrafal "Don't worry for the power. It's a European car and Europeans want their cars to be able to overtake on a steep hil" LOL European cars in general are not known for power. Average American car have much more power than European so your claim make no sense.

[@dufonrafal]

Well, you're trolling here. I've already answered that: power alone doesn't mean anything. A semi has 1000hp, and it's slow. Americans cars have big engine because they're big, heavy, inefficient and have 4 speed auto gearbox. And being a diesel this Golf has a lot of torque at low rpm.

[@adaptable1]

How much faster is the regular gas version? Diesel like hybrid has too many trade offs, beginning with the higher price. If you don't get a high trim one, you can get a base GTI for this much and have so much more fun.

[@Nemofishman]

adaptable1 The regular one is think 8 seconds, figure 9 for this at sea level.

[@adaptable1]

***** Wow. I rented a Jetta TSI 1.8T last week and it seemed pretty fast (bad torque steer though). Hoping they bring out a sportier version of this wagon with 200+ HP and a limited slip differential. I think they may already sell a model like that in Germany.

[@madant7777]

True, in EU there is an R Sportwagon and its sister Seat Leon Cupra ST with 276 hp, both with LSD.

[@adaptable1]

I think they should take the word "Sport" of the name of this car. It seems misleading considering Ford is offering Focus ST hatchbacks at a price starting way below this Golf. 250+ HP and a sporty suspension are among the new STs features. Ford has ST's priced new at $22,000 at my local dealer.

[@erongashi4497]

adaptable1 can your ford have good plastic and good engine and good transmition and good brakes and and good safety and .... many things that golf have you know that the golf is the third most selled car on the world ? Thats why the golf is better it's about quality not cheap as hell and rubish car