VW Golf Sportsvan 2.0 TDI, test drive (equipment, price, final verdict)

We conclude the analysis of the most versatile Golf in the family with an assessment of its technology content, also discussing its price and possible rivals.

In the first part we talked about its driving dynamics, while in the second we analysed both its exterior and interior design, as well as its modularity.

Equipment

The Golf Sportsvan can be purchased in combination with three different trims, Edition, Advance and Sport, ordered from lowest to highest cost. Our unit featured the Sport trim together with the 150 CV 2.0 TDI engine, which placed it among the most expensive combinations in the available range.

Besides being the most expensive equipment line, it is also the richest, as it includes specific elements that set it apart from its siblings in the range, and it can also be extended with a multitude of optional equipment.

Among the most notable equipment of the Sport line we find the Light and Vision package (light and rain sensor), sporty front seats with Alcantara upholstery, electrically folding mirrors, a two-zone automatic air conditioner and chrome roof rails.
Of course, it comes as standard with the full range of safety systems (ABS, ESC, ASR, XDS, post-collision automatic braking and 7 airbags).

As for the optional equipment, our unit was “well loaded” with xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and “Dynamic Light Assist” cornering lights, a sport chassis, a panoramic sliding glass sunroof, “Tungsten Grey” metallic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40/R18 “Durban” tyres, “ACC” adaptive cruise control with “Front Assist” emergency braking assistant, “Rear View” reversing camera and “Discover Media” navigation system. In total, around 3,000 euros.

As can be seen, the amount of optional equipment means the Golf Sportsvan boasts a technology content on par with the best, which, while positive, does come at a price in the form of a somewhat hefty bill, especially considering that even more expensive options could still be added, such as the “Vienna” leather upholstery or the expanded “Discover Pro” navigation system.

Price

In our country, a Golf Sportsvan can be purchased with a base price starting at 21,510 euros for the Advance trim combined with the 110 CV 1.2 TSI engine. If you want a diesel engine, the price starts at 24,450 euros (110 CV 1.6 TDI engine).

A Sportsvan with the 150 CV 2.0 TDI diesel engine and Sport trim costs 30,460 euros without options, while if we equip it in the way most similar to our specific unit, the price rises to approximately 33,500 euros.

If we compare it with its main rival, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, a 218d Active Tourer has a starting price of 20,300 euros, which places it virtually at the same price level as the Volkswagen, leaving it up to the potential buyer whether to include certain options.

Final verdict

The Golf, regardless of the version, body style or trim we are talking about, has been considered a benchmark, a yardstick against which other manufacturers compare their creations. With the Sportsvan, Volkswagen has created the most versatile Golf in its history, with a much more refined design than its predecessors, a quality interior and a personality of its own.

With its 150 CV diesel engine it offers more than sufficient performance with a remarkable level of dynamism, combined with low consumption figures that make its use possible without running costs spiralling. After a week on board and 2,500 kilometres covered, the conclusion is clear: the Golf Sportsvan amply meets the needs of 99% of buyers, and Volkswagen has indeed created a true “car for everything, and for everyone”.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso