(February 12, 2015) CHICAGO — Volkswagen of America today announced pricing of the all-new Golf SportWagen. With a starting PRICE of $21,395 for the 1.8T S model with manual transmission, the latest SportWagen features more standard equipment, increased fuel efficiency, and more space than the outgoing Jetta SportWagen S model. The TDI Clean Diesel model starts at $24,595, a reduction of almost $2,000 over the previous base TDI model price.

Scheduled to hit dealer showrooms in April, THE Golf SportWagen models will be offered with two powertrains: the EA888 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; and the EA288 2.0-liter, 150-hp turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 1.8T model with manual transmission has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg, while the TDI Clean Diesel model gets 43 highway mpg according to EPA estimates. These figures better all compact SUVs on the market, while offering comparable cargo volume — 30.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

In addition to a long list of standard amenities, several new comfort and convenience features will be available on the 2015 Golf SportWagen including the Fender Premium Audio System and Climatronic automatic air conditioning. Newly available driver assistance systems include Automatic Post-Collision Braking, the Forward Collision Warning System, and front and rear Park Distance Control.

An available lighting package includes LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System.

The Golf SportWagen has grown in size yet dropped in weight by up to 137 pounds (depending on model) compared with the Jetta SportWagen, despite a plethora of new and upscale features. Dimensionally, the Golf SportWagen has grown slightly, by 1.1 inches in overall length to 179.6 inches, and by 0.7 inches in width, to 70.8 inches. However, because the new car is 0.9 inches lower and has a 2.2 inch longer wheelbase, it looks more muscular and has a premium “cab backward” aesthetic.