(September 9, 2013) FRANKFURT — Volkswagen is showing its new cross between a minivan and a crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week — it is called the Golf Sportsvan Concept. In this Volkswagen, the worlds of compact crossovers and minivans meld together into a new vehicle that offers more space for active recreation, family and work.



The Golf Sportsvan impresses with a perceptibly more spacious and flexible interior than the current Golf Plus — sold in Europe — with a cargo capacity of over 52.5 cubic feet and highly advanced assistance systems. These systems include the Blind Spot Monitor incorporating an assistant for exiting parking spaces, which is being implemented in a Golf for the first time.

The predecessor of the Golf Plus attained significant market share within the compact class in Europe. For good reason: its elevated seat position, which optimized visibility, and the longitudinally adjustable rear bench seat have made and are still making this Volkswagen an excellent alternative for those customers who want more flexibility, but do not need a classic "minivan."

Volkswagen has now refined this concept in the Golf Sportsvan, interpreting it more dynamically and placing it on an even more independent visual foundation. Consequently, the compact minivan has the potential to extend its market share significantly. The ten top sales volume countries for the new Sportsvan are Germany, France and Italy, followed by Austria, Russia, Belgium, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.

The Golf Plus is not sold in North America and there has been no indication the new Golf Sportsvan — if it goes from concept to production — will be sold in the U.S.

The Golf Sportsvan will offer a range of six different engine options, both gas and diesel in the mix. VW says the engines will be up to 19 percent more fuel efficient than the Golf Plus engines. All six engines will have the start-stop system as standard equipment.