2024 Volkswagen Golf Variant Photos, engines & full specs

Volkswagen refreshed the entire eighth generation of its best-known product, the Golf, and along with the hatchback, it also revised the station wagon version, also known as the Golf Variant.

The first two generations of the Golf were available with either a hatchback or an open-top bodywork. Starting with 1993, along with the third sequel of this moniker, the automaker expanded the range and offered it in a station wagon shape, also known as the Golf Variant. Suddenly, those looking for a spacious family car could get a compact-sized one with the interior space of a mid-size vehicle. Thanks to the version’s success, Volkswagen decided to use the same recipe for the following generations of the Golf. As a result, at the beginning of 2024, along with the rest of the eighth generation of this model, the automaker also refreshed the station wagon.

Volkswagen offered the Golf 8.5 with a revised front fascia. Just to be sure that most people would recognize the upgraded version, the automaker offered the car with an illuminated badge above the bumper, integrated into the upper grille. While this was not standard across the range, it was at least available as an option. Above it, the car sported a horizontal LED stripe that visually connected the headlights. Volkswagen offered the Golf with standard basic LED lamps, with an option for two other higher versions, including an IQ.LIGHT Matrix system. Under the bumper, depending on the grade, the Golf featured an apron with two horizontal slats.

From its profile up to the A-pillars, the Golf Variant looked similar to its regular, five-door hatchback stablemate. However, after the B-post, the automaker completely redesigned the car. First and foremost, it extended the wheelbase and installed a different read door. In addition, Volkswagen added a third set of windows next to the luggage space area. Finally, at the back, the raked forward tailgate adorned with a roof spoiler at its upper side housed the broad taillights extended from the rear quarter panels.

Inside, customers could find a 10.2-inch display inside the instrument cluster. Atop the center stack, Volkswagen installed a 10.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with an option for a 12.9-inch unit. Drivers were spoiled with a new steering wheel that featured physical buttons instead of the touch-sensitive ones used on the Golf 8. At the front, the automaker installed a set of bucket seats, while in the back, the Golf Variant was a split-folding bench seat. Those seated there could enjoy more leg- and headroom, thanks to the longer wheelbase and slightly higher roof. Thanks to the split-folding bench, the Golf Variant offered standard 612-liter (21.6 cu-ft) of space with the rear seats up, while with the bench seat folded, it provided up to 1,642 liters (58 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide choice of engines. It offered the Golf with either gasoline, mild-hybrid, or plug-in hybrid versions. Moreover, it still offered the Golf with turbo diesel powerplants, an option that seemed to be very attractive to its buyers. Power was sent to the front wheels only via either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. Depending on the power level, the Golf 8.5 featured a torsion beam or an independent suspension at the back.