2015 Volkswagen Golf VII R Variant Photos, engines & full specs

For those who asked for enough room for a family and supercar performance, Volkswagen produced the Golf VII R Variant, a car that could smoke many other famous sportscars while carrying a fridge in the trunk.

Volkswagen introduced the R lineup in the Golf family in 2013, but the car's success determined the automaker to offer it also as a station wagon. Thus, owners could easily do school runs, shopping days, and track days.

When Volkswagen decided to go to another level with its famous hatchback, the Variant was considered to receive the same drivetrain as the rest of the Golf R range. And, just like its siblings, this version got an aggressive front fascia with a beefier front bumper that sported a trapezoidal lower grille and a pair of big, functional side scoops. From its profile, the Variant was identical to the five-door version up to the B-post. There were different rear doors and a third side window between the C- and the D-pillars. At the back, the slightly tilted forward tailgate sported a roof spoiler at the top. Finally, to further enhance the car's look, the automaker installed a quad exhaust system under the rear bumper, flanking a diffuser.

Inside, the high-bolstered front seats' backrests received the "R" badge embroidered in the upholstery. On the dashboard, the automaker installed an instrument cluster with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanking a small display between them and the smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. In addition, the center stack sported the screen for the infotainment system. Behind the rear split-folding bench, the Golf R Variant offered a 605 liters (21.4 ft) trunk. With the rear seats folded, the storage area was increased to 1,620 liters (57.2 cu-ft).

Under the hood, Volkswagen installed a two-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produced 300 PS (296 hp). It was paired with a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission that sent the power in all corners.