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VOLKSWAGEN Golf Sportsvan Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2014
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Hatchback
VOLKSWAGEN Golf Sportsvan photo gallery

Volkswagen introduced a new generation of its Golf-based MPV Sportsvan in 2014 and added a mid-life cycle refresh three years later.

Volkswagen introduced the Golf Plus in 2004 and kept it on the market until 2014 when it replaced it with the Golf Sportvan, an MPV based on the same platform as the Golf MK7. After its more notorious sibling received a mid-life cycle impulse, the minivan brother followed and got refreshed.

At the front, the 2017 model featured a new pair of headlights with standard halogen lamps and LED daytime running lights. As an option, the carmaker provided the Sportvan with full-LEDs instead of Xenon brights. In addition, the front bumper received an updated look with sharp, angular lines that evoked a sportier design. At the back, the carmaker added LED taillights fitted as standard for the entire range.

Inside, Volkswagen upgraded the infotainment system. It introduced an eight-inch screen as standard with an option for a Discover Pro unit that featured a 9.2" display on the center stack. Additionally, the carmaker provided an option for an interface named Media Control, which the owner could install on a smartphone or tablet, enhancing the onboard experience. Depending on the countries, the Sportsvan came equipped with a WiFi hot-spot. As part of the safety package, the carmaker added automatic braking features, including pedestrian detection.

Under the hood, the 2017 Sportsvan ditched the famous turbo-diesel engines from its lineup for specific markets but kept two of them for the European customers. Its gasoline units ranged between 85 hp and 150 hp.

full description and technical specifications
VOLKSWAGEN Golf Sportsvan photo gallery

Compact minivans proved to be unworthy for carmakers unless they could split the costs with other manufacturers or other hot-selling products from their lineups.

Volkswagen needed a compact MPV for families who needed more interior space for their cars at a price not significantly higher than the one for a regular Golf. Thanks to the new bodywork, the driver sat higher, resulting in improved legroom for the rear seats.

From the outside, the car looked like someone stretched a regular Golf upwards and created a higher greenhouse. But that also impacted the headlights, which were a tad taller, but still resembled the Golf's headlights from the same generation. Since the car's name was "Sportsvan," the accent for sportiness was underlined by the look of the front bumper, which featured an A-shaped lower grille flanked by foglamps, which also served as cornering lights. From the sides, the design team added a few sculptured lines. At the back, a third window was added behind the rear doors, emphasizing the added length of the vehicle when compared with its more famous compact sibling.

Inside, the dashboard design was similar to the one found in the Golf, with an infotainment unit placed atop the center stack. The analog dials featured silver rims flanking a TFT display inside the instrument cluster. The higher roof made room for higher seating positions for all the passengers, which helped drivers have a better look at the road. There was enough room for three occupants sitting in the back on the split-folding bench.

Under the hood, the Golf Sportsvan received a wide choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines. Yet, there was no GTI or other true sporty version.

full description and technical specifications