It will take a special type of buyer to get into one of these, but that's exactly what VW is banking on. This car was built specifically for that particular customer, as well as those looking to move from a compact SUV or crossover vehicle into something equally utilitarian, but much more nimble.
As for this magazine, we've already ordered one. You can bet we'll go into a lot more detail when we take delivery of our longterm Sportwagen TDI tester later this year.
*Layout
Transverse front engine, front wheel drive
*Engine
2.5-liter inline five, dohc, 20-valve
*Transmission
Five-speed manual; optional six-speed automatic
*Dimensions
Length/Width/Height (in.) 179.4/70.1/59.2
Wheelbase: 105 inches
Curb Weight: 3228 lb
*Performance
Peak Power: 170 hp @ 5700 rpm
Peak Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.4 sec.
Top Speed: 127 mph (electronically limited)
*Price Tag
$19,000 (est.)H