
The Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen is a popular choice for those seeking a small station wagon with ample room and a budget-friendly price. While the Sportwagen is no longer in production, it remains a sought-after option on the used car market. One of its key features is the availability of Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction and handling, especially in slippery or snowy conditions. This feature was typically offered on the base S trim, providing buyers with a capable and versatile vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability of 4Motion | Available on the 2017 and 2019 Golf Sportwagen S models |
| Engine | 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine |
| Horsepower | 170 horsepower |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Fuel Economy | 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway |
| Features | Heated front seats, roof rails, touchscreen infotainment system, rear-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking |
| Price | Around $24,000 for the 2019 model |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The 2019 Golf SportWagen is available with 4Motion all-wheel drive
- Motion is only available on the base S model
- The 2017 Golf SportWagen is also available with 4Motion
- Motion delivers a solid 7.0-second run from 0-60 mph
- Motion is recommended for those who live in cold-weather states or have to deal with slick or snowy roads

The 2019 Golf SportWagen is available with 4Motion all-wheel drive
The 4Motion all-wheel drive is ideal for those who live in cold-weather states or have to navigate slick or snowy roads. It seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels when needed, making it a fun car to drive. The 2019 Golf SportWagen with 4Motion also comes with a 170-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, heated front seats, roof rails, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
While the 4Motion package has its advantages, some buyers may prefer the higher trim levels of the front-drive SportWagen, which offer additional features such as a premium speaker setup and optional safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The front-wheel-drive models also come with a new 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the all-wheel-drive models retain the previous 1.8-liter turbocharged engine.
The 2019 Golf SportWagen is a practical choice for those seeking a small wagon with excellent driving dynamics and ample cargo space. It stands out for its taut yet comfortable driving manners and fuel efficiency. With its distinctive European style, it has a classic shape that will remain timeless for years to come.
Heavier Discs: Better Golf?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$99.98 $105.98

4Motion is only available on the base S model
The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is only available on the base S model of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. This is because opting for the SE model pushes the cost of the 2019 Golf SportWagen to more than $30,000, and VW's 4Motion is not offered with this trim.
The S model with 4Motion all-wheel drive comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but there is also the option of a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This model has a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 170 horsepower, which is more powerful than the 1.4-liter engine of the front-wheel-drive models.
The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is particularly useful for those who live in cold-weather states or who have to deal with slick or snowy roads. The system seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels when needed, and the car handles well on twisty roads. The 4Motion model also comes with standard heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, roof rails, and forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as part of the Driver Assistance package.
While the 4Motion package has a lot to offer, it does have some drawbacks. Some of the optional safety features available on other, non-4Motion trims, such as adaptive cruise control, are not available with the 4Motion package. Additionally, the base S model may not have some of the premium features of higher trim levels, such as the premium speaker setup.
Overall, the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system on the base S model of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen offers a compelling combination of performance, practicality, and safety features. However, buyers should be aware of the limitations of the package and the absence of certain premium features.
Jim Nantz's Golf Commentary: Retirement Rumors and Reality
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The 2017 Golf SportWagen is also available with 4Motion
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is available with 4Motion. 4Motion is Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, which is available with either an automatic or manual transmission. The 4Motion system is only available on the base S trim of the SportWagen. This model comes with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower. Standard features on the S 4Motion include a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, roof rails, and the aforementioned turbocharged engine.
The 4Motion system provides a seamless driving experience, with power transferred to the rear wheels when needed. The ride is firm but not jarring, and the car handles twisty roads with minimal body roll. The electrically assisted steering is precise and responsive, offering excellent road feel. The 4Motion package does, however, limit certain upgrade paths, and some desirable features are not available with this configuration.
The 2017 Golf SportWagen 4Motion offers a fun driving experience and the practicality of a small wagon. It is a compelling choice for drivers who need more space than a compact car but still enjoy driving on winding roads. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and confidence, especially in slippery or snowy conditions.
The 4Motion system enhances the driving dynamics of the SportWagen, which is known for its taut yet comfortable driving manners. The car stands out among compact cars with its combination of sportiness and practicality. The 4Motion package further adds to its versatility, making it a capable choice for a range of driving conditions and terrains.
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 4Motion is a well-rounded option for those seeking a practical, fun-to-drive vehicle with the added benefit of all-wheel drive. It offers a unique blend of performance, handling, and cargo capacity, providing a compelling choice for drivers with active lifestyles or those who frequently navigate winding roads.
Ernie Els' Height: How Tall is the Golfer?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

4Motion delivers a solid 7.0-second run from 0-60 mph
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is available with 4Motion, Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system. This feature is only offered on the base S trim. The 1.8T SportWagen 4Motion delivers a solid 7.0-second run from zero to 60 mph.
The 4Motion system provides a more powerful 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower. This is in contrast to the 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that comes as standard on the front-wheel-drive models, which generates 147 horsepower.
The all-wheel-drive SportWagen is longer and heavier than the standard Golf, but this is barely noticeable when driving on twisty roads. The car's road manners, supple and well-damped ride, crisp steering, and intuitive handling are all impressive. The all-wheel-drive system seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels when needed, providing excellent performance and handling.
The 4Motion model comes with standard features such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, roof rails, and a six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is also an option for an additional $1100. The SportWagen's fuel efficiency is impressive, with a fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. It has a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, which can be filled with regular unleaded petrol without affecting performance.
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is a practical and versatile choice, offering increased cargo space compared to the standard Golf. It is a compelling option for drivers who need more space but still enjoy driving on winding roads. The 4Motion variant, with its all-wheel-drive system and powerful engine, delivers solid performance and handling, making it a well-rounded choice in its segment.
Josh Allen's Golf Triumph: A Win for the Ages
You may want to see also
Explore related products

4Motion is recommended for those who live in cold-weather states or have to deal with slick or snowy roads
The Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen is available with 4Motion, Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system. The 4Motion system is available on the base S trim of the Golf Sportwagen.
Living in a cold-weather state or region comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to driving. Slick or snowy roads can make driving treacherous, and it's important to have a vehicle that can handle these conditions. This is where 4Motion comes in. The 4Motion system uses an electrohydraulic clutch pack to engage the all-wheel-drive coupling, which is situated in the rear differential housing. It drives the front wheels to save fuel but can route up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle when wheel slippage is detected, providing much-needed traction on slippery surfaces.
In cold-weather states, winter tires may be required by law during certain months, and the 4Motion system works in conjunction with these tires to provide optimal performance. The system has a Snow mode that allows more wheelspin than usual, helping to maintain forward motion in slow-going conditions. This can be extremely useful when navigating snow-covered roads or dealing with icy conditions, providing better control and peace of mind while driving.
Additionally, the 4Motion system can be beneficial when facing other cold-weather challenges, such as reduced traction due to slush or rain. The system senses the loss of traction and applies power to the affected area, distributing it evenly across all four wheels. This can help improve overall traction and cornering grip, making it safer to drive on slick roads and navigate corners with confidence.
For those who live in cold-weather states or frequently encounter snowy or icy roads, the 4Motion system in the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen can be a valuable feature. It provides enhanced traction, stability, and control, making driving in challenging conditions much safer and less stressful.
Wellington National Golf: A Public Course for All?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Golf Sportwagen is available with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
The 4Motion system is only available on the base S trim models of the Golf Sportwagen.
The 4Motion Golf Sportwagen has a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Standard features on the 4Motion Golf Sportwagen include heated front seats, roof rails, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a rear-view camera. The Driver Assistance Package, available on the base S model, adds features such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.











































