VW Golf load lumper on its way

VOLKSWAGEN Australia has confirmed it will take advantage of a gap in the market by introducing the Golf Estate early next year.

The practical small wagon will join the range early next year, with the choice of at least one petrol and one diesel engine.

Volkswagen Australia is keen to capitalise on the lack of small wagons in the local market, with the low-volume Peugeot 308 Touring one of the few competitors.

Managing director Anke Koeckler told GoAuto that the Golf wagon, which is called the Golf Variant in Germany and Golf Estate in the UK, would appeal to fleets as well as private customers.

“We are looking at it being for young families and for fleets. It is very good for fleets,” said Ms Koeckler.

With the VW wagon, fleets could reduce costs by going for a smaller car – but a nicer car.

Volkswagen Australia is not prepared to talk about pricing just yet, but said the Peugeot 308 Touring, which starts at $31,790 would be a competitor of sorts.

Ms Koeckler said she was not yet sure exactly how customers would react to the car, although she was confident.

“This is the first time that we have had a Golf wagon, so we will see how the customer will relate to this when we launch the car,” she said.

The European version of the Golf wagon comes with a long list of engine and transmission combinations, but Volkswagen Australia will only take two or possibly three engines for Australian cars.

The company is not prepared to confirm the powertrain line-up, but hints they will be economical rather than high-performance engines.