2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Is A Tall Order

With a length that slots neatly between that of the shorter Golf hatchback and larger Golf Estate (wagon) in Europe, the Sportsvan concept combines those sharper, sportier styling elements we've seen debut across the entire line of new seventh-generaiton Golfs with a more upright greenhouse. The resulting shape is similar to the Ford C-Max hybrid in the US, offering an upright seating position and loads of cargo space and flexibility.

Indeed, with its interior configured for maximum stowage, the Sportvan Concept can swallow 1,512 liters of cargo. Xenophiles will note that is 53.4 cubic-feet of space (more than the C-Max's 52.6 cubes), and the Sportvan can still handle 17.6 cubic feet of cargo with its seats in their upright and locked position.

When it launches in Europe next year, the Golf Sportvan will be offered with no less than six engine choices (four gas, two diesel), which VW claims are up to 19-percent more miserly with fuel than before and include a stop-start system as standard equipment. Other nice hardware notes include the XDS+ electronic locking differential swiped from the GTI, new blind spot monitoring system and, oh, a heated steering wheel is offered for the first time. While we'd love to see the Golf Sportsvan on sale here in the US, there are no such plans, so we'll continue holding our breath waiting for the Sportwagen's replacement.