Think you need an SUV? Watch this first - Volkswagen Golf Wagon (Estate) 2022 review: 110TSI Life

It's easy to follow the leader and do what everyone else does. But life would be boring if we all followed the same patterns and bought the same things our neighbours did.

That's where cars like the Volkswagen Golf Wagon come in. It shuns the idea of needing an SUV if you're a family car buyer, with a practical and clever body, smart interior treatment and interesting technology and features, too.

It comes with a turbo-petrol engine, auto transmission and is 2WD, so if you want to venture off-road you might need something a bit more capable. But for the majority of families looking for a crossover or SUV, the VW Golf Estate (as its known in other markets) could be the right car.

The Golf Wagon has always been a well-kept secret, matching and often exceeding the practicality of many five-seat SUVs like RAV4, CX-5, Outlander, X-Trail, CR-V, Tucson and Sportage.

But does the new Mk8 version live up to that heritage?

It has space on its side and plenty of the latest in-car and safety tech, but it lacks the ride height of its SUV rivals.

Emily Agar spent a week with it and her family found it to be a really intriguing alternative to the SUV crowd. Tell us what you think in the comments below.

00:00 Intro
00:58 Pricing and features
01:18 Design
02:28 Practicality
06:16 Driving
07:18 Efficiency
07:33 Safety
08:21 Ownership
08:48 Verdict

#2022volkswagen #volkswagengolfwagon #VWreview #VWgolfwagonreview #vw #vwgolfVW #carsguide #familyguide #adventure #wagon

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[letsseeif]

Enjoyed your balanced review. This car is an option for people for don't see the point of cars on stilts (SUV's) especially inasmush that fuel prices are still rising. Common sense trumped hype. thanks again.

[StephenFogarty]

Golf wagon is a brilliant vehicle.
Absolutely huge amount of cargo space, that has a lot of versatility and configuration options.
More cargo space then probably every small or compact SUV.
Most of these small or compact SUV, are FWD, and don’t have much ground clearance.
They aren’t really an SUV.
A wagon, like this is a much better vehicle overall, compared to competitor SUV product.
#makewagonsgreatagain

[EnShinNoi]

I much preferred the Mazda6 wagon sport when I was car shopping. Not only is it cheaper, it looks classier, sportier, has a nicer interior and was more comfortable to drive. This golf wagon felt like it was fishtailing at higher speeds. There seemed to be a delay between the steering wheel and car turning. I think it's because the steering is a lot lighter than what I'm accustomed to. Another issue was my hands covered half the instrument cluster.

[BSingh-onqr]

Love my mid 2019 Golf Alltrack I bought earlier this year

[DaveDVideoMaker]

I would have a wagon over a crossover SUV any day.

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. A great alternative to a SUV

[vtvman]

Hmm… maybe check out the new WRX Sportswagon as an AWD option with more technology and performance. This might be a better crossover .. but it won’t be as fuel efficient

[acde]

As the Labour gains power in the federal government, Australia is towards a world-class CO2 control standard. Before everyone can have an EV charging plug at home, it is a good approach to help Australia catch up by buying a fuel-efficient car rather than a thirsty SUV.
I really wish this change could be the wagon's second spring in Australia.

[michaelallen]

All SUVs are starting to look very similar these days, particularly Mazda, very little difference between the SUVs they produce....

[buggersofoz]

Last wagon standing! It's a pretty solid offer, but I still can't fathom how they crammed these rubbish controls (tested them in person and hate them!!!) in such a practical car! That alone would be a turn-off for me. BTW Skoda seems to be doing a great job at making people believe that octavia is mazda 6 competitor. It is golf's sibling model and almost identical in size as a wagon.

[howardkerr]

I actually considered a VW Golf Sportwagon, an All-Trac (for its added height, for ease of ingress and egress) mostly because it was also available in this market with a manual transmission. Unfortunately, that model, along with every other NON GTI model was discontinued years ago, here in the 'states.
Love that color, tho.

[AgsyMixChannel]

With the price tag and the minimum required premium petrol, no thanks.

[GeeooH]

Damn!!! I wish we got this in the U.S. 😢😭 I despise SUVs!

[michaelinzitari]

Had a golf, broke down once a month and was expensive to fix. Would not recommend it to anyone. Had a type R civic. Was great until I had a child. Got a Mazda 6 GL wagon. Amazing except for the rubbish infotainment. Also you don’t want a small wagon. You want large like Mazda 6. Because rear facing child seats need more room. Also the Mazda has a proper 6 speed transmission that is reliable and easy for your transmission specialist to work on. Unlike every expensive weak CVT or complicated DSG auto

[beno]

I want an SUV because it has AWD and a 3rd row.

[maxregal]

Great car in all ways except that it is a Volkswagen. Just wouldn't risk it.