2010 Volkswagen Golf Wagon Heading To Australia

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP AUSTRALIA has confirmed it will bring the Golf Wagon to Australia early next year, marketing it as a competitor to the Peugeot 308 Touring.

Sold as the Golf Variant in Germany and Golf Estate in the UK, the Golf Wagon shares its underpinnings and front styling with the Golf VI hatchback.

With greater rear overhang and a more generous luggage area, the Wagon offers significantly more interior space than the five-door Golf hatchback, and is expected to be an attractive proposition for families and fleet buyers alike.

Despite the extra load-carrying ability of the Golf Wagon, Volkswagen spokesman Karl Gehling told TMR that it will not take the place of the slightly larger Passat wagon in VW's line-up.

The German automaker's local arm does not expect sales of the Passat to be cannibalised by the Golf Wagon, and will continue to sell the Passat wagon alongside the newcomer.

A solid launch date has yet to be announced, but Volkswagen Australia general manager Anke Koeckler said it will hit local showrooms in the first quarter of 2010.

Pricing will be announced closer to the launch, but expect it to occupy the same bracket as the $31,500+ Peugeot 308 Touring.

Engine specifications are still to be decided, however the turbocharged petrol and diesel motors used by the regular Golf hatch range are likely candidates for the Golf Wagon.

The Golf Wagon is currently offered in Europe with a choice of a 70kW turbocharged petrol engine, a 77kW turbodiesel or a 103kW turbodiesel.

CLICK HERE TO READ TMR'S REVIEW OF THE 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 118 TSI