NEW VEHICLE

Golf SportWagen is bigger, better

By Malcolm Gunn Wheelbase Media

The 2015 Golf hatchback-based SportWagen picks up where the previous Jetta SportWagen left offff.

That means it’s built on Volkswagen’s adjustable Modular Transverse Matrix (MBQ ) platform that’s integral to a number of current and future Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. Compared to the previous SportWagen, the latest iteration is slightly longer and wider overall and there’s a couple of additional inches between the front and rear wheels.

Passenger volume has accordingly increased, but cargo room is down slightly, mainly due to a rooflfline that is a touch lower for improved aerodynamics and fuel economy. Even though the size has increased, VW managed to prune nearly 140 pounds from the SportWagen’s base weight.

From a design perspective, the SportWagen is now all Golf, which means it shares the hatchback’s neatly creased side panels and bulging fender openings necessitated by a wider stance.

VW’s designers have also done a great job in creating a liftgate that ties in beautifully with the rest of the vehicle.

The interior from the rear-seats forward also shares the Golf ’s looks, including a sophisticated dashboard and control panel that wouldn’t look out of place in one of VW’s premium Audi products. The 60:40 split-folding rear seat, which can be lowered from the back via a set of levers, doesn’t sit completely flflat, but the SportWagen’s low load flfloor makes fifilling the hold with gear that much easier.

The Golf-based powertrain selection is in line with the car’s looks. The starting point is a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that generates 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. It replaces the previous Jetta SportWagen’s non-turbo 2.5-liter fifive- cylinder that also produced 170 horsepower, but fell short in the torque department with 177 poundfeet. Optional is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI) that’s rated at 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That’s 10 more ponies than the outgoing TDI, although the torque number remains unchanged.

Along with superior twisting force, the TDI scores big in fuel frugality with 31 /42 city/highway mpg numbers.

The 1.8 gas engine also turns in a respectable 25 /35. Note that all numbers are with the engines hooked to six-speed automatic transmissions; the 1.8’s fifive- speed manual and the 2.0’s six-speed gearbox will each net you one extra mpg on the highway cycle.

With a base price of $22,200, the base SportWagen 1.8T S arrives with the expected air conditioning and power- operated items plus a 5.8-inch touch-screen display with smart-phone-style pinch and zoom, leather-like seat coverings and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The 2015 Infiniti QX80 offers unmatched power, strength and luxury — capable of transporting eight adults with spacious elegance.

For 2015 QX80 receives exterior styling updates and a number of interior refinements. In addition, a new ultra-luxury QX80 Limited joins the lineup.

Exterior updates include the Infiniti-signature front fascia and grille, LED headlights and fog lights; bright finish side rearview mirror covers (Deluxe Technology package only); revised 20- and 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; and a fully integrated rear bumper protector, flush surface front and rear sensors.

Models offered are the QX80 and QX80 AWD with the 5.6-liter, V8 engine with Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and Direct Injection Gasoline, rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

This luxurious SUV has 8,500 pounds of towing capacity and a stiff frame structure that enhances ride while reducing noise and vibration.

Standard equipment includes seven-passenger leather seating (up to eight-passenger leather seating capacity with available second row folding bench seat); standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System; Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection; Bose 13-speaker Premium Audio System; and available Theater Package with dual 7-inch color monitors. The fresh exterior design and more crafted interior, and additional features and technology, brings the QX80 closer in look and feel to the dramatic Q50 sports sedan.

14 (city)/20 (highway)

Starting at $63,250