Volkswagen is adding a new model to its top selling Golf range, in the form of the slightly longer and larger Golf SV (or Sportsvan as it is more commonly known in Europe). This new model is packed with all the advanced technology from the Golf hatchback range, according to Volkswagen, but in a larger and more practical body.

Bigger everywhere

The Golf SV is the second body variant of the seventh-generation Golf and follows the design of its hatchback sibling. Based on the MQB (Modular Transfer Matrix) platform and measuring 43.38 cm long, the SV is 8.3 cm longer than the standard Golf hatchback. Its 26.85 cm wheelbase is 48 mm longer as well, which affords it more interior space as a result.

Added to the longer dimensions, the SV is also 0.8 cm wider, at 18.07 cm, and 12.6 cm higher, at 15.78 cm (excluding roof rails).

Furthermore, it has a boot capacity of 500 litres with the back seats at their rear-most position (versus the Golf’s 380 litres), and moving the rear seats forwards increases the luggage capacity to 590 litres, while folding the rear seats liberates up to 1520 litres of room.

Bells and whistles

Like the Golf hatchback, the Golf SV comes with a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems. These include a standard ESC with XDS. An automatic post-collision braking system which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to reduce kinetic energy and minimise the chance or severity of a second impact, as well as a PreCrash system which, on detecting the possibility of an accident, pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof, leaving just a small gap. Other electronic aids include Driver Alert System and optional high beam light assist.

Powering the SV is a range of petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engines incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems. There are two petrol engines options, each turbocharged with a 1.2-litre at 81 kW and 1.4-litre at 92 kW variants. The diesel engine on offer will be a turbocharged 2.0-litre 81 kW model.

Full Range

The Golf SV will only be offered in two equipment lines, Trendline and Comfortline. The Trendline standard feature includes an SD card reader and CD player with 5" colour touchscreen, seven airbags including one for the driver’s knees, multifunction leather steering wheel, front and rear electric windows and 15" Lyon alloy wheel with full alloy spare wheel.

Additionally, the Comfortline has front foglights, rain sensors, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors and silver roof rails.

Pricing for the Golf SV starts at R292 500 for the 1.2 litre TSI model and tops out at R359 200 for the 2.0 litre TDI option. For more info on the Golf SV, head to VW's local website.