In the transition from the third to fourth generation of the Golf Estate, another tremendous leap has been made in quality. The high quality of the materials that are used is especially evident in the interior. This high level of value is a common thread running through the redesigned interior, especially when it comes to the car's instruments. The look and feel of the materials, details such as brushed chrome accents and the round instruments and steering wheels taken directly from the Passat CC all leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a vehicle of the next higher market segment. And this is not just experienced in the two upgraded Golf equipment versions "Comfortline" and "Highline" but in the "Trendline" base version as well.
The interior ergonomics also reflect advanced development. All of the car's functional components are even easier to operate. These include controls for the climate control system (Climatronic) initially introduced on the Passat CC. Sometimes it is the smallest of details that make the greatest impression. Consider the leather seats: a new more robust leather is being used in the new Golf Estate. Its improved surface properties make dye transfer, such as from jeans, passé even with very light-coloured leather. Or consider the redesigned steering column length and height adjuster; the lever was relocated from the centre of the steering column to the left side, making it ergonomically easier to reach.
Cockpit
The instrument panel of the Golf Estate was completely redesigned. This has resulted in a clear, well-organised geometry offering uncompromising ease of operation and a high level of timeless elegance. On initial contact, one is immediately impressed by the luxurious soft materials of the upper cockpit area and door trim that complement the design of the instruments.
The instruments of the Golf Estate now match instrument styling in the classic Golf three- and five-door models. Prominently displayed are the two round instruments with brushed chrome bezels, which are standard in the base vehicle; the tachometer is on the left, and the speedometer on the right. Also designed as a round instrument is the engine temperature gauge; it is integrated in the lower part of the tachometer. Its counterpart is the fuel gauge integrated in the speedometer. Gauge scale markings are backlit in white (regardless of whether the headlights are on or off); while turn signal indicators are in red. Also designed in white now are the graphics of the multi-function display (MFD) – located between the tachometer and speedometer – which is always standard equipment. An upshift indicator was integrated in the MFD, which depends on the engine option.
Another redesigned component is the light switch. On the "Comfortline" and "Highline" equipment versions, the switch's handhold is in metal. Like the main instruments, air vents near the instrument cluster also have brushed chrome bezels. There is one vent at each end of the instrument panel for driver and passenger, and two in the centre console. In addition, a vent for the side windows is integrated in each of the A-pillar trim panels. Complementing the chrome bezels, the upper and lower sections of instruments are separated by dark silver accents ("Titan") on the "Trendline" base version. In the middle "Comfortline" equipment version the accents are glossy black ("Black Pyramid"), and in the top "Highline" version they are light "Brushed Chrome".
Centre console
All of the controls arranged on the centre console are readily and equally accessible to driver and front passenger. Right at the top is the hazard flasher switch, optimally located between the air vents. On the level below this, there is the audio or radio-navigation system. The third level of controls contains interfaces to the heating and ventilation or climate control system. Another set of switches is located directly in front of the gearshift lever for activating or deactivating systems such as ESP and "Park Assist".
If the Golf Estate is ordered with an automatic climate control system (Climatronic), a new set of controls is provided. There are two control knobs, one on the left and one on the right, for selecting temperatures in 1 degree increments separately for driver and passenger sides. They are also used to activate seat heating. Naturally, the temperature for the two sides can be controlled jointly too. The set temperature is displayed outside of the control knob, in its bezel, and if a RCD 310, RCD 510, RNS 310 or RNS 510 radio or radio-navigation system is installed, the temperature is also shown in that unit's display. The main operating modes of the Climatronic ("Auto", completely "Off", "Dual", "AC") and blower levels are set in the area between the two control knobs. Located in the upper area are controls for ventilation modes, rear window heating and recirculation functions.
Further down the centre console, at the height of the handbrake lever, are the familiar storage compartment and an AUX-IN port (standard with RCD 310 and higher) that can be used to connect devices such as an MP3 player. The optional MEDIA-IN port can also be integrated in the storage compartment of the equipment line dependent centre armrest. This USB port is used to interface to a wide variety of memory sources for the audio system. For example, an iPod – including its special control functions – can also be integrated in the system as a music source with a suitable cable.
Seats
Volkswagen is offering the new Golf Estate in four different seat configurations, depending on the equipment line. The "Trendline" base version already has excellent contoured seats in the "Roxy" fabric style. These seats can be ordered in "Titan Black" or "Latte Macchiato" colour. The comfort seats of the Golf Estate Comfortline are now designed to be even more ergonomic. The cross-stitched fabric of the seat and backrest surfaces creates a clear visual contrast to exterior surfaces. This fabric pattern is called "Scout / Merlin", and it too can be ordered in "Titan Black" or "Latte Macchiato" colour.
The sport seats of the Golf Estate Highline are especially refined. They are upholstered in Alcantara (centre seat panels) and fabric ("Dropmag" style). Colours of the "Highline" seats: "Titan Black" or "Corn Silk" plus "Titan Black". In addition, Volkswagen is offering a seat system on the Golf Estate Highline that is upholstered in high-end "Vienna" leather. The colours "Titan Black" and "Corn Silk" are also offered here.
The latest generation of the bestselling five-seater offers exceptionally spacious conditions. In front, the maximum interior height is 1,032 millimetres (seat in lowest position). The rear seating area offers a maximum interior height of 986 millimetres, depending on the version. Leg room in the so-called extended position of the driver's seat is 45 millimetres. Also contributing to the car's good comfort and ergonomic properties is the comfortable seat height of 274 millimetres in front and 321 millimetres in the rear. The interior width of the Volkswagen is 1,446 millimetres in front and 1,437 millimetres in the rear.
Cargo area
The new Golf Estate is a compact space wonder. When the cargo partition net is installed and cargo is loaded up to the height of the top of the rear bench seatback, the Estate provides up to 745 litres of load volume; up to the load sill at window height it is a maximum of 560 litres. When the rear bench seat is folded down and the interior space is fully utilised, up to 1,550 litres of cargo volume can be stowed in the Golf Estate (all data includes spare wheel recess).
When the rear bench is folded, the continuous flat cargo area of the new Golf Estate up to the driver's backrest measures 1.70 meters, and when the front passenger seat is folded down this results in a 2.72 meters long pass-through surface. Bins offer storage space under the cargo floor and in the side panelling. Even when the standard factory-installed asymmetrical split bench is not lowered, a respectable 1.07 meters of cargo length is still available. Maximum width: 1.29 meters. Interior width between wheel wells is 1.01 meter.
Operating the factory-installed asymmetrically split rear bench seat is exceptionally easy. Release buttons next to the outer head restraints disengage the backrests from their anchorages so that they can be folded forward. A clever detail is a red indicator, visible from the front seats too, that warns if one of the two rear backrests is not fully engaged when lifting the seatback up again. As a standard feature on the Golf Estate Comfortline and a special option on other equipment lines, the front passenger backrest can also be folded forward, resulting in a single continuous loading surface.
Interior variability is also enhanced by the centre armrest in the rear seating area, which is standard equipment starting at the Comfortline level. When folded down, it creates an especially large pass-through to the cargo area, making it easy to stow long and bulky sports equipment such as paddles or skis.
Load safety: Preventive practical solutions
To prevent cargo from shifting into the passenger area during a collision or hard braking, the Golf Estate can be equipped with a cargo partition net. Normally, it is installed behind the rear bench seat. However, when the rear backrest is folded forward, the net can be anchored near the front backrests.
Providing for additional cargo safety are four tie-down eyes located on the right and left side panels in the cargo area, and at the front of the cargo area. When they are not in use, they can be folded away without leaving any corners or edges protruding. Another extremely practical feature for securing individual objects in the cargo section is the variable cargo floor. A handle is used to set it in place, and it latches securely in the notches provided for it. Smaller thin objects will also fit in the storage bin beneath the variable cargo floor.
Just as practical: The special bag hooks that fold out from the side panelling of the cargo area. They are standard equipment and prevent shopping bags from spilling their contents into the cargo area while driving. The first aid kit and hazard triangle are at an easy-to-reach location behind a cover in the left side panel of the cargo area.
Panoramic sunroof creates a bright ambiance
As a special equipment option – and a standard feature on the Golf Estate Highline – Volkswagen is offering a newly designed panoramic sunroof. With a length of 1.36 meters and width of 0.87 metres, its transparent surface spans a large section of the interior, creating a pleasant, light-filled ambiance. The roof consists of two halves; the front section can be raised or fully opened. To preserve full interior height, the section that opens is driven out above the closed section of roof. An electrically-powered sunshade offers protection from intense sunlight.