Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Model Years and History

For 2019, the Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen drop the turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder engine making 170 hp and instead adopt the Jetta's turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, which makes 147 hp. Only the all-wheel-drive Alltrack and the SportWagen with 4Motion all-wheel drive hold onto the larger engine. Elsewhere, the Golf adds advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitor, rear traffic alert and forward collision warning. Finally, the GTI gets a bump in engine output, from 220 to 228 horsepower. The brakes have been upgraded and it now features a mechanical limited-slip differential borrowed from the Golf R. A new Rabbit Edition has also been slotted into the GTI lineup.

The Volkswagen Golf undergoes a mild exterior and interior refresh for 2018. For starters the Golf GTI gets an extra 10 horsepower right out of the box. All Volkswagens are now backed by a 6 year/72,000 mile warranty making it one of the longest offered in the automotive industry. Golf trims have been further refined into S and SE trim levels.

The Volkswagen Golf undergoes a few changes for 2017. For starters, all 2-door variants are no longer available, leaving only 4-door hatchbacks and wagons. Speaking of, another wagon, the Alltrack, joins the lineup. It is equipped with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Finally, Golf model naming conventions have been streamlined, with SE and SEL trims replaced by the Wolfsburg Edition. The GTI, meanwhile, adds a Sport trim to its range.

After a major redesign last year, the Golf gets only evolutionary changes for 2016. A new, updated stereo system runs on improved software, offering more connectivity and smartphone integration. The Driver Assistance Package has also seen significant updates, with new features such as adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system. In addition, S models now come standard with a backup camera.

The Volkswagen Golf enters its seventh generation for 2015 and is completely redesigned, though the changes are subtle, beginning at the front with revised headlights and bumper, moving along to creased sides, with new taillights in the rear. It is the first U.S.-market VW to utilize the company's Modular Transverse Matrix platform, which other VW Group vehicles worldwide share. Overall, VW claims the new Golf is bigger, lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient than the car it replaces. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder, which takes the place of the previous generation's 2.5L 5-cylinder. A 2.0L turbo direct-injection clean diesel is also available, offering an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg when equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the new Golf starts at $17,995.