Los Angeles 2014: A Modest Proposal For Volkswagen Of America
Despite teasing us with the Volkswagen Golf R station wagon, it’s pretty clear that we aren’t going to get it in North America. A standard Golf R costs a hair under $37,000, and nobody is going to pay that much for the wagon version (and before you protest, remember that 3 people on the internet does not make a business case for a new vehicle line). But maybe VW of America can meet us half way.
Back in 2006, Volkswagen offered a Jetta 2.0T, with the engine and suspension from the GLI, but without the body kit, big wheels, red brake calipers and tartan seats. I was fortunate enough to drive one during my college years, and found it a nice compromise between the boy racer GLI and the bog standard 2.5L Jetta.
Maybe we can get a Golf wagon 2.0T? Take the GTI’s engine and chassis tuning, but leave out the AWD, the big wheels and all the other expensive stuff that will lead to a bloated price tag and excess inventory (ahem, Golf R32).
More by Derek Kreindler
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I have another modest proposal for VW. Start making vehicles with the same reliability and low maintenance costs as Honda and Toyota. " The Impossible Dream."
Read my mind completely - a 2.0T Golf wagon would hit the sweet spot in so many categories; just big enough, just quick enough, and with looks and gas mileage that seal the deal. Sigh... add it to my realistic fantasy garage, parked right next to the MazdaSpeed5, Journey SRT-6, and V70R.