The marvel of Volkswagen's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform is that it makes building a variety of vehicles from a single model platform possible.
In short, Volkswagen can produce cars ranging from the smallest Polo to the mid-size Passat, while also adjusting engine, transmission and chassis variables significantly.
The second vehicle to be underpinned by this remarkable platform is the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan.
Categorised as a compact MPV, it actually replaces the retired Golf Plus, which didn't make it on to our local shores.
Exterior
The Golf Sportsvan is obviously larger than the seventh generation Golf hatchback in all dimensions.
Measuring 4,338mm x 1,807mm x 1,578mm (L x W x H), it is 113mm longer, 17mm wider and 126mm taller than the regular Golf, meaning more passenger and luggage space inside.
Style isn't usually a compact MPV's forte. More often than not, you will find boxy-looking cars that look flat and ungainly. Plus, with the focus on space and practicality, designers rarely have the room for creativity.
Now, the Golf Sportsvan is a little different here. With its sleek lines and creases borrowed from the Golf, the car is able to mask its increased proportions.
Together with the sharp-looking LED headlights and the neat chrome grille that is in line with Volkswagen's current theme, the car evokes a sense of sophistication.
Interior
Moving inside the car, the Golf Sportsvan is very similar to the Golf in terms of robust build quality.
The basic design of the dashboard, centre console and instrument panel is also nearly identical.
You also get the sense that thoughts have been put into this car when the designers were penning the cabin. For a car that targets the family, there are useful cubby holes for small items and the deep door bins will fit water bottles just right.
With a wheelbase that's 48mm larger than the Golf hatchback, legroom is ample in the Golf Sportsvan, too.
Moving inside the car, the Golf Sportsvan is very similar to the Golf in terms of robust build quality.
The basic design of the dashboard, centre console and instrument panel is also nearly identical.
You also get the sense that thoughts have been put into this car when the designers were penning the cabin. For a car that targets the family, there are useful cubby holes for small items and the deep door bins will fit water bottles just right.
With a wheelbase that's 48mm larger than the Golf hatchback, legroom is ample in the Golf Sportsvan, too.
At the same time, thanks to the vehicle's increased height, passengers will enjoy abundant headroom, making it very comfortable for them, even on longer journeys.
Practicality and versatility is the main focal point in this compact MPV. Compared to the hatchback variant, there is 120 litres more boot capacity with the back seats up - 500 litres to be exact.
The front passenger seat can also be folded flat, creating a load space that is up to 2,484mm long.
Practicality and versatility is the main focal point in this compact MPV. Compared to the hatchback variant, there is 120 litres more boot capacity with the back seats up - 500 litres to be exact.
The front passenger seat can also be folded flat, creating a load space that is up to 2,484mm long.
The Drive
The Golf Sportsvan here is equipped with a 1.4-litre TSI engine that sends 125bhp and 200Nm of torque to the front wheels.
The engine may seem a bit exhaustive when pushed hard or when travelling on slopes but once you bring the car up to higher speeds on the motorway, you have a really refined and smooth cruiser.
More importantly, the perfect combination with a seven-speed DSG transmission that shuffles through ratios intelligently makes for easy and fuss-free driving.
And if you're in the mood for manual override, there is also the option of working the gears via the paddle shifters or the gear lever.
Volkswagen's driving profile selector is also available here. Other than the Individual mode, which allows drivers to customise the sensitivity of the car's steering, engine and throttle response, Sport mode is just as engaging, although Normal mode is good enough to bring out the fun and enjoyable characteristics of the Golf Sportsvan.
The Golf Sportsvan here is equipped with a 1.4-litre TSI engine that sends 125bhp and 200Nm of torque to the front wheels.
The engine may seem a bit exhaustive when pushed hard or when travelling on slopes but once you bring the car up to higher speeds on the motorway, you have a really refined and smooth cruiser.
More importantly, the perfect combination with a seven-speed DSG transmission that shuffles through ratios intelligently makes for easy and fuss-free driving.
And if you're in the mood for manual override, there is also the option of working the gears via the paddle shifters or the gear lever.
Volkswagen's driving profile selector is also available here. Other than the Individual mode, which allows drivers to customise the sensitivity of the car's steering, engine and throttle response, Sport mode is just as engaging, although Normal mode is good enough to bring out the fun and enjoyable characteristics of the Golf Sportsvan.
The Golf Sportsvan's well-weighted steering is sharp and precise and the ride quality hasn't suffered despite the added mass.
And on the twisty roads of Saint-Tropez, the Golf Sportsvan responded with great Golf-like handling, albeit for a slight increase in body roll around bends at higher-than-usual speeds.
Conclusion
The interesting thing about the Golf Sportsvan is that it successfully blends what we love about the Golf with additional space and it does so in a discreet manner without sacrificing the road manners of the Golf.
We can expect to see this car in Singapore in the first half of 2015.
And on the twisty roads of Saint-Tropez, the Golf Sportsvan responded with great Golf-like handling, albeit for a slight increase in body roll around bends at higher-than-usual speeds.
Conclusion
The interesting thing about the Golf Sportsvan is that it successfully blends what we love about the Golf with additional space and it does so in a discreet manner without sacrificing the road manners of the Golf.
We can expect to see this car in Singapore in the first half of 2015.
