Photo of a Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

The Golf with a rear bench that slides 180 mm and cargo space that grows to 1,520 liters.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 36 sources

Also called

  • Golf SVBritain shortened Sportsvan to SV; Volkswagen UK said the car was neither a van nor particularly sporty.23
  • RentnerautoGerman shorthand for a retiree's car; ADAC says Sportsvans are usually better maintained than ordinary Golfs.4

At a glance

0100200
84–148 hpPower
01,0002,000
1,327–1,535 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.58

Engine
TSI: 1.0 L I3, 1.2/1.4/1.5 L I4; TDI: 1.6/2.0 L I4; China: 1.6 L517
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive; MQB platform5
Gearbox
5-/6-speed manual; 6-/7-speed DSG; China: 6-speed automatic517
Built at
Wolfsburg, Germany (2014–2020); FAW-VW Foshan, China (2016–2020)5

The story

Built to replace the Golf Plus below the Touran, the Sportsvan combined Golf Mk7/MQB hardware with elevated seating, a sliding rear bench and up to 1,520 liters of cargo space.135

GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones522262728
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2003–2009Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (1K)
2004–2014Volkswagen Golf Plus
2014–2020Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan (AUV)
2013Sportsvan concept debuts at Frankfurt
2014UK launch; diesel BlueMotion targets 95 g/km
2014Five Euro NCAP stars
2014Golden Steering Wheel category winner
2016ADAC EcoTest: 5.2 versus 4.0 L/100 km
2017UK: under 13,000; Germany: over 150,000
20171.5 TSI Evo replaces the 1.4 TSI
2020United edition closes the chapter
  1. 2013

    Sportsvan concept debuts at Frankfurt

    The Golf Plus replacement previews its MQB foundation and a Golf first: blind-spot monitoring with an assistant for reversing out of parking spaces.6

  2. 2014

    UK launch; diesel BlueMotion targets 95 g/km

    The Golf Plus successor reaches Britain in July. Its 1.6 TDI BlueMotion claims 3.6 L/100 km and 95 g/km CO2.578

  3. 2014

    Five Euro NCAP stars

    Safety scores reach 87% for adults, 85% for children, 62% for pedestrians and 73% for assistance. Blind-spot monitoring with reversing assistance is optional.91011

  4. 2014

    Golden Steering Wheel category winner

    The Golf Sportsvan wins the compact/crossover category of the Golden Steering Wheel.12

  5. 2016

    ADAC EcoTest: 5.2 versus 4.0 L/100 km

    The 1.6 TDI BMT Comfortline manual exceeds its official fuel-consumption rating in October's test; ADAC also criticizes inadequate exhaust cleaning.13

  6. 2017

    UK: under 13,000; Germany: over 150,000

    By November, fewer than 13,000 have sold in Britain since the 2014 launch, while Germany has taken over 150,000.14

  7. 2017

    1.5 TSI Evo replaces the 1.4 TSI

    New bumpers and standard LED tail lamps accompany 1.5 TSI engines that can shut off two of their four cylinders.11415

  8. 2020

    United edition closes the chapter

    The final year brings the United special edition with 16-inch Dublin wheels. Production ends in Europe and China.516

Every generation

Power over the years

From 84 hp to 148 hp in 0 years.

050100150 201420162018 hp 2014 · 84 hp · 1.2 TSI2014 · 89 hp · 1.6 TDI entry diesel2014 · 108 hp · 1.6 TDI2014 · 109 hp · 1.2 TSI higher output2014 · 123 hp · 1.4 TSI2014 · 148 hp · 1.4 TSI / 2.0 TDI2015 · 114 hp · 1.0 TSI BlueMotion2017 · 113 hp · 1.6 TDI2017 · 128 hp · 1.5 TSI EVO ACT2017 · 148 hp · 1.5 TSI EVO ACT DSG 148 hp 1.4 TSI / 2.0 TDI 84 hp 1.2 TSI
145781315
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2014841.2 TSI
2014891.6 TDI entry diesel
20141081.6 TDI
20141091.2 TSI higher output
20141231.4 TSI
20141481.4 TSI / 2.0 TDI
20151141.0 TSI BlueMotion
20171131.6 TDI
20171281.5 TSI EVO ACT
20171481.5 TSI EVO ACT DSG

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Trendline, Comfortline and Highline (Germany)

  • Standard

    Golf SV S, SE, SE Navigation and Match (UK)

  • Golf SV GT

    Standard

    Golf SV GT

  • BlueMotion petrol and diesel

    Standard

    BlueMotion petrol and diesel

  • R-Line package

    Special

    R-Line package

  • Special

    Lounge

    2015

  • Special

    Allstar

    2016

  • Special

    Sound

    2017

  • Join

    Special

    Join

    2018

  • Special

    IQ.Drive

  • Special

    United

    2020

How to spot one

Look for

  • A tall Golf-like body with an upright tail and a higher roof than the hatchback.925
  • Long side glazing includes extra windows beside the front pillars and at the rear corners.8
  • A sharp side crease runs through the door handles, making them blend into the body.11
  • Silver roof rails provide another clue on cars equipped with them.9
  • Two-piece rear lamps pick up the sharp crease along the sides.8

Year by year

  1. 2014 launch

    Early bumpers have winglets framing the intake and fog lights; top bi-xenon headlights have U-shaped LED running lights.8

  2. 2017 facelift (Germany)

    Bumpers are reshaped; LED running lights and rear lamps become standard, while LED headlights replace xenons.125

  3. 2017 facelift

    Cranberry Red joins the paint palette, alongside five new alloy designs spanning 16, 17 and 18 inches.114

Don’t confuse it with

  • Volkswagen Golf hatchback

    Sportsvan has a higher roof and extra side windows at the front and rear pillars; silver roof rails can add another clue.89

  • Golf Plus

    Sportsvan has sharply creased flanks and angular lamps; the Golf Plus has rounder contours.3

  • Volkswagen Touran

    The launch-era Sportsvan has a shorter, lower body than the Touran, which can accommodate a third seating row.58

Against its rivals

  • Golf Sportsvan vs Citroen C4 Picasso 2.0 HDi Exclusive+

    Price as tested lower is better

    Golf Sportsvan29,225 £
    Citroen C4 Picasso 2.0 HDi Exclusive+28,430 £
    10
  • Golf Sportsvan vs Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi 3 Sat Nav

    Price as tested lower is better

    Golf Sportsvan29,225 £
    Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi 3 Sat Nav25,560 £
    10
  • Golf Sportsvan vs BMW 218d Active Tourer Sport Line

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Golf Sportsvan8.7 s
    BMW 218d Active Tourer Sport Line8.9 s
    29
  • Golf Sportsvan vs Mercedes B 200 CDI Urban

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Golf Sportsvan8.7 s
    Mercedes B 200 CDI Urban9.9 s
    29

Prices

Value today $8.8K–$19.5K4

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 20142016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $8,821–$19,474 2014 · $31,144 · UK base; GBP/USD ~1.652014 · $41,910 · UK 2.0 TDI GT MT; GBP/USD ~1.652014 · $44,245 · UK 2.0 TDI GT DSG; GBP/USD ~1.652014 · $48,221 · UK 2.0 TDI GT tested; GBP/USD ~1.652019 · $29,158 · UK Match 1.0 TSI MT; GBP/USD ~1.282019 · $30,970 · UK Match 1.0 TSI DSG; GBP/USD ~1.282019 · $30,874 · UK Match 1.5 TSI MT; GBP/USD ~1.282019 · $31,558 · UK Match 1.6 TDI MT; GBP/USD ~1.282019 · $33,318 · UK Match 1.6 TDI DSG; GBP/USD ~1.282019 · $35,162 · UK Match 2.0 TDI DSG; GBP/USD ~1.28 2014 · CHF 24‘900.- · Switzerland base, 2014; CHF to USD approx. x1.12 2026 · $6,380 · 2014 1.6 TDI, 150,229 km; EUR ~1.10, Alcopa Lyon, hammer2026 · $7,920 · 2016 1.4 TSI R-Line, 137,158 km; EUR ~1.10, Alcopa Rennes, hammer2026 · $3,960 · 2015 1.6 TDI Lounge, 205,255 km, ALCOPA AUCTION RENNES2026 · $8,250 · 2014 1.4 TSI DSG7 Carat, 157,612 km, VPauto Lille2026 · $5,720 · 2016 1.4 TSI DSG7 Allstar, 141,097 km, ALCOPA AUCTION BEAUVAIS2026 · $6,710 · 2018 1.0 TSI DSG7 Confortline, 159,776 km, ALCOPA AUCTION PARIS SUD $8.3K VPauto Lille, 2026
381018313233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2014Launch price$27,888Switzerland base, 2014; CHF to USD approx. x1.12
2014Price when new$31,144UK base; GBP/USD ~1.65
2014Price when new$41,910UK 2.0 TDI GT MT; GBP/USD ~1.65
2014Price when new$44,245UK 2.0 TDI GT DSG; GBP/USD ~1.65
2014Price when new$48,221UK 2.0 TDI GT tested; GBP/USD ~1.65
2019Price when new$29,158UK Match 1.0 TSI MT; GBP/USD ~1.28
2019Price when new$30,970UK Match 1.0 TSI DSG; GBP/USD ~1.28
2019Price when new$30,874UK Match 1.5 TSI MT; GBP/USD ~1.28
2019Price when new$31,558UK Match 1.6 TDI MT; GBP/USD ~1.28
2019Price when new$33,318UK Match 1.6 TDI DSG; GBP/USD ~1.28
2019Price when new$35,162UK Match 2.0 TDI DSG; GBP/USD ~1.28
2026Auction sale$6,3802014 1.6 TDI, 150,229 km; EUR ~1.10, Alcopa Lyon, hammer
2026Auction sale$7,9202016 1.4 TSI R-Line, 137,158 km; EUR ~1.10, Alcopa Rennes, hammer
2026Auction sale$3,9602015 1.6 TDI Lounge, 205,255 km, ALCOPA AUCTION RENNES
2026Auction sale$8,2502014 1.4 TSI DSG7 Carat, 157,612 km, VPauto Lille
2026Auction sale$5,7202016 1.4 TSI DSG7 Allstar, 141,097 km, ALCOPA AUCTION BEAUVAIS
2026Auction sale$6,7102018 1.0 TSI DSG7 Confortline, 159,776 km, ALCOPA AUCTION PARIS SUD
2026Value today$8,821–$19,474

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters
  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “900,000 Golf Plus sales made the case”
    • “Klaus Bischoff's disappearing door handles”
  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations
  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. Golf Sportsvan – the update | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  2. VW Golf SV (Sportsvan) 2014 review | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  3. First drive: Volkswagen Golf SV | Car Reviews | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  4. Gebrauchtwagencheck: VW Golf Sportsvan - alte Fahrer, gepflegtes Auto - n-tv.de n-tv.de
  5. Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept (2013) - pictures, information & specs netcarshow.com
  7. Used Volkswagen Golf SV (Mk7, 2014-2020) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Golf Sportsvan führt Konzept des Golf Plus in die Zukunft | Volkswagen Medienportal vwpress.ch
  9. Volkswagen Golf SV MPV 2020 review | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  10. VW Golf SV vs Citroen C4 Picasso & Kia Carens 2014 group test | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Keine Lust auf Biedermann: Vom Golf mit Plus zum Sportsvan - n-tv.de n-tv.de
  12. DAS GOLDENE LENKRAD 2014: Die Gewinner stehen fest - Axel Springer SE axelspringer.com
  13. VW Golf Sportsvan 1.6 TDI BMT Comfortline (03/14 - 10/16): Technische Daten, Bilder, Preise | ADAC adac.de
  14. New Volkswagen Golf SV 2017 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  15. La nouvelle Golf Sportsvan disponible à la commande - Volkswagen | Espace Média Volkswagen France media.volkswagen.fr
  16. VW Golf Sportsvan United im Test: gelingt die Ehrenrunde im Sondermodell-Team? meinauto.de
  17. 一汽大众高尔夫嘉旅上市 售13.19-19.79万-手机新浪汽车 auto.sina.cn
  18. The Volkswagen Golf Match returns (again) to save buyers more than £300 - Motoring Research motoringresearch.com
  19. Volkswagen Golf SV BlueMotion petrol 2016 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. VW Gives Golf Sportsvan The R-Line Package Makeover | Carscoops carscoops.com
  21. VW Golf Sportsvan Join im Test (2018): Lohnt sich das Sondermodell? meinauto.de
  22. VW Golf Sportsvan: Gebrauchtwagen-Test - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  23. Nouvelle Série Spéciale ‘Allstar’ sur Polo, Golf et Sportsvan - Volkswagen | Espace Média Volkswagen France media.volkswagen.fr
  24. Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan et Touran 2017 : série spéciale Sound - L'argus largus.fr
  25. Volkswagen Golf SV (2014-2020) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  26. Volkswagen Golf Mk5 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  27. Volkswagen Golf Plus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  28. VW Golf Sportsvan Type AUV (2014–2020) volkswagen.ie
  29. BMW 2er AT, Mercedes B-Klasse, VW Sportsvan: Dynamisch, stressfrei und Spaß dabei auto-motor-und-sport.de
  30. VW Golf Sportsvan: Typische Probleme & Schwachstellen gebrauchtwagenberater.de
  31. VOLKSWAGEN - GOLF SPORTSVAN 1.6 TDI 110 FAP…, adjugé 5 800 € adjuge.io
  32. VOLKSWAGEN - GOLF SPORTSVAN 1.4 TSI 125 BMT…, adjugé 7 200 € adjuge.io
  33. VOLKSWAGEN - GOLF SPORTSVAN 1.6 TDI 110 FAP…, adjugé 3 600 € adjuge.io
  34. VOLKSWAGEN Golf Sportsvan 1.4 TSI 150 BMT DSG7…, adjugé 7 500 € adjuge.io
  35. VOLKSWAGEN - GOLF SPORTSVAN 1.4 TSI 125 BMT DSG7…, adjugé 5 200 € adjuge.io
  36. VOLKSWAGEN - GOLF SPORTSVAN 1.0 TSI 115 BMT DSG7…, adjugé 6 100 € adjuge.io
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carenthusiast.com
  • n-tv.de
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • netcarshow.com
  • vwpress.ch
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • axelspringer.com
  • adac.de
  • media.volkswagen.fr
  • meinauto.de
  • auto.sina.cn
  • motoringresearch.com

Photo credits