The Golf debuted in the U.S. in 1975, but back then it was named the Rabbit. The "Golf" name finally arrived in the U.S in 1985, which was also when the one-time Rabbit underwent its first generational change. In 1994, the third-generation Golf/Rabbit debuted with a slightly larger body and wheelbase, then the model underwent another generational change in 1999. Then came the weirdness in 2006, with the release of the fifth-gen Golf, which was named the Rabbit. The sixth-gen Golf arrived in 2010 with its normal name in place, and finally the 2015 model year ushered in the seventh-gen model on American soil. And now VW has revealed a new version of the peppier Golf R with a lot more cargo room... That's right, it's a hot wagon!

During the spring of 2014, Volkswagen was spotted testing what looked to be a wagon version of the Golf R. Its roofline was unmistakably wagon, granting tons of interior passenger and cargo volume while its large wheels, low-profile tires, sporty front fascia, and quad exhausts pointed to something hot. As it turns out, the test mules didn’t lie. Volkswagen is actually making this; the Golf R Variant.

It comes complete with the Golf’s 296-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, DSG gearbox, and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Even the ESC Sport stability-control system and the Driving Profile Selector are part of the package. It’s all good news, except Volkswagen still seems to have no plans to bring it Stateside.

That’s right, no dice (yet) America.

What’s perplexing is Volkswagen has announced and debuted the Golf R Variant at the LA Auto Show. Go figure. While we all cry in our beverage of choice, our friends in Europe and around the world will get to enjoy this five-passenger, 34-mpg, 155-mph saloon and its 57.2 cubic feet of cargo room. Or maybe, VW sees a possible niche in the U.S. and will use this debut to test American response to the hot wagon.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Golf R Variant.

Spy Shots

May 21, 2014 - Volkswagen Golf R caught testing at Nurburgring once again

March 27, 2014 - Golf R Variant Caught Testing At Nurburgring

March 25, 2014 - First sighting

These spy shots are a pretty dead giveaway that this is a Golf R wagon. Not only does this machine make use of the signature, 20-inch Golf R alloy wheels and full Golf R front fascia, it even has Golf R logos on the grille.

The only odd part of the car is the exhaust which are spaced much wider than most R models from Volkswagen. This is a wagon though, and VW may be trying to down the visual aggressiveness sightly to appeal to a wider audience.

More information coming as we can get it.

Exterior

The Golf R Variant is rather easily spotted against other Golf wagons, most easily by its hyped-up bodywork. The front fascia has large air intakes down low with an “R” logo perched toward the passenger side of the VW logo. The large, 18-inch wheels and 225/40 series tires are another dead giveaway. Out back, another “R” badge lives on the driver’s side of the liftgate while the lower rear fascia gets the diffuser treatment with chrome-tipped quad exhaust pipes.

The chrome accents continue on the roof rails, side mirror caps, and the bottom rung of the front grille. The added spice looks rather nice against the blue paintwork.

Side by side comparison

Interior

Things inside the Golf R Variant are typical Volkswagen, if not bordering Audi. The look is clean and purposeful while still being beautifully detailed. Chrome accents contrast the piano-black pieces on the dashboard and center console while heavily bolstered leather seats with “R” logos hold the front two occupants in place. Nighttime brings out a blue ambient light that washes over the cabin.

Of course, a wagon wouldn’t be a wagon without cargo room. With the second row seats in place, the rear cargo area holds 21.4 cubic feet. Folding the seats forward results in a SUV-like 57.2 cubic feet of luggage room. With 41.5 inches of length from the liftgate to the front seats, this wagon can hold a substantial amount.

Volkswagen gave the Golf R Variant an extra touch with its gauge cluster. Switch the ignition on and watch the light-blue needles sweep up and down while the “R” moniker shows up on the center infotainment system.

Interior Dimensions

Drivetrain

At the heart of this Volkswagen is the same EA888 four-cylinder found in the two- and four-door Golf versions. With a turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing, the little 2.0-liter engine makes a respectable 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 62-mph mark comes in just 5.1 seconds.

Volkswagen has stuffed the engine with some interesting tech to keep the power flowing. For example, the exhaust gas being fed to the turbocharger is first cooled by water, helping increase on-boost fuel efficiency. And while the engine does have direct injection, it also uses port injection in conjunction. Also notable is its fully electronic coolant system. Gone is the old wax-based thermostat in favor of a more controllable electronic system that decreases warm-up time, which conversely reduces the friction losses of a cold engine at startup.

Tailoring the driving experience is VW’s Driving Profile Selector and the DCC active dampers. It allows the driver to select between Eco, Normal, Individual, and Race modes. While the other modes might be self explanatory, Individual mode allows the driver to customize settings for the transmission, throttle response, and suspension settings with choices from the other three modes.

All that power is routed through a six-speed, DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. A Haldex 5 center differential sends power front and rear, with the front axle getting the bias during normal operation. When not being pushed or in foul weather conditions, the rear axle is disengaged in order to reduce parasitic loss.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Volkswagen hasn’t released any information on pricing, likely because this is a new model and that its not headed for the U.S. However, we’d estimate the Golf R Variant to sticker for around $37,500.

Competitors

Mazdaspeed 3

Finding competition for a hot wagon like the Golf R Variant is a little difficult, but there area a few key models that come to mind, like the Mazdaspeed 3.

The little Mazda is more of a hatch than a wagon, and it only has FWD, but it does have one of the most powerful engines in the segment with 263 horsepower coming from its turbocharged engine. This is enough to get the long hatch to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Unfortunately, we have no clue when the Mazdaspeed 3 will receive the same Kodo update as the rest of the lineup. All signs point toward a 2015 revision, but there is no confirmation on this yet.

The 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 checks in at $24,200.

Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST was Ford's first true hot hatch for U.S. buyers in more than a decade and it has been making some serious waves. Its 2.0-liter, EcoBoost engine is a sweetheart, but with only 252 horsepower its a far cry from the Golf's 300 ponies. The Focus also only sends power to the front wheels, a serious disadvantage at this level of horsepower and torque.

The Focus ST can hit 60 mph in just 6.6 ticks of the second hand and checks in at a thrifty $24k. Now with Mountune starting to offer its performance upgrades in the U.S., ST buyers can get even more power from a reliable source.

Conclusion

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R Variant could be considered a unicorn of a car here in the States. Its unusual design just doesn’t sell well here -- or so VW tells us -- so we won’t likely see it in local dealers. That’s a shame too, as the Golf R Variant combines the sporty, track-ready attributes of the Golf R with the usability and practicality of a wagon. The overall package looks killer.

C’mon Volkswagen, take a chance.