VW GTI and Golf R Baggage Check: How a lot matches within the trunk?

Consider a compact hatchback. If it is not a Volkswagen Golf, you most likely used to personal a Mazda3. Maybe it is extra ubiquitous in Europe, however the Golf has lengthy stood because the prime instance of a compact hatchback supposedly being extra practical than a compact sedan. “Attempt placing that in a Jetta,” you possibly can think about somebody saying after stuffing a TV into the again of a Golf. 

However I am not speaking about TVs right here, and on the subject of precise cargo quantity with the seats in place, I’ve discovered that hatchbacks have much less area than their sedan counterparts regardless of having bigger on-paper cargo volumes. That is the case with the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic, which is admittedly a slightly completely different sort of hatchback. Why? Hatchback cargo volumes are measured to the roof. That is virtually all the time a no-go right here at Baggage Check HQ because of visibility and security, but in addition, I’ve discovered that the area “up there” between the again seat and tailgate just isn’t particularly helpful for storing baggage. Principally, it is the form of a Toblerone, which isn’t what many individuals take with them on airplanes. 

So yeah, identical state of affairs with the Golf, or slightly the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R for the reason that plain-old Golf is not offered right here any extra. Neither is the wagon for that matter, however that is one other subject. Each the GTI and Golf R are listed as having 19.9 cubic-feet. The Jetta has 14.1, together with the GLI. I have not baggage examined that, and though I would be shocked if it did not maintain greater than the Golf, I am going to nonetheless be preserving my comparisons to different hatchbacks. Admittedly, the one one that basically issues is the Civic Hatchback, because it supplies the premise for the Civic Kind R. The Si is sedan-only. In the meantime, a 2024 Mazdaspeed3 would not exist and Subaru would not promote some form of bitchin’ WRX-powered Crosstrek.

On this image you possibly can see what I imply in regards to the “up there” portion being triangular. There’s additionally not that a lot depth right here, particularly in comparison with a compact sedan. You will see why I do know that in a sec.

And sure, I used a flash for many of those, which is usually a no-no in automotive journalism pictures circles, however it was raining, I might again 20% of the Golf R into my storage, and I did sufficient of those suckers in Portland rain through the years that I am giving myself a cross. 

Not that that is stunning, however there isn’t any underfloor storage within the Golf R. There is not any spare tire, both, however you do get a giant spherical subwoofer. To see it, Volkswagen makes it super-easy due to this little, button-like tab (above left) that props the ground open. You then simply pull down a little bit tougher to undergo the detent the tab makes use of to maintain the ground in place. Intelligent engineering, in the end pointless right here, although.

Additionally not stunning is that the Golf has the form of inflexible cargo cowl anticipated of a hatchback. Properly, besides the Impreza/Crosstrek has an SUV-like roll-out cowl, the Civic has a weirdo side-to-side roll-out cowl, and the Mazda3 has a double-articulated inflexible cowl not not like these present in sure SUVs. So, I assume such a cowl should not be anticipated anymore.

Both method, it is there, so I would like to check with and with out it. 

As with each Baggage Check, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that might must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 broad, 11 deep), two black roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller inexperienced roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). Additionally, take note since I am evaluating the Golf with previous autos, that the inexperienced bag equals the outdated small blue bag. 

My greater baggage match length-wise, however they’re too tall to suit on their facet underneath the quilt. Additionally, nothing can match on prime of them when sitting on their bellies. As such, that is the most effective I might do, which is not dangerous. The flowery bag is principally serving as an analog for a fourth medium-sized roll-aboard. 

Principally, 4 roll-aboard suitcases slot in a automotive best-suited to seat 4 individuals. I am guessing that will not be a coincidence. 

OK, now let’s chuck the quilt.

Truthfully, not a lot of a distinction. Regardless of my greatest efforts, this mess was the most effective I might do, after which simply barely. This may be the 4 greatest baggage with area leftover for one thing smaller than the flamboyant bag or any of my duffel baggage within the storage. The area up excessive actually is kind of constricting.

You possibly can see above simply how a lot the baggage are protruding and simply how shut this got here to not working. 

OK, let’s examine how this compares to different compact hatchbacks.  

That is the Honda Civic Hatchback, which once more, is identical because the Civic Kind R. Above proper, you possibly can see that the 4 greatest baggage match underneath its side-to-side roll-out cargo cowl, which by the best way, would not must be faraway from the automotive. After I loaded above the quilt line, I might match all the baggage. So yeah, huge win right here for Honda. Now, those self same baggage match higher within the sedan, with the flamboyant bag most clearly not perched atop the pile, as a result of you realize, it could actually’t in a sedan. You possibly can see the complete Civic Hatchback baggage check right here.

That is the Mazda3 hatchback. It could maintain the 4 greatest baggage underneath its cargo cowl, however curiously, eradicating the cargo cowl did not make a distinction. There’s even much less triangle area in it. The flowery bag was squashed after I tried to place it within the center there. Nonetheless, benefit Mazda right here, too. 

In fact, there is no such thing as a Mazdaspeed3, so in the end, benefit Volkswagen.

Yet another factor. The Mazda3 baggage check consists of each the hatchback and sedan. In it, you possibly can see that the sedan’s trunk has significantly extra size, which is just about why it could actually maintain extra baggage. As the three hatchback and Golf appear to have comparable cargo space lengths, this is able to be how I do know a sedan can be higher for baggage carrying.

And eventually the Subaru Impreza/Crosstrek. It could match the 2 greatest baggage, one of many medium baggage and the smaller blue/inexperienced bag with out eradicating its roll-out cargo cowl. That is higher than the Golf. It could carry all six baggage with the quilt eliminated. That places it in second place behind the Honda with the quilt in place and in first with the quilt eliminated.

Golf nonetheless final. So yeah, you possibly can see why the Golf wagon nonetheless exists in Europe.