Volkswagen Debuts 296-hp Sport Wagon

Volkswagen AG is presenting a 296-hp wagon version of its Golf R hatchback at the Los Angeles auto show this week.

Called the Golf R Variant, the car will be propelled by the Golf R's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The powerplant will deliver 280 lb-ft of torque to an all-wheel-drive system through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Volkswagen's Golf R sport wagon

The five-seater is rated at 34 mpg on the optimistic New European Driving Cycle, according to the company.

The R Variant can zip from zero to 60 mph in about 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. With the back seats folded down, the car also provides 57 cu. ft. of cargo space, including the ability to swallow objects as long as 6 feet.

The wagon adopts several performance tweaks from the Golf R. Among them are sport seats, a suspension that sits 0.8 inches lower than the standard Golf, adaptive shock absorbers, LED secondary external lighting, four driving modes (from "eco" to "race") and aerodynamic elements that include a rear diffuser and D-pillar "aero flaps."

The R Variant will debut in Europe next spring. VW hasn't indicated when the car will be arrive in the American market.