WE LOVE a wagon at GoAuto. With modern chassis systems and slippery aerodynamics, they commonly offer all the fun and dynamics of a sedan or hatch, but with almost all the practicality of an SUV. We often think they look better than their smaller-booted siblings too.

So why don't they attract the strong following that they have in Europe?

One exception to the rule is Volkswagen, which sells almost as many Passats and Golfs in wagon form as it does in hatch and sedan, but since the passing of the sporty Passat R36, the German car-maker hasn't been able to offer a high-performance wagon. Until now.

With the running gear and trick bodykit of the fiery Golf R, the new R Wagon adds a dollop of practicality to some serious hot-hatch fun, and if that wasn't enough, Australia gets the special kit-boosted Wolfsburg Edition.

We took the first new hot VW wagon in nearly a decade for a thrash to see if it upholds the mantra that the R36 cemented.



Click here for the full review...