We just reported that Mercedes-Benz would be pulling from the Smart brand from US shores. While it’s sad to see any offering leave the market: variety is great! Even terrible options are still options (see: politics.)
Now reports suggest that Volkswagen may stop bringing the standard Golf and SportWagen variant to North America. Dwindling sales haven’t built a strong economic case for continued sales.
That’s a shame: entry-level cars don’t come much better than the Golf. It’s an iconic design, incorporating one of the best layouts (hatchback) with relatively fun-to-drive dynamics and rock-solid reliability(-ish.)
The SportWagen is an even better take on the Golf. It takes the already practical layout and stretches it out to an accommodating wagon capable of serving most families’ needs. And it looks great.
The good news is that both the GTI and R will continue to be sold. In fact, the sportier GTI sells nearly three times as many as the base model. The R doesn’t move nearly that many units (heh), but it’s higher price-tag provides a larger profit-margin, justifying it’s continued presence.
It’s not hard to see how the Golf has struggled in recent years. First of all, people are dumb (see: the entire CUV market.) Practical and fun-to-drive isn’t the draw it should be, with Hyundai/Kia finding success in it’s leasing programs, and continent-wide insecurity putting more and more drivers in SUVs and trucks.
For those looking for better driving dynamics with the practicality of a hatch in an entry-level driver, Mazda has really stepped up their game. The 3 oozes style while being a blast to rocket through corners.
The real shame here will be the loss of one of the few remaining stick-equipped wagons left on the market. Word hasn’t come out on the SportWagen-based AllTrack, so maybe it still has a chance.