Volkswagen Golf Plus: first look at new high-roofed hatch

The new-generation Volkswagen Golf Plus has been spotted for the first time testing on public roads.

The revealing shots taken by CarAdvice’s spy photographer in Germany confirm Volkswagen is working on a new version of the high-roofed compact MPV that will be based on the recently released Golf Mk7.

The original Golf Mk5-based Volkswagen Golf Plus joined the German car maker’s line-up at the end of 2004, offering a more spacious and versatile alternative to the standard Golf hatch, yet packaged in a shorter body than the Golf wagon and Touran seven-seater.

The Golf Plus received a facelift in 2009, bringing it in line with the Golf Mk6, and continues to be sold alongside the new-generation hatchback across Europe and other international markets.

Our spy photographer says the new Golf Plus is about 150mm taller than the standard hatch and is expected to feature a versatile, adjustable rear seating system.

It is also believed to be approximately 50mm longer than hatch and will reportedly ride on a wheelbase stretched by roughly 60mm.

While taking inspiration from the hatch, the Golf Plus gets its own body panels and distinctive styling, including a broader front grille, higher sill line and taller greenhouse, and a unique tailgate.

As with previous iterations, the new Golf Plus will inherit its turbocharged petrol and diesel engines and manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions from the hatch range.

Reports suggest the Volkswagen Golf Plus will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2014.