You are going to be hearing a lot about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf during the next few months. This is the time of year when iconic automotive organizations, magazines and experts bestow their awards on the best cars of the year. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is one of three finalists for the 2015 North American Car of the Year award, up against the Hyundai Genesis and the Ford Mustang. While at first glance, it might seem that winning is a long shot, consider that the Golf GTI has already been declared Motor Trend Magazine's Car of the Year, and even Yahoo's Car of the Year. Perhaps it is time for a closer look. It has been 30 years since the Golf won Motor Trend's top nod. At that time, it fell into the domestic category, since it was manufactured in Pennsylvania. This year, it was nearly unanimously chosen by judges after displaying a strong performance in each of their six categories: advancement in design, efficiency, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, safety, and value. Motor Trend calls the 2015 Volkswagen Golf a "jackrabbit of all trades."On the design front, the 2015 Golf is not fancy, but it has definitely grown sleeker and sportier than it's predecessor. Visually, it appeals to both the young and old, a rare accomplishment in automotive. Inside, attention to detail and refinement are immediately evident.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf will be all new, the eighth generation of the popular car in 40 years of production, according to a report in a German magazine. Most car cycles last about 7 years, before a new generation is launched. The current model of the Volkswagen Golf was launched in 2012, so a complete overhaul after only 5 years is unusual. The Volkswagen Golf is Europe's best-selling car. The German magazine, Auto motor und sport had a few details about the all new 2017 Volkswagen Golf, but Volkswagen isn't commenting yet. The magazine says that the new generation will look much different from the current one. It will be lower and wider, with a variety of new design features such as restyled front and rear lights.

In Canada it's called the Golf Wagon, in the United States, it's known as the Jetta Sportwagen, and in Europe, it's the Golf Estate. All different names for the same car: the Volkswagen Golf Wagon. The new edition is already being sold in Europe, and we will get our hands on it in early 2015. This car is very interesting because it offers plenty of space, comes with a diesel version and now, offers a smaller silhouette with sporty accents. It's new front end was inspired by the regular Golf, sporting a much more dynamic appearance. Two powertrains are on the schedule. First, a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.8 litre gasoline engine that can be paired to either a manual five-speed or a six-speed automatic, and delivers 170 horsepower. A diesel, the single one in this vehicle's category, gets 150 horses and is also equipped with a turbocharger. It's choice of transmissions is more advanced; a manual six-speed or a dual-clutch six-speed automatic. AWD could be offered as an option.

Canadians love the Volkswagen Golf. There's something just so outdoorsy and well.. Canadian about the car. We love it, but for some reason it's rarely at the top of our shopping list. In Europe though, the situation is much different. Volkswagen is the largest automotive manufacturer in Europe.