VW Golf Sportsvan (2014-2020): How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Model History

The Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan was a compact MPV produced from 2014 to 2020. It replaced the Golf Plus (2004–2014), inheriting its concept but featuring a more modern platform and design. The model was based on the modular MQB platform, also used in the Golf VII, Audi A3, and other vehicles from the Volkswagen Group.

Production of the Golf Sportsvan took place in Germany at the Wolfsburg plant. In 2020, the model was discontinued without a direct successor, as demand for compact MPVs declined in favor of crossovers like the T-Roc and T-Cross.

 

Modifications and Technical Specifications

The Golf Sportsvan was offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as manual and automatic transmissions.

Petrol Engines:

  • 1.0 TSI (85–115 HP) – A turbocharged three-cylinder engine, an economical option for city driving.
  • 1.2 TSI (110 HP) – A reliable and well-balanced engine.
  • 1.4 TSI (125–150 HP) – Featured ACT technology (active cylinder deactivation for fuel efficiency).
  • 1.8 TSI (180 HP) – The most powerful petrol option, not available in all markets.

Diesel Engines:

  • 1.6 TDI (90–115 HP) – Fuel-efficient with low consumption.
  • 2.0 TDI (150 HP) – More dynamic with strong torque.

Transmissions:

  • 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes.
  • 6- and 7-speed DSG automated transmissions.

 

Trim Levels:

In Europe, the Golf Sportsvan was available in several trim levels:

  • Trendline – Base version with air conditioning, power accessories, and a basic infotainment system.
  • Comfortline – Mid-range trim with upgraded interior, cruise control, and rain/light sensors.
  • Highline – Top trim featuring a leather-wrapped steering wheel, climate control, LED lighting, and an advanced infotainment system with a large display.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew two bolts (fastened top to bottom) securing the radiator grille.
  3. Release the clips at the top (marked with blue arrows, use a screwdriver to press) and remove the radiator grille (pull toward yourself).
  4. At the bottom of the bumper, unscrew eight bolts (fastened bottom to top).
  5. Turn the wheels outward depending on the side you're working on.
  6. In the wheel arches, unscrew three (or four) bolts on each side securing the fender liners (front part).
  7. Unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  8. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward yourself).
  9. Release the clips at the top, under the radiator grille (marked with blue arrows).
  10. With an assistant, remove the front bumper by pulling it forward (ensure wires and hoses are not damaged).
  11. Disconnect electrical connectors (if present).
  12. (If applicable) Disconnect the headlight washer hoses (if fluid is in the reservoir, it will start leaking—prepare a container).

VW Golf Sportsvan Front Bumper Mounting Locations

VW Golf Sportsvan Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Open the access panels in the trunk side linings.
  3. Behind the panels, unscrew two fasteners (long plastic screws), disconnect the connectors, and remove the rear lights.
  4. From underneath, unscrew two bolts and remove two expanding rivets (unscrew the bolt and pull out the rivet) securing the lower part.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew three bolts on each side securing the fender liners (rear part).
  6. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side securing the corners to the fenders.
  7. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the sides toward yourself).
  8. Release the clips under the rear lights.
  9. With an assistant, remove the rear bumper by pulling it backward (ensure wires are not damaged).
  10. Disconnect electrical connectors.

VW Golf Sportsvan rear bumper mounting locations

VW Golf Sportsvan Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram

Design and Interior

The Golf Sportsvan differed from the standard Golf with an increased roof height (by 80 mm) and a more vertical rear section, improving passenger space. The car's length was 4.33 m, and the wheelbase was 2.63 m.

Interior Advantages:

  • Spacious rear seats with adjustable sliding function (180 mm travel).
  • Trunk capacity – 500 liters (1,520 liters with rear seats folded).
  • Elevated seating position, comfortable for the driver and passengers.

The interior used high-quality materials, and ergonomics were on par with the Golf VII. Optional features included a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a digital instrument cluster.

 

Safety and Technology

The Golf Sportsvan received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating (2014). Standard and optional safety systems included:

  • Adaptive cruise control.
  • Automatic emergency braking (Front Assist).
  • Blind-spot monitoring.
  • Parking sensors and rearview camera.

 

Interesting Facts

Why "Sportsvan" and not "Golf Plus"?

Volkswagen dropped the "Golf Plus" name to emphasize the updated design and sportier character.

Hybrid Version?

A plug-in hybrid Golf GTE Sportsvan was considered in 2015 but never entered production.

ABT Sports Version

Tuning company ABT Sportsline offered an upgrade package for the Golf Sportsvan, boosting the 2.0 TDI to 180 HP.

Electric Alternative

After discontinuing the Golf Sportsvan, Volkswagen shifted focus to the ID.3, though it’s not a direct successor (EV vs. MPV).

Rare Versions

Some markets offered a Golf Sportsvan with 4Motion all-wheel drive, but few were produced.

 

Conclusion

The Golf Sportsvan was a practical and comfortable car combining the benefits of a hatchback and an MPV. Despite being discontinued, it remains popular in the used car market due to its reliability and versatility. Its main competitors were the Ford C-Max, Renault Scenic, and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.