I bought a 2011 JSW TDI (jetta sport wagon) and it is probably better for expo 99% of the time over my defender 90. I get 40mpg, can sleep my 6'1" body comfortably in the back (obviously can't do this in a golf) and it has AC, 500-600 miles per tank, factory roofrack etc.
If it was 4x4 with a couple inches of lift (allroad diesel please) it would go anywhere I needed short of rock crawling.
Tdiclub.com is a great resource.