The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has been launched in Australia with a price tag of $47,790.
The all-new Passat Alltrack is an off-road-oriented wagon featuring higher ground clearance than the regular Volkswagen Passat wagon, as well as 4Motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed DSG transmission as standard.
The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is aimed at those drivers that require the versatility of light off-road duties and reasonable towing capability without having to resort to a high-riding SUV.
Rivals to the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack include the recently released, but considerably more expensive, Audi A4 Allroad, the Skoda Octavia Scout, Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback.
The standard Passat wagon’s 135mm ride height has been raised to 165mm on the Alltrack, which has increased the vehicle’s approach, departure and all-important break-over angles in off-road environments.
The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack also features a solid underbody-guard constructed of steel that protects the drivetrain and front section of the exhaust system.
Volkswagen has launched the Passat Alltrack as a single-spec model powered by a 125kW 2.0-litre TDI engine with stop/start technology that generates up to 350Nm of torque.
Volkswagen claim a 0-100km/h-sprint time of 8.9 seconds for the Passat Alltrack along with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 166 grams per kilometre.
The powerful diesel engine also allows for a larger 1800kg towing (braked) capacity thanks to its maximum torque being developed between 1750 and 2500rpm, ideal for low down pulling power.
The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is 110mm longer than the Passat wagon, providing up to 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and a capacious 1716 litres with the rear seats folded down.
As well as Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the Passat Alltrack gains the same ‘off-road driving program’ seen on the Volkswagen Tiguan and larger Touareg SUV. The system remaps the Passat’s ABS, electronic differential lock, throttle control, and shift points to maximise traction. Hill decent is automatically activated when grades are steeper than 10 per cent.
In addition to the modified chassis and body modifications, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack picks up a raft of specific features including 17-inch ‘Valley’ alloy wheels (18-inch wheels are optional), tyre pressure monitor, and chrome roof rails, window surrounds, door mirror housings and radiator grille.
The list of standard features also includes an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, leather trim, leather-trimmed shifter, multifunction leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, brushed stainless pedals, floor mats and fog lights.
Additional equipment includes auto lights and wipers, automatically dimming rear vision mirror, front and rear parking sensors.
Key safety features on board the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack are eight airbags, daytime running lights, and electronic stability program.
Additionally the Alltrack gets fatigue detection which identifies poor driver concentration, warning drivers with an audible alert and suggesting they take a break.
There are two option packages available on the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack: Driver Assistance and Visibility, and Sport.
The driver assistance and visibility package incudes Bi-Xenon headlamps with dynamic cornering lights, lane assist, lane departure warning, side assist, and LED rear tail lights.
The Sport package combines 18-inch ‘Canyon’ alloy wheels with 225/45R18 self-sealing tyres, steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, front sports seats with Nappa leather trim, and privacy glass.
Stay tuned for CarAdvice’s review of the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.