Alltrack expands Volkswagen's Passat range

Volkswagen has officially launched the new Passat Alltrack in Australia, priced at $47,790 plus on-road costs – just $1800 more than the standard front-wheel drive Passat 125TDI auto wagon.

Powered by a 125kW turbo-diesel engine developing 350Nm and consuming just 6.3L/100km in the combined-cycle test, the Alltrack is aimed at buyers in the market for a car such as the popular Subaru Outback.

Drive is distributed through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to all four wheels via a 4Motion system featuring an electronically controlled electric pump to regulate torque through the Haldex centre coupling to the rear wheels. Normally the system only delivers just 10 per cent of the available torque to the rear wheels, but that figure gradually climbs if the system detects slip at the front.

Volkswagen has specified the Alltrack with the Touareg's 'Offroad driving program', which automatically adjusts anti-lock braking, electronic differential locks and electronic traction control system to work within off-road parameters. The program also enables Hill Descent Assist and changes both transmission shift points and accelerator pedal characteristics to suit.

Although it’s not ultimately as capable off-road as the car company's larger Touareg SUV, the Alltrack does boast underbody protection for those occasions when the vehicle's 165mm of ground clearance is not enough. Approach and departure angles have correspondingly increased from 13.5 to 16 degrees and from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees, respectively.

The break-over angle has increased too, from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees, while payload is 656kg and braked towing capacity is 1800kg. Luggage capacity with the rear seat upright is 588 litres, expanding to 1716 litres with the seat folded. Otherwise the Alltrack shares most of its dimensions with the standard Passat wagon, although it is slightly longer at 4881mm.

Identifying features include standard 'Valley' 17-inch alloy wheels, with 18-inch 'Canyon' wheels available as an option. Chrome trim applies to roof-rails, window surrounds, door mirror cappings and radiator grille, with underbody protection front and rear is finished in stainless steel.

Safety in the Alltrack is managed with eight airbags, active head restraints, fatigue detection, reversing camera, tyre pressure indicator and automatic brake light hazard warning.

Comfort and convenience features in the single Alltrack variant now available here include climate-control, eight-speaker audio, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, satellite-navigation, trip computer, electric driver's seat adjustment, electro-mechanical steering, electric windows, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, keyless entry, leather trim, electrochromatic mirror, auto-on headlights, rain-sensing wipers and front/rear parking sensors.

Options for the Alltrack comprise metallic paint ($700), the Park Assist 2 self-parking system ($900), three-mode Adaptive Chassis Control $1650, a sunroof ($2000), Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Brake ($2000) and a $2800 Sport Package comprising 18-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather, sports front seats and gearshift paddles.

There is also a Driver Assistance and Visibility Package, which for $3300 includes Lane Assist lane departure warning system, Side Assist blind spot detection, LED tail-lights, electrically adjustable front seats with three-position memory for the driver and bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights.

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