Volkswagen launches Golf Alltrack and R wagon

Volkswagen has introduced the Golf R Wolfsburg Edition and Golf Alltrack to complement the existing Golf wagon range.

Aimed at performance buyers who need a higher level of practicality than the Golf R hatch affords, the wagon is offered for the first time in Australia as a 'Wolfsburg Edition', priced at $58,990 with the standard high-performance (206kW/380Nm) four-cylinder turbo engine and six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The only factory option is a panoramic sunroof costing $1850.

Volkswagen Australia is also offering the existing Golf R hatch ($56,990) in Wolfsburg Edition form, adding three exterior colours (including Onyx White Pearl), Carbon Nappa leather appointed upholstery with individually heated front seats, Black Pretoria 19” alloy wheels, black mirrors/roof rails (wagon only), adaptive cruise control, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Proactive occupant protection system, Blind Spot Monitor with rear traffic alert and unique badging.

As with the hatch, the Golf R wagon's drivetrain pumps out torque through an all-wheel drive system featuring a Haldex 5 coupling to the rear wheels. This system, which is claimed to be lighter than previous Haldex units but very strong, features wet-plate clutches and can rapidly engage the rear wheels for added traction. The Golf R's stability control program can also adjust the torque split through the front and rear XDL differentials. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2L/100km in combined-cycle testing.

Standard features for both vehicles include airbags for front passengers/side-impact/curtains/driver's knee, Brake Assist, electro-mechanical parking brake with auto-hold, multi-collision braking, dual-zone climate control, front/rear parking sensors, reversing camera/optical guidance in infotainment display screen, bi-xenon headlights, follow-me-home lighting, auto-on/off headlights, satellite navigation, eight-speaker audio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, App-Connect interface for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, electric windows/mirrors (heated), auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-bound three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, leather upholstery and trip computer.

Additionally, the Golf R comes with adaptive chassis control, and the Alltrack offers keyless entry/start, 17-inch alloy wheels, low tyre pressure indicator, dual-zone climate control, non-adaptive cruise control.

The Golf Alltrack, priced from $37,990, will target buyers wanting all the benefits of Golf Wagon ownership, with 20mm raised ride height and some basic off-road ability. Like the Golf R, the Alltrack features the Haldex 5 coupling and six-speed DSG (dual-clutch) transmission, but the power is supplied by a 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder. This version of the EA288 engine produces 132kW and 280Nm, and employs high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port injection to keep turbo lag to the minimum and help fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption, per the ADR81/02 combined-cycle test is 6.7L/100km.