Volkswagen Passat Alltrack 2015 Review

Touted as more capable off-road, the jury's still out on the latter subject as the launch drive didn’t include any forest trail or even gravel road driving. But if it's anything like its predecessor it should be ideally suited for a weekend getaway to the snow and navigating gravel roads, particularly now it has more ground clearance.

Based on the new eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat, this curious quasi-wagon gets mild underbody protection to protect the engine, along with redesigned front and rear fascias and plastic wheel-arch cladding, signalling its go-anywhere purpose.

Naturally it features an all-wheel drive system that will decouple the rear axle to save fuel when cruising, and automatically apportion torque when the going gets rough. Oddly, Volkswagen calls it a 'permanent' AWD system.

As was the case with the original first-generation Alltrack launched here in late 2012, only one variant will be offered when this car arrives in Australia in 2016, powered by a 140kW/400Nm turbo-diesel engine.

Back then it cost $1800 more than its Passat equivalent at $47,490 and can be expected to command similar premium when it makes landfall in Australia. Specification details are also yet to be determined but Volkswagen says it will be a high-end model with all the fruit.

So how does it drive? On the move the Passat Alltrack feels like, well, a Passat.

It's smooth, quiet and effortless to drive. The controls fall easily to hand and there's ample oomph via the 2.0-litre four-cylinder 140kW powerplant. All models have an engine stop/start system to save a bit of fuel when stationary and Volkswagen claims this engine will average around 5.1L/100km.

It's a diligent worker and suitably efficient, the trip computer claiming 7.5L/100km after a day in a saddle – admirable considering the thrashing it took on the autobahn, frequently eclipsing 200km/h.

At speeds that would land you in hot water in Australia the car was quiet and composed, moreso when cruising at lower speeds. This imparts a more tangible sense of luxury than before.

Throttle response felt a little doughy from standstill, the six-speed DSG potentially contributing to this, but there's plenty of mid-range torque to ensure overtaking is never a chore.

And then there's top-spec turbo-diesel engine thanks bangs out 176kW. This fiery turbo-diesel engine available in Europe delivers considerably more punch, the 2.0-litre unit launching the Passat Alltrack from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds with a little help from its seven-speed DSG.

Throttle response felt sharper than the 140kW unit too. It's a charmer of an engine with a real performance edge that makes the Alltrack feel just that bit more special.

It' a shame this engine has not been earmarked for the local market but Volkswagen Australia won't rule it out just yet. It could be a possibility in future, particularly if there's increased demand. Watch this space.

Despite the raised ride height the Alltrack displayed a clean pair of heels in corners. Apart from new spring it retains the suspension parts from the regular Passat and when tipped into a corner loads up its suspension quickly, tracking neatly through bends.

It's likewise very cushy when the adaptive suspension is set to comfort, offering flexible dynamics.

Its taller stance, with 174mm of ground clearance up from the last Alltrack's 165mm, makes it easier to climb into and the all-new adventurer feels much fancier than its predecessor too.

Upon settling down in the driver's seat the fully digitised instrument panel looms. Bookended by a pair of dials for engine and road speed, the central part of the instrument panel displays satellite navigation in glorious high resolution.

Like the Audi TT's virtual cockpit, it's backed up by some seriously powerful processors that create a rich and appealing setting for the driver.

And then there's the native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration via the central infotainment touchscreen. Just plug in your phone and voila – apps galore using the operating system you know (and potentially love).

Indeed one of the best things about this car, and a growing number of Volkswagen Group vehicles, such as Skodas, are the smartphone integration options, and this Passat even gets 'media control' tablet integration along with a range of online services that'll do everything from monitor traffic congestion to informing you where to find dumplings in Munich.

Aussie cars are likely to get leather seats but even the cloth ones are pretty comfy and the cabin design is best described as nouveau conservative. I particularly liked the stylish frameless mirror and like much of the car, it's inoffensive yet contemporary.

Passenger room is impressive for those seated up front or in the back and although the boot is a little narrow, it offer a handy 650 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1769 litres via the one-touch flip-down rear seats (split 40:20:40)

Features such as radar cruise control and active lane keeping assist are likely to be offered on Aussie Alltracks, allowing the rugged-looking German to accelerate, brake and steer itself. It has a heads-up display and a number of other cool gizmos including cameras at every corner, so if it comes in at under $50,000 it could find lots of friends here.

Motorists looking to tow may find the Passat Alltrack appealing too, with a claimed 2200kg (braked) towing capacity. More likely is that it'd safely tow 1500kg of brakes trailer, particularly as it features an electrically folding tow ball.

Volkswagen has included 'trailer assist' electronic aids which help steer the car when reversing. For anyone whose had to back a trailer into a tight spot, this may be worth the price of admission alone. The only problem is the towing features are unlikely to be offered in Australia, much as the Audi Q7 doesn't in this country.

Despite two of the Passat Alltrack's headline features – the big-bang 176kW diesel engine and the trailer assist functionality – unlikely to be offered in Australia, and its off-road ability unclear, the car does most things well.

It's not particularly exciting but it drives well, looks and feels good and comes with high levels of technology, luxury, safety and practicality.

Designed to challenge the likes of the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC60, the Passat Alltrack still has to answer a few questions but the more efficient, more advanced and prettier Alltrack makes a solid first impression.

What we liked:
>> Composed ride and handling
>> Upmarket, tech-savvy interior
>> Fuel efficient turbo-diesel

Not so much:
>> Trailer assist tech unlikely
>> Average throttle response
>> Best engine not available (yet)

Also consider:
>> Volvo XC60 (from $57,990)
>> Subaru Outback (from $35,490)
>> Skoda Octavia Scout (from $32,990)