Volkswagen Passat Alltrack for 2016

As Volkswagen's new eighth-generation Passat gears up for its October launch in Australia, its rugged Alltrack crossover cousin has just been launch in Europe, pitched as a more efficient, more practical and more capable machine.

Although it's not clear exactly when the new second-generation Passat Alltrack will arrive Down Under – Volkswagen Groiup Australia insists it's too early to say whether it'll arrive in the first or second half of next year — a number of local details have been confirmed.

Just one variant — expected to be priced just under $50,000 — will be offered locally, powered by a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine developing 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

Accelerating to 100km/h in eight seconds with help from a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG), it is claimed to be ultra efficient, consuming just 5.1L/100km.

This is made possible by the inclusion of engine idle-stop and an AWD system that can decouple the rear axle to save fuel when cruising.

The single model will be a high-spec variant with plenty of luxury features expected, such as leather seat trim, advanced driver safety aids, adaptive suspension and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Compared to the Passat wagon, the Alltrack gets a 174mm ride height — up from 165mm — along with underbody protection, wheel-arch extensions, roof rails and redesigned front and rear bumpers.

Volkswagen claims the new model can tow up to 2200kg and features a 'trailer assist' system than can help drivers align the trailer when reversing among other things.

Kurt McGuiness, Volkswagen Australia's public relations manager, told Australian media at the car's European launch this week that the previous Alltrack was so successful Down Under that it accounted for around 40 per cent of all Passat wagon sales.

"Technically it's an SUV because of its ride height but really the Alltrack is a brand unto itself," said McGuinness, suggesting the Subaru Outback is not a direct rival.

Although the company plans to import just the one variant, powered by the abovementioned 140kW turbo-diesel, the headline engine in the European range is a 176kW/500Nm version of that engine.

And it could be available to Australians down the track, so to speak, said McGuinness.

"If there was increased demand we'd look at it, but there's no plans [for the 176kW diesel] as yet.

Now read the new Volkswagen Alltrack review