2017 VW Golf Alltrack
First seen two years ago in Paris, the
most rugged version of the Golf SportWagen series is getting ready to launch in
the USA.
Based on the regular estate version of
the Golf, it's powered by the EA888 1.8-liter, four-cylinder TSI gasoline
engine, capable of sending 170 HP and 270 Nm of torque to
the 4Motion all-wheel drive system that uses the newest Haldex-5 coupling,
activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
For improved fuel economy, the Golf
Alltrack acts like a FWD car in normal driving mode, but when wheel slip is
detected, up to 50 percent of the drive torque can be transferred to the rear
axle. At the time of launch, Volkswagen will offer it with a six-speed
dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual will become
available too, at a later date.
Volkswagen offers a Drive Mode selector,
which includes "Off-Road Mode", adding hill descent control and
claiming to optimize traction control for off-road terrain. The Off-Road HMI
displays steering angle, compass and altitude.
Visually, the increased ride height,
plastic body cladding, unique bumper inserts, different honeycomb grille and
wheel wells help it differentiate from the regular Golf wagon. On the S and SE
trims, VW offers 17-inch alloy wheels, while on the range-topper, 18-inch rims
become available. As a premium touch, the Golf Alltrack also gets silver
detailing on the roof rails, mirror caps and diffuser.
Inside, the compact estate provides
leatherette seating surfaces at no extra cost or unique brown leatherette
option in addition to aluminum pedal covers, door sills with Alltrack branding
and ambient lighting. The infotainment system, working together with a 6.5-inch
touchscreen, is standard and it comes with a proximity sensor, rearview camera
and VW Car-New App-Connect connectivity.
The Golf Alltrack packs, just like the
rest of the Golf lineup, a combination of passive and active safety systems
that include ESC, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Intelligent Crash
Response, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous
Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Assist, Park Distance Control and Park Assist.
Volkswagen will launch the 2017 Golf
Alltrack this fall at an as of yet, undisclosed price.
