Volkswagen will launch this more rugged version of the Passat estate in 2012 after its official unveiling at the Tokyo motor show today. The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard in the UK and will sit between the Passat estate and the Tiguan in VW’s line-up.
While front-wheel drive and petrol versions will be offered in Europe, UK buyers will only be able to choose from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with either 138bhp or 168bhp and equipped with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive technology. The lower-powered model gets a six-speed manual gearbox and the range-topper a six-speed DSG.
VW claims the Alltrack has genuine off-road capabilities, something emphasised with both its styling and equipment. The visual changes include a new design for the front and rear bumpers inspired by the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs and flared wheel arches wrapped in black plastic cladding. Despite the changes, the Alltrack’s length and width are identical to the Passat estate’s at 4771mm and 1820mm respectively.
The ramp breakaway angle (now 12.8 degrees), approach angle (16degs) and departure angle (13.6degs) have all been increased over the Passat estate, and the suspension has been raised by 30mm for a higher ground clearance, now at 165mm.
Another off-road addition for the Alltrack is VW’s ‘Off-Road Driving Programme’, which is also borrowed from the firm’s larger SUVs. This system works up to 18mph and electronically tunes equipment including the electronic differential, ABS, torque control, hill descent and, in the DSG-equipped car, gearbox shift points to provide a more focused off-road drive.
VW is pitching the Alltrack as an off-road lifestyle version of the Passat and has put particular emphasis on its towing ability. Just one trim range will be offered in the UK and will have equipment including an Alcantara upholstery and 18in alloys as standard.
Order books for the car are likely to open in April 2012 ahead of the first deliveries in July. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but expect it to sit atop the Passat range, priced from around £26,000.
Thanks to: Autocar
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