VW’s Passat range of D-segment large saloons and estates are popular with nearly 23,000 annual UK sales.
The range has roughly a 50/50 split sales split between saloon and estate styles with the Alltrack 4MOTION estates attracting around 600 UK customers annually.
The Passat range is now the number two best selling D-segment range in the UK after the Vauxhall Insignia and new Passat now outsells Ford’s long serving Mondeo range in the UK.
While the Passat saloons and estates appeal to fleet and business users the Alltrack estate is most likely to be bought by country-living retail customers.
Based on the popular Passat five door, fiver seater roomy estate, the Alltrack adds 4MOTION four wheel drive and a raised body height to give it greater capability off-road. Just one comprehensive trim level is available in the UK with a choice of two drivetrains. There is a 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel unit with 138bhp and a six-speed manual transmission. The other engine option is also a 2.0-litre TDI unit but with a power output of 168bhp and with a six-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic gearbox.
The Alltrack best selling 138bhp variant costs £28,480 and the 168bhp version with the auto gearbox costs £31,030.
I have just enjoyed a spell with the 2.0-litre 138bhp manual Alltrack and when I say enjoyed that is what I mean because its 4MOTION all wheel drive was a huge benefit during my road test period which coincided with the continuous stormy weather which resulted in flooded roads.
The 4MOTION system in dry conditions drives the front wheels only for 90 per cent of the time which doesn’t harm the fuel economy but when conditions dictate the variable power split between the front and rear wheels automatically comes into use. Allowing for the really poor road conditions which prevailed throughout my time with the Alltrack fuel consumption was 44.1mpg, less than the official figure but no hardship considering the driving safety the four wheel grip provided.
For those country-folk or sporting activity types who need to venture off-road or negotiate farm tracks the 4MOTION system has an off-road mode which the driver operates via a pushbutton. This mode activates hill descent control, the ABS braking system is altered for better grip on loose surfaces and the system includes faster acting electronic differential locks to prevent wheelspin. The off-road mode also helps driving on-road during snow conditions providing it is used at relatively low speeds.
The Alltrack’s suspension is raised for better ground clearance from 135 to 165mm over the standard Passat estate. This also improves the ramp breakover angle and ruggedly styled bumpers increase the approach and departure angles for off road driving. Further body enhancements provide some further protection from scrapes on rough terrain. These include stainless steel look front and rear underbody protection panels backed by a steel underbody engine guard and flared side sills. The wheels are 18-inch alloys with ContiSeal tyres and thankfully there is at least a space-saver spare wheel included for the UK market.
With only one level of specification for the Alltrack the level is high with Alcantara leather and fabric mix upholstery, 2Zone electronic climate control, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a comprehensive raft of air bags, driver alert warning, touchscreen navigation system, electric windows and door mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity. On top of these are optional items of spec including automatic dipping headlights, side scan lane blind-spot assist, automatic distance control, emergency braking control, rear view camera and electronically deployed towbar.
When it comes to towing the Alltrack’s maximum braked towing weight is 2,000kg, that’s 200kgs more than the standard Passat estate so towing a boat, caravan or horse trailer is not an issue.
Apart from ample room for five adult passengers the boot space with the rear seats in position is 523-litres up to the window line but with the rear seats folded is a huge 1,641-litres. There is enough load length and space for most sports equipment, recreational kit and where applicable mobility equipment for the less able. Loading is easy with a low-ish rear sill and a flat load floor. The dark plastic trim makes the interior a bit drab despite the ambient lighting but the smart instruments brighten the fascia panel and the well positioned controls are easy and logical to use.
The 2.0-litre, 138bhp, turbodiesel engine is well known within the Volkswagen Group of brands and with its 236lb ft of torque available from 1,750rpm its responsive and flexible in a workmanlike way. Top speed is 123mph but more importantly it cruises effortlessly and quietly at high legal motorway speeds. The zero to 62mph acceleration time of 10.3 seconds is also adequate for today’s motoring conditions.
VERDICT
The Alltrack proved to be my sure-footed friend during the very wet conditions but with its on-demand all wheel drive it would also be user-friendly in the dry with the 4MOTION system providing loads of grip during cornering, braking and acceleration with the added benefit of being able to use it for light off-road travel. It is well balanced, very comfortable with a compliant suspension so it was easy to live with in traffic as well as parking. In all areas it is a sound and sensible alternative to bulky SUVs and MPVs.
MILESTONES
Volkswagen Passat Alltrack 4MOTION Estate, 2.0-litre, TDI Bluemotion £28,480.
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TDI turbodiesel 138bhp, 236lb ft of torque from 1,750rpm, 6-speed manual, 4MOTION all wheel drive.
Performance: 123mph, 0-62mph 10.3 seconds, 49.6mpg Combined Cycle (44.1mpg on test), CO2 150g/km, VED road tax £135, BIK company car tax 23%.
Insurance group: 21E.
Dimensions/capacities: L 4,771mm, W 1,820mm H 1,516mm, boot/load space 523 to 1,641-litres, braked towing weight 2,000kg.
For: All wheel drive, plenty of passenger and load space, easy to live with, solidly made, well equipped, versatile, good purposeful and practical styling.
Against: Nothing, does exactly what it is meant to do.
