VW Alltrack ready for any conditions
New Sportwagen model utilizes 4Motion system
Southern Albertans know how quickly weather can change for the worse come autumn. And in those times, a driver doesn’t want to be on the road without security.
Fans of the Das Auto brand — Volkswagen — as well as the uninitiated, have reason to take on any weather with authority thanks to the new Sportwagen Alltrack.
Coming fully loaded and employing Volkswagen’s triedand-true 4Motion all-wheeldrive system, the Alltrack is a raised version of the popular Golf wagon that is one of the most versatile cars I’ve ever driven.
The Alltrack differs from the regular Sportwagen in other ways as it includes modelexclusive features including fender flares, a distinctive front grille and bumper with integrated foglights as well as an off-road tuned suspension.
The 4Motion system directs nearly 100 per cent of torque to the front axle under normal driving conditions. Power is shifted to the rear in varying amounts when road conditions deteriorate.
While providing the car with the best traction possible in all circumstances, 4Motion also reduces fuel consumption by running in FWD unless road conditions merit.
Powered by the same 170horsepower inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine as other Sportwagens which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Alltrack delivers Transport Canada estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
The car rides on 18-inch Canyon alloy wheels with allseason tires.
Other standard equipment includes App-Connect smartphone integration and VW’s Discover Media infotainment system that has a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with proximity sensors, voice control, satellite navigation, two SD card slots and even a CD player.
The car has a push-button starter and keyless proximity entry system.
The Silk Blue Metallic tester, provided by Todd Brown of Lethbridge Volkswagen, has a stylish Shetland Vienna leather interior with heated 12-way power front seats, panoramic sunroof, chrome roof rails, ambient LED interior lighting, Climatronic dual-zone electronic climate control, a cargo area 115-volt power outlet and rear seat centre pass-through.
An adjustable cargo floor lets owners store smaller items out of sight of passersby and includes tiedown hooks and a cover.
Safety items include electronic stability assist, hill hold assist, tire pressure monitoring system, rainsensing wipers and a rearview camera.
For its $39,840 price tag, the tester also includes the $1,310 optional driver assistance package which includes adaptive cruise control, lane and park assist and emergency braking.
A $1,610 light and sound package gives the tester a Fender premium audio systgem, automatic high beam control, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and dynamic headlight range adjustment with corning light.
The Alltrack is just as much fun to drive as the regular Sportwagen, which for 2017 can be ordered with AWD as a standalone option — no need to upgrade to the Alltrack.
But for its price, the Alltrack gives buyers a lot of car. The technology suite alone, to me, is worth paying for.
The Sportwagen is a roomy car with plenty of room for five adults. Three rear passengers have a decent 35.6 inches of legroom.
With the rear seat occupied, the car still has a decent 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
When it’s entirely folded flat, space increases to 66.5 cubes.
If more cargo capacity is needed, those roof rails will carry an accessorty cargo box.
The Alltrack has easy access and while it doesn’t have the commanding viewpoint from the driver’s seat as a traditional sport utility vehicle, it also doesn’t guzzle fuel as quickly either.
For someone who wants all-season traction in a modestly-sized package, the Alltrack merits a close look.
The car is quiet on the highway and easy to pull into city parking spots.
It’s comfortable, luxurious and exudes a distinct aura of classiness.
It’s definitely a car that deserves a spot in the driveway.