The German carmaker has released the first official details about the upcoming Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, a mid-size crossover inspired by its premium brother, the Audi Allroad. The vehicle will make its world debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in December and represents a connection between mid-sized Volkswagen cars and SUVs like the Tiguan. The new Passat Alltrack will compete in the mid-size station wagons with crossover feature class, a market segment which was explored only be a few carmakers so far.
Basically, the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack only competes against the Peugeot 508 RXH and the Audi Allroad. And since the Passat’s smaller brothers, the Polo and Golf, already have a “Cross” version, there are many brand enthusiasts that say it was about time the iconic mid-size sedan receive a similar treatment.
According to the official press release, the Alltrack was created because “many car drivers who use their car as a towing vehicle, or in light off-road situations, want a versatile, sporty and very roomy passenger car that has rugged qualities. Volkswagen developed the VW Passat Alltrack for this clientele. In comparison with the familiar Passat Estate, the new model is defined by new bumpers in SUV style – with wheel well and side sill flares. Its greater off-road ramp angle, approach angle, departure angle and higher ground clearance all make the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack an excellent SUV alternative for driving on unpaved track.”
The engine range include two TSI gasoline engines and two TDI diesels. The two TSI engine deliver 160 and 210 hp, while the two diesel produce 140 and 170 hp. But no matter the fuel used, top versions get Volkswagen’s 4Motion permanent all wheel drive system and the seven speed DSG automatic transmission as standard. For the 140 hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI engine, all wheel drive is optional, while the entry level gasoline version comes equipped with manual transmission and front wheel drive.
Because it is launched in a special niche, Volkswagen will only offer one trim level for the Alltrack. Standard features are plenty and include Alcantara leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, two zone automatic climate control, tire pressure monitoring system, iPod connectivity and several other features found on top trim level of the “regular” Passat.
The new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is scheduled to make market debut in the first half of 2012, with orders being accepted starting with April and the first deliveries scheduled for June. As for the pricing, Volkswagen hasn’t released any info so far, but we can expect a slight price increase compared to the top version of the Passat Variant station wagon.