VW Adds AWD Golf Alltrack to U.S. Lineup

Volkswagen AG is expanding its Golf car lineup in the U.S. with the addition of the Golf Alltrack wagon.

The Alltrack, a modified version of the Golf SportWagen, is based on VW’s MQB platform—a transverse-engine, front-drive chassis that underpins most of VW’s small and midsize cars. The architecture is part of VW’s strategy to consolidate the number of vehicle platforms it builds, while increasing model variations and sharing more components across vehicles.

The Alltrack shares most of the dimensions of the base SportWagen, but it adds about 1.5 inches in ground clearance. This is coupled with a manually selected mode that recalibrates the all-wheel drive system to enhance off-road performance.

Even with the added ride height, the Alltrack’s overall height of just under 60 inches makes it one of the most low-slung models in its segment. VW cites this as an advantage for loading rooftop items such as bicycles and kayaks. Roof rails are standard.

An electro-hydraulic clutch powers the rear differential, which varies the torque to the rear axle on demand. Other goodies include a hill-descent control feature, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping.

The only engine available at launch in the U.S. will be a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder direct injection mill. Three diesel engines are available in Europe. VW says it is developing a revised version of its 2.0-liter diesel, which was part of the company’s cheater emissions scandal, to meet U.S. emissions regulations.

The 170-hp 1.8-liter engine will be mated with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is expected to be added late this year.

Weighing 3,420 lbs, the awd Alltrack is 360 lbs heavier than the base front-drive Golf SportWagen. That added weight reduces the car's U.S. fuel efficiency rating from 29 mpg for the SportWagen to 25 mpg for the Alltrack.