New Golf Alltrack and revised Beetle model range spearhead VW's model year 2017

The Golf Alltrack is undoubtedly the highlight of the changes made for the 2017 model year at Volkswagen. This eagerly awaited derivative of the Golf SportWagen marries its practicality and fun-to-drive nature with the virtually go-anywhere capabilities of 4MOTION all-wheel drive and rugged exterior styling. The Alltrack will offer an affordable, yet upscale, alternative to existing all-wheel drive wagons that are on the market.

The Alltrack uses Volkswagen's powerful yet fuel-efficient 1.8-litre TSI turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder engine. This makes 170bhp and 270Nm of torque and will initially be offered with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual transmission will be available later in the model year. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, featuring a fast-acting Haldex 5 center differential, will also be offered in the Golf SportWagen for 2017.

The Beetle range is heavily revised for 2017, reviving the Classic and adding the #PinkBeetle Coupe and Convertible, and Dune Convertible models. The Classic model is back by popular demand, featuring a cool retro look inside and out, as well as desirable connectivity features, such as VW's Car-Net App-Connect, which allows for seamless integration with most current smartphone platforms, using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink technology.

As the name suggests, the #PinkBeetle reflects the wishes of many customers to see a trendier colour palette for the Beetle. The Fresh Fuchsia Metallic colour is a vibrant and modern take on the color pink and is used both for the exterior paint and also for interior accents.

The Beetle Dune Convertible will also go on sale as a 2017 model, joining the Dune coupe that went on sale earlier this year as a 2016 model. Like the coupe, the Convertible features more rugged exterior styling than the regular models, some interior enhancements, and a ride height that is raised by 10mm. All Dune models are equipped with the 1.8-litre TSI engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.