Volkswagen debuts U.S.A production version of 2017 Golf Alltrack

Volkswagen of America, Inc., debuted the U.S.A production version of the all-wheel drive (AWD) Golf Alltrack - based on the successful Golf SportWagen/Variant - which goes on sale in the Fall as a 2017 model.

The Golf Alltrack shares its underpinnings with its Golf family siblings, from its MQB architecture to the turbocharged and direct injection powertrain. The 1.8-litre, four-cylinder TSI petrol engine puts out 170bhp and 270Nm of torque. 

The Alltrack's defining characteristic is its 4MOTION AWD system. It uses the latest generation Haldex-5 coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump. In normal driving, the Alltrack acts like a front-wheel drive car for better fuel economy, but as soon as the system detects wheel slip, up to 50 percent of the drive torque can be shipped to the rear wheels. 

From the outside, the Golf Alltrack's rugged appearance is easy to differentiate from the SportWagen. Cladding for key body pieces, including the unique bumpers, wheel wells and side sills, gives off-road protection and the front fascia incorporates foglights and a unique honeycomb grille. Silver detailing, including roof rails, matte mirror caps and diffuser, add a premium touch.

The interior gets a more upscale feel, with leatherette seating surfaces and a unique brown leatherette option in addition to aluminum pedal covers, door sills with Alltrack branding and ambient lighting. Standard infotainment features include a 6.5-inch capacitive colour touchscreen with proximity sensor, rearview camera, and VW Car-Net App-Connect connectivity.

Like the rest of the Golf line, the Alltrack provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System. Available driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Assist, and front and rear Park Distance Control with Park Assist.