New for 2017

The Alltrack is a new derivative of the Golf SportWagen.

Volkswagen’s SportWagen goes off the beaten path

SUVs are extremely popular right now, but they typically use more fuel and generally aren’t as engaging to drive as conventional cars. For 2017, Volkswagen offers a worthy alternative in the 2017 Golf Alltrack. Based on the Golf SportWagen, it combines that compact car’s best attributes with what buyers love most about SUVs.

Performance

The Alltrack combines the efficiency and driving dynamics of a compact wagon with the style and all-weather capability of an SUV. It’s based on the Golf SportWagen but features all-wheel drive, a slightly taller ride height, and more rugged styling features.

The sole engine option is the same 1.8-liter “EA888” turbocharged four-cylinder engines shared with other Golf models. It produces 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque and is coupled to six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated transmissions.

EPA fuel-economy ratings are 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the manual transmission and 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with the automatic.* The Alltrack features a larger fuel tank than other Golf models, measuring 14.5 gallons. That should increase range between fill-ups.

One of the main features of the Alltrack is its 4MOTION® all-wheel drive system. It’s what turns the Alltrack into a crossover competitor, giving this little wagon the same ability to handle snow or rain as high-riding utility vehicles. The Alltrack’s version of 4MOTION® also decouples the rear axle when extra traction isn’t needed to help save fuel.

Features

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a five-door, five-seat compact wagon. It’s available in three trim levels, priced starting from $25,850.**

Standard equipment on the base Golf Alltrack S includes heated exterior mirrors, roof rails, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shifter, leatherette upholstery surfaces, LED interior ambient lighting, heated front seats, eight-speaker audio system with 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth®, SiriusXM™ satellite radio, and VW Car-Net® connected services (both require subscription).

The Alltrack SE includes all of the applicable standard features from the Alltrack S, as well as keyless access with push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, and a Fender premium audio system.

Upgrading to the top Alltrack SEL model nets power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and navigation. Bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and numerous driver-assist features are also available as options on this model.

Design

To create the Alltrack, Volkswagen combined the standard Golf SportWagen body with some SUV-like styling cues, a formula that’s worked well for Subaru with its Outback and Crosstrek and Audi and Volvo with their Allroad and Cross Country models, respectively.

The Golf SportWagen starts with a clean design and simple lines that work well with the changes VW had in mind. Those changes include a new front bumper that incorporates a silver trim piece made to look like an off-road vehicle’s skid plate, side cladding, and an altered rear bumper with chrome exhaust outlets. The Alltrack also rides 0.6 inches higher than a Golf SportWagen.

The interior largely carries over from the SportWagen, which is not a bad thing. Overall, the current-generation Golf family features sensible interior designs, with controls that are logically laid out, and a higher quality of materials than is generally expected of cars in this class. The Alltrack has a somewhat higher level of equipment than the SportWagen with standard features like leatherette upholstery that are optional on the latter model.

The Alltrack boasts the same impressive 94.3 cubic feet of passenger volume as the SportWagen, with 38.6 inches of headroom and 41.2 and 35.6 inches of front and rear legroom, respectively. It can also swallow 30.4 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats in place, and 66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Intelligent Crash Response System, and a full array of airbags.

Optional features include an adaptive front-lighting system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, front and rear park distance control, Parking Steering Assistant, and High Beam Control.

Verdict

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is an exciting alternative to the traditional SUV template.

For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.

Image: Volkswagen