Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is the little sibling of Passat Alltrack. When the company debuted the latter, it closed the gap between the on-road and off-road worlds. As expected, the Golf Alltrack will make its European world premiere at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris next week. Some of the technical and visual highlights of the Golf Alltrack include a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, higher ground clearance, wheel arch mouldings and protective flared side sills as well as new bumpers.

This four-wheel drive Golf will feature an engine range comprising of one brand-new 1.8 litre TSI 180 hp (132 kW) petrol engine and three diesel engines: the 1.6-litre TDI with 110 hp (81 kW), plus two 2.0-litre TDI engines with 150 hp (110 kW) and 184 hp (135 kW). The highest output units will transfer their power to the all-wheel drive system via a standard six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG).

The permanent all-wheel drive 4MOTION is equipped with the latest generation Haldex coupling. It activates even before slip occurs and prevents almost all losses in traction thanks to a proactive control. In addition to the Haldex coupling which serves as a longitudinal lock, the new Volkswagen model features four-wheel EDS system. It operates as an electronic differential lock that is integrated in the ESC electronic stability control system.

At the front and rear axles, the Golf Alltrack is also equipped with XDS. It enhances steering response by braking the wheels on the inside of a bend during fast driving. The off-road driving credentials of the car is additionally strengthened by the 20 mm higher ground clearance, "Offroad" driving profile and 4MOTION four-wheel drive system.

Next, Volkswagen is offering a 1.8-litre TSI direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 180 hp from 4,500 rpm. It develops an impressive torque of 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) from a 1,350 rpm up to 4,500 rpm. This unit comes as a standard coupled with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The top speed is positioned at 135 mph, and the acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph is rated at 7.8 seconds. This contrasts to the economical fuel consumption figure of 41.5 mpg that equates to 158 g/km of CO2. 

The entry-level engine to the Golf Alltrack range is the 1.6 TDI with 110 hp, which consumes just 60.1 mpg and emits only 124 g/km of CO2). The engine has a maximum torque of 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. This 1.6 TDI accelerates the Golf Alltrack to 62 mph in 12.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 116 mph.

The second diesel engine in the range is the 2.0 TDI with 150 hp, which has a combined fuel consumption of just 57.6 mpg and CO2 of 127 g/km. It generates 340 Nm (250 lb-ft) available from a low 1,750 rpm up to 3,000 rpm. Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI has a top speed of 128 mph and accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds.

At the top of the engine range sits the diesel 2.0 TDI unit with 184 hp.  Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI sets is the most powerful Golf ever in an Estate body. The maximum torque here is 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) available from 1,750 rpm up to 3,250 rpm. The engine also offers extremely sporty driving performance: 7.8 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 62 mph and 136 mph top speed. The Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI consumes just 55.4 mpg and emits only 134 g/km of CO2.

Some of the exterior highlights of the model include black wheel arch mouldings, side sills painted in matt "Reflex Silver", 17-inch "Valley" alloys which were designed specifically for the Volkswagen Alltrack models, door mirror caps painted in glossy "Reflex Silver", an "Alltrack" badge on the wings, a chrome trim strip in matt color beneath the side windows and the "Silver" anodised roof rail.

The front end of the new Golf Alltrack features a low-profile radiator grille crossbar in the upper front area that sports an aluminium look, chrome "Alltrack" badge, lower cooling air intake in the redesigned bumper, distinctive crossbar in "Reflex Silver" and underbody protection in "Reflex Silver" completes the lower section of the front end. At the back of the car we can see dark-red rear lights and redesigned bumper. 

Inside, car's interior styling includes leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift lever, custom seat covers with the "Alltrack" badge on the backs of the front seats, accents in "Dark Magnesium" on the centre console and "Tracks" on the dashboard and interior door trim as well as ambient lights in the door trim. Other standard features included here are the automatic climate control ("Climatronic"), LED reading lights for the front and rear seats, lights in the front footwell areas, "Composition Touch" infotainment system, Driver Alert System and cruise control system.

Available features include a chrome trim strip with "4MOTION" lettering on the centre console compartment lid, stainless steel door sill plates with "Alltrack" lettering and chrome accents for various switches and buttons.

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack will go on sale in the summer of 2015.

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack (2014)
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Source: Volkswagen