The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack was revealed today by the Wolfsburg carmaker, which released its initial details and its first images. With a ground clearance increased from 135 to 165 mm, and a ramp breakaway angle increased from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees, the VW Passat Alltrack aims to be a budget version of the Audi A4 Allroad. In comparison to the regular Volkswagen Passat, the Alltrack has an increased approach angle (from 13.5 to 16 degrees) and departure angle (from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees). VW's Passat Alltrack features all the tell-tale signs of an all-terrain vehicle. It features flared wheel arches, and rigged front and rear bumpers. The Alltrack has the same length as the Passat Estate (4,771 mm), and the same width (1,820 mm).
Being an off-road capable vehicle, Volkswagen's Passat Alltrack is equipped with the company's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which sends 90% of the power to the front wheels. However, when required, the Alltrack can send all its power to the rear axle via its electrohydraulic Haldex clutch. Talking of power, the Alltrack is equipped with a 2.0-litre TDI engine, developing 140 PS. The horsepowers are sent to the wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The Alltrack Passat will also be available with a more powerful version of the 2.0 TDI engine, which develops 170 PS. This version of the Alltrack comes with the fast-shifting six-speed DSG gearbox.
For better off-road capabilities, Volkswagen equips the Passat Alltrack with the same driving mode as the Tiguan Escape. When activated, the off-road mode engages the hill decent assist function, when the slope is greater than 10 degrees. The ABS is automatically modified to cope with looser surfaces, and the electronic differential locks (EDS) react faster to prevent wheelspin. When equipped with the DSG transmission, the Passat Alltrack has higher shift points.
The standard equipment list of the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack includes:
- Alcantara upholstery;
- 2Zone electronic climate control;
- Cruise control;
- Tire pressure-monitoring system;
- MDI iPod connectivity;
- Bluetooth telephone preparation;
- 18-inch alloys;
- Stainless steel-look front and rear underbody protection panels;
- Flared side sills;
- Matt chrome roof rails, window surrounds, grille and exterior mirror casings.
Volkswagen Passat Alltrack engines:
- 2.0 TDI 103 kW / 140 PS, 5.7 l/100 km fuel consumption, 150 g/km CO2 emissions
- 2.0 TDI 125 kW / 170 PS, 5.8 l/100 km fuel consumption, 152 g/km CO2 emissions.
- 1.4 TSI 118 kW / 160 PS
- 2.0 TSI 155 kW / 210 PS
The world debut of the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will take place at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show, and it will go on sale in early 2012. Volkswagen will announced the price of the Alltrack at a later date.
