Published: October 7, 2016, 4:40 PM
Updated: November 21, 2021, 3:23 PM
2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen Alltrack
Volkswagen's latest Golf iteration, the Alltrack is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) wagon that is now a top trim level for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen.
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Single model fully-loaded
In the United States, the Alltrack will be its own model, but in Canada it will come fully loaded and not be broken down into trim options. It sits at 4588 mm long, which is about 228 mm shorter than it’s most obvious rival, the Subaru Outback.
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Sportwagen not Sportwagon
It's a minor detail, but one VW fnas might have been spotted. Previously, Canada didn't adopt the American way of spelling Sportwagen and elected to take on the literal wagon word in its product name – Sportwagon. For 2017, Volkswagen Canada will fall in line with its neighbours to the south and use Sportwagen.
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What makes it different?
The Alltrack trim still sits on the same MQB platform as the regular Golf Sportwagen, but it increases its ride height by 15 mm, allowing for more ground clearance. It also gets more of a boost off the ground with unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy “Canyon” wheels.
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Off-roading capability
The most distinguishable feature of the Alltrack is its exclusive Off-Road driving mode. The extra ride height plays a big part in being able to gain that necessary ground clearance, but it's in the off-road technology where the wagon becomes impressive.
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Hill Descent control
In Off-Road mode, the Alltrack uses Hill Descent technology to take control over the vehicle braking as it crawls down steep slopes. All you need to do is control the steering wheel and the wagon does the rest.
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Other off-Road features
Traction control is deactivated to allow the wagon to have more wheel spin as it navigates through rough and bumpy terrain.
In addition, ABS braking is tweaked to allow each wheel to brake independently.
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Not a trail runner
Just because it was able to traverse a mild off-road course, doesn't make the Alltrack an off-road specialist. It handled the sloped terrain well, but with a few hiccups as it got bogged down on a bumpy patch. The good news is that it managed to pull through when a little more acceleration applied. It's extremely well adapted to cottage trails, however, and that should suit many Canadian buyers just fine.
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Distinctive exterior design
The Alltrack differentiates itself from the regular wagon with unique styling details that include its front and rear bumpers. In the front, there’s a matte-aluminum low-profile grille crossbar that connects into its headlights. Additionally, body cladding can be found on the side sills and through its wheel arches and bumpers. Not to be outdone, the rear bumper shines with a silver underbody valance that works well with its silver roof rails and dual chrome exhausts.
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One final touch
When a new vehicle or trim model becomes available, you have to slap a badge on it. The Alltrack name can be seen in the front grille and beside the taillights in the rear.
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Same engine
The Alltrack receives the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine found throughout the Golf Sportwagen lineup. It won't provide you with tons of power with its 170 hp rating, but that's made up for by a healthy 199 lb-ft of torque. Still no diesel back in the VW lineup, however.
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DSG transmission
It's rare to see a Volkswagen product without a manual transmission but the Alltrack will only come with its electronically-controlled DSG automatic. The packaging in the United States is different, as the Alltrack will have three trim levels with the bottom two coming standard with a six-speed manual transmission. It hasn't been confirmed as of yet, but Canada might receive a manual gearbox for 2018.
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Manual not necessary
The DSG transmission is one of my favourite gearboxes, and this version continues that excitement with silky smooth shifting that allows your ride to be quiet and relaxed. Gear shifting is seamless and its speed gradually accelerates at a nice pace between 40-80 km/h. If you're trying to accelerate quickly, that's when you'll feel its power deficiencies. So you may not want the manual even if it does become available.
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Sport mode adds some flair
There are four drive modes in total with one of them being Sport; the others are Normal, Off-Road and Individual. Sport mode adds exactly what it preaches: a little sporty action to your drive. In Sport mode the Alltrack won’t quickly jump to a higher gear for better fuel economy, keeping the engine at higher RPMs. In that case, you’ll hear a little more outside noise coming from the engine.
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Excellent handling
Volkswagen is known for its exceptional handling and that attribute has transferred to the Alltrack. Its combination of firm steering and road grip works well with its 4Motion AWD setup to keep your track precise throughout the turns without the need for much correction. On top of that, braking is also firm when needed, keeping you confident throughout your spirited drive.
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Moderate fuel consumption
The Alltrack is officially rated at 8.0 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 L/100 km for a combined 9.4. We didn't note our fuel economy data on the first drive program, as there were many stops and exchanges of vehicles. You will be happy to note that the Alltrack takes regular gasoline.
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Comfortable seats
Leather seats come standard in the Alltrack and their sporty sculpting straps you in for the drive. The front driver seat can be heated and adjusted via a 12-way power switch with power lumbar support.
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Centre pass-thtough
The centre pass-through allows you to fit a surfboard, snowboard, table, or any other large item that needs to be transported – essential for any wagon which is intended for the adventurous type.
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Spacious interior
Fill up the wagon with the kids, groceries or luggage – there's ample space for all. In total, the Alltrack has 1883 litresof cargo space with the rear seats down and 861 when they are up. On top of that, there's tons of headroom and legroom in both rows. Ideal seating in the back is for two adults, while a child can sit in the middle.
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Improved infotainment
Volkswagen hasn't been the most technically advanced automaker on the infotainment front but it has made some improvements with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Figuring out the system is easy, but the navigation system can use some tinkering and the least they can do is add a display that shows an upcoming turn.
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Kayak or bike – no problem!
The Alltrack doesn't just have its silver roof rails just for show, it's there to store a kayak, canoe or bicycle for those adventurous weekend getaways.
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One price and two options
The top-of-the-line Alltrack is priced at $35,295 and there are two options available: A Driver Assistance package for $1,310 and a Light and Sound Package that runs an additional $1,610.
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‘Driver Assistance’ and ‘Light and Sound’
The Driver Assistance package includes Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking, Park Assist (Parallel and Perpendicular), Park Distance Control and Lane Assist. The Light and Sound package adds Bi-Xenon headlights with high-beam adjustment, LED daytime running lights and a premium Fender audio system with 400 watts.
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AWD Golf Sportwagen an alternative
The Alltrack may be the trim that stands out from a marketing perspective, but if you're not planning to do any off-roading and rather just have AWD, you can pickup the Golf Sportwagen with AWD starting at $26,045 in the base Trendline. The same goes for the rest of the trim levels.
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When can you get one?
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen Alltrack will arrive aat dealers in October 2016. It's currently being assembled in Puebla, Mexico.
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