Cross or Alltrack derivatives , i.e. modifications better suited to roads on unpaved surfaces, have grown over time through the entire Volkswagen model range. So it was only a matter of time before the eighth generation of the Passat would once again receive an Alltrack version. And that time comes along with the Geneva Motor Show.
The recipe for creating a similar model is still the same – Volkswagen took the Passat Variant, raised its ground clearance by 27.5 mm , added plastic trim to the sills and fenders, installed stainless steel plates at the front and rear to protect the chassis, and modified both bumpers to handle slightly larger approach angle. And voila – the Passat Alltrack is here! The practical side of the station wagon, next to the large trunk, is represented by silver roof rails, a certain amount of individualization is given by the choice of cast wheels with eighteen or nineteen inches (seventeens are standard).
However, to make the Alltrack a bit more capable than the classic Passat, Volkswagen equipped it with 4Motion all-wheel drive with a Haldex inter-axle clutch for all engine variants. Under normal road conditions, the station wagon is front-wheel drive, but as soon as conditions worsen, the rear axle is also automatically engaged. The lockable differential then sends power to the wheel with the most traction. A new feature specially designed for this version is the Off Road mode (supplementing the existing Normal, Sport and Eco), which adjusts the operation of the brakes, the response to the gas and the setting of the start/descent assistant up or down the hill for better traction and performance of the car on particularly slippery roads.
Power units with all-wheel drive have already been discussed, so only their list is missing. The base is a 1.4 TSI with a power of 150 hp, which is complemented by a stronger two-liter TSI with a power of 220 hp. The 2.0 TDI diesel engines are offered in three performance specifications with 150, 190 or 240 horsepower. The XDS+ system is standard for the most powerful diesel and gasoline units, and depending on the motorization, a six-speed manual or automatic dual-clutch transmission is available.
Source: Volkswagen
