Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Volkswagen really has a lineup that suits the category. They have the up! that competes against the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1. Then, there was the Volkswagen Jetta that rivals against the Hyundai Accent. The Golf serves as the Renault Megane's proper rival. The Volkswagen Touareg serves as the German alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. There's always a proper Volkswagen that suits the category of an average European customer but Volkswagen hasn't come up with a competitor that will rival against the Subaru Legacy Outback and the upcoming Peugeot 508 RXH. There hasn't been a gap, until now...

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Some say, this is a Passat B7 Variant but it isn't. Revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show last December 2011, the brand new Passat Alltrack is the crossover version of the Passat B7. Yep, you guessed it! It was made to compete against the Subaru Outback and the Peugeot 508 RXH but it takes a lot of time. So, what is it then, this VW Alltrack?

At first glance, it looks like a Passat Variant but with some crossover credentials on it to make it even more unique for this debutante. If this one is parked at a grocery store and if I was hideously drunk, I can tell that this is a Passat Variant with a different look. Anyway, how about the interior?

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack interior

Yep, you still get the same Passat B7 interior and the added space to put around your BMX, canoe, surfboards, whatever you packed for your day off. What's more, you still have the analog clock, the same instrumental cluster from the Passat B7, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail, just so you know...

The Volkswagen Passat Variant Alltrack comes with the following variants in the market launch in Europe this March such as the 1.8 TSi, 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Technology, and 2.0 TSi. Most come with either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed DSG transmission with a flatter accelerator pedal characteristic makes it easier to meter engine power in offroad situations. On the 4MOTION variants of the Passat Alltrack, the front wheels are driven with the rear wheels only getting 10 per cent of propulsive power. This is done by an electrohydraulic all-wheel drive clutch. Don't forget that when you're out there. Also, there's this new Offroad Driving Programme in which the driver activates the programme by pressing the Offroad button on the centre console. Specifically, the settings for the safety and driver assistance systems and DSG control were modified such as anti-lock braking system, electronic differential locks, Hill Descent Assist, Dual clutch gearbox, Running gear, ESP with trailer stabilization, Front running gear, and Four-link rear suspension.

Oh, I kinda forgot about the specs! Here's how those grades stack up;

Front-wheel drive standard
1.8 TSI - 118 kW / 160 PS (6-speed)
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION standard
2.0 TSI - 155 kW / 210 PS (6-speed DSG)
2.0 TDI - 125 kW / 170 PS (6-speed DSG, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION as option
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)
1.8 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS

For safety, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has such features as six airbags, daytime running lights and the ESP electronic stabilisation program. Additional features include fatigue detection, tyre pressure monitoring indicator (the driver is alerted if a tyre loses air) and the trailer stabilisation and countersteering support functions integrated in the ESP program. There's also the 2nd generation Park Assist that only supported parking parallel to the carriageway.

Available in seven colors; Tungsten Silver Metallic, Iron Grey Metallic, Light Brown Metallic, Tornadorot, Islandgrau Perleffekt, Night Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Perleffekt.

My Comment:

The new Passat Alltrack is all play and all work. If you want a crossover that you want to bring out in the summer and set off to visit an abbey, a pottery, an arts and crafts bungalow, and other vacation spots, this wasn't for you. There are other family carriers that can do that job better and sadly, this Passat Alltrack wasn't being a part of the crossover club. It needs some sheer evidence in order for this club to grant access for the Passat Alltrack and if that work out, this would be it. If that showed up in Tokyo Motor Show last year, would Volkswagen Japan start selling this one soon?



Photo: Volkswagen