Volkswagen has announced that they will premiere the new generation all-wheel drive Passat Alltrack at the motor show in Geneva. This tourer is what Volkswagen call a “can do” car and they want to show it as “a touring car, business vehicle, family all-rounder and spacious SUV in one.”
The second generation Passat Alltrack includes underbody protection as well as side sill extensions and strong wheel arch mouldings. The body kit adds a stronger stance to this model of Passat. Ground clearance of the vehicle is 27.5mm and its chassis is modified to allow it to drive better on different terrains.
4Motion all-wheel drive will come as standard on this model. This is based on a fifth generation Haldex coupling which helps to eliminate loss of traction. The manufacturer says that to save fuel the car normally drives using only the front wheels. If the car senses that it is losing traction the rear axle activates in a fraction of a second. If a wheel starts to spin the drive power goes to the wheel on the opposite side within fractions of a second. XDS+ is available (as an option on some) with all of the Alltrack models. What XDS+ does is “brakes the wheels on the inside of the bend during fast cornering and thus optimises the steering response. In technical terms, XDS+ is a functional extension of the electronic differential locks.”
Five new Euro 6 direct injection engines will be available with this car. Two of these are TSI engines (150hp & 220hp) and three are TDI engines (150hp, 190hp & 240hp). Battery regeneration and stop/start technology come as standard. TDI and TSI engines offering 150hp will come with a manual 6-speed gearbox, while the more powerful models will come with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Apart from “Eco”, “Normal” and “Sport” driving modes the Alltrack will also have an “Offroad” mode. Obviously, by choosing the “Offroad” mode it changes the cars driving and assistance systems for off road use. In terms of towing capacity the Passat Alltrack has a braked capacity of 2,200kg (the TSI 150hp model has a towing capacity of 1,800kg). “Trailer Assist” is also available. According to the manufacturer this system makes reversing trailers “easier than ever before.”
Volkswagen tells us that the Passat Alltrack will be launched to the European markets by the end of September. The car will be premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month.
