We only get a sedan in the US-made version of the Passat in this country. Elsewhere Volkswagen offers a station wagon, or Estate as it’s known in most English-speaking countries. Now VW has announced an Alltrack version that adds the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and along with raised height for off-road use, making it a great alternative for those of us who don’t like SUVs. The new vehicle will be unveiled next week at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show.
The Passat Alltrack is exactly the same length as the Passat Estate, and despite flared wheel arch protection the vehicle’s width also remains the same. The suspension is raised to increase ground clearance from 5.3 inches to 6.5 inches. This also improves the ramp breakaway angle from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees. Rugged front and rear bumpers increase the approach angle from 13.5 to 16 degrees, and the departure angle from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees.
It also features an off-road mode, similar to that on the Tiguan Escape, that includes hill descent assist, which automatically brakes the vehicle when the descent angle is greater than 10 degrees. It also alters the ABS function, with higher thresholds for operation on loose surfaces, along with faster-reacting electronic differential locks (EDS) to prevent wheelspin.
In the UK, at least, the Passat Alltrack will only be offered with a 140 hp 2.0-liter TDI diesel with six-speed manual gearbox or a 170 hp 2.0-liter TDI diesel with a six-speed DSG transmission.
It seems a real shame that VW has no plans, at this time, to sell the Passat Alltrack on this side of the pond. Many of us are mourning the loss of the last generation Subaru Outback, which was a similar vehicle — the current Outback has grown in size and become a closer to being a SUV.
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Full Coverage: 2011 Tokyo Auto Show >>
Photos: Best of Tokyo 2011 >>
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