2012 VW Passat Alltrack

German automaker Volkswagen unveiled its latest car named Passat Alltrack at the Tokyo Motor Show on December 3, 2011. This car features 4Motion four-wheel-drive increasing the off-road capability of this car. This car with a sleek and stylish look has got visual enhancement that will protect its body from scrapes. The matte chrome roof rails add to the look of this car. VW has also used new and improved window surrounds and grille in this car. This car will be powered by either a 2.0 L TDI engine with an output of 138 horsepower or a 2.0 L TDI engine with 167 horsepower output. This car sports Alcantara upholstery and VW has used 2Zone electronic climate control in the Passat All rack as well.

What does it offer

Volkswagen has used the same technology in this car which it has used in its other 4MOTION vehicles, which are front axle driven and the rear axle receiving only 10 per cent of propulsive power. This technology increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The rear axle can receive 100% of power as well using an electrohydraulic Haldex clutch. VW has used an off-road mode, which is used in Tiguan Escape also, in this car. The dashboard of this car has a button which can be used to activate hill descent assist, which automatically applies the brakes when the car descents at an angle of more than 10 degrees. VW has also altered the ABS function of this car and the new car’s ABS function has higher thresholds than its predecessors.

The beauty

This lightweight off-road crossover manufactured by Volkswagen is inspired by Passat Variant. Featuring all-wheel drive, the Alltrack will be available in 1.8 TFSI 160 hp engine and 2.0 TSI 2.O TDI 170 hp engine. The model with smaller TDI engine with 140 horsepower features front-wheel drive mated with manual transmission. The powerful models feature standard dual-clutch DSG transmission.

The powertrain

Volkswagen has used powerful engine in 2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack. The output of the petrol variants are 158 horsepower and 208 hp, while the diesel variants produce 138 hp and 168 hp. Not much information is available about the high speed which these engines can allow the car to attain but it is expected that the Passat Alltrack will emerge as a powerful car.

The Thrill

The I4, Turbodiesel engine used in this car has a displacement of 120 cu in and power of 170 hp @ 4200 rpm. It delivers a torque of 258 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm. This car features all wheel drive layout and 6 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Interiors

This car has got a luxurious and spacious interior, which is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers comfortably. Titan silver trim adds to the beauty of the cabin. VW has used faux aluminum pedals in this car. Door plates are made up of stainless steel. This car sports power windows and its steering wheel is wrapped in leather. The boot has the capacity to hold 21.3 cubic feet of luggage, which is can be increased by folding the rear seats.

Exteriors

The new Alltrack version is different from the Estate version because its bumpers are designed in SUV style. The off-road ramp angle and approach angle of this car is also better than the estate version. The plastic body cladding makes this car lightweight. This car with 17-inch alloy wheels has got an aggressive look. The matte chrome rails on the roof, new and improved grille and exterior mirror casings give an attractive look to Passat Alltrack.

Should I buy one

Going by the technical specifications we can say that the Passat Alltrack is here to stay and it is expected that this car would do good business. The look of this car is without doubt powerful and attractive and Alltrack is a perfect machine for those who want to ride around in a lightweight crossover vehicle.

Price and availability

It is expected that the retailers in the UK would start accepting orders Passat Alltrack in April and the car is expected to hit the road in July. No information is available about the price of this car but it is expected that VW would announce the price near the launch date.