The B8 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack offers a German alternative to the Subaru Outback, and features beefed up styling, raised suspension and all-wheel drive as standard.
As you’d hope with a car like this, Haldex-coupling on-demand all-wheel drive is standard, as are the off-road stylings and 27.5mm increased ride height. There are new bumpers, underbody protection, matte chrome wing mirrors, anodised silver roof rails, wheel arch mouldings, sill extensions, and brushed metal look pieces everywhere.
The new B8 Alltrack has also been fitted with an offroad electronic assistance mode, which switches the various support systems to aid off-road, as opposed to on-road, driving. Braked towing capacity is rated at 2,200kg on all models except for the base 110kW petrol car, which is only rated for 1,800kg.
Five engines will be available initially in the B8 Passat Alltrack range: 110kW (150PS)and 162kW (220PS) turbocharged petrol engines, and 110kW (150PS), 140kW (190PS) and 176kW (240PS) turbo-diesel units. Automatic engine stop/start and battery energy regeneration systems are fitted as standard on all models.
The top-spec diesel and petrol engines include as standard the XDS+ cross-differential lock, which brakes the inside wheels during fast cornering for improved steering response; XDS+ is optional on other models. Other assistance features include trailer assist, adaptive cruise, park sensors and cameras, and lane keeping assistance.
Depending on the model, the Alltrack is fitted with either 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.
