Volkwagen has pre-empted the world premiere of its Passat Alltrack by releasing the first official images of the car.
The four-wheel drive Alltrack, based on the Passat estate, is to debut at next week's Tokyo Motor Show. The Passat Alltrack boasts Volkswagen's 4MOTION four-wheel drive system and an increased ride height over the conventional Passat estate which, along with other styling enhancements such as stainless steel effect underbody panels to protect the car on rugged terrain, endow the car with off-road capability. The Passat Alltrack shares its exterior dimensions with the standard Passat estate, but with a ride height increased by 30mm it has a better ramp breakaway and angle of approach for tackling off-road conditions.
The 4MOTION system ensures that, unless required, 90 percent of the power is sent to the front axle to save on fuel under normal conditions. However, when required the power can be varied to be distributed to the rear axle via an electrohydraulic clutch. In its off-road mode, hill descent assist, electronic differential locks, and appropriate ABS settings are activated to cope with the conditions. Off-road mode also automatically alters the shift pattern when selected on models fitted with a DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
UK order books are expected to open in April next year, with the first models to be delivered in July. There will be two models available in the UK, a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or a 168bhp 2.0-litre TDI with a 6-speed DSG automatic. Both will have 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara upholstery, climate control, cruise control, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth as standard. At this stage Volkswagen have not confirmed the UK pricing structure for the Passat Alltrack, with these details to be announced closer to launch date.
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