Geneva 2015: Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: March 3rd, 2015

While some in the U.S. pine away for a brown manual diesel wagon, the Europeans will play in their Volkswagen Passat Alltrack estates.

Based upon the standard Passat Estate, the Passat Alltrack is powered by either two turbocharged gasoline mills — generating 147 and 217 horsepower — or a trio of TDI diesels capable of 147, 188 and 236 horses, respectively. Stop-start and regenerative braking are standard.

Whatever power is chosen, it goes to all corners through the Alltrack’s permanent 4MOTION system, which aides in tackling trails with the help of electronic locking diffs and a 1.1-inch ride height increase over the Passat Estate. Stainless-steel underbody guard, modified bumpers, and ruggedized wheel arches and side skirts protect the Alltrack from the rocks and brush. Towing capacity is 4,850 lbs.

Other features include custom 17-inch wheels with optional 18- and 19-inch sets, HUD, front assist, emergency assist, rear traffic alert, and trailer assist.

#Geneva2015 #PassatAlltrack #Volkswagen

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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Silverbird on Mar 03, 2015

Never coming here, It would kill the A4 Allroad demand, since it's the same thing, but at 2/3 (rough guess) of the price.

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- Speedygreg7 on Mar 03, 2015
  
  Not at all the same. The Passat is much larger than the A4 and is a transverse mounted slip & grip AWD system rather than the A4's longitudinal full time quattro system.
  
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Joeaverage on Apr 01, 2015

I didn't see any mention of a battery/hybrid drive. How does regenerative braking work in a non-battery car? I'd be very interested in this car. I don't need AWD for frequent snow or rock-crawling but occasionally on slippery inclines I make use of AWD - especially when I'm towing, especially when it gets snowy/icy around here a few times per year. Doesn't stay slick making snow tires pointless. Wagons (cars) are usually more pleasant to drive than tall vehicles so that's my motivation. The typical CUV is nicer to get in and out of. The wagon/CUV bodystyle is much, much more useful than a sedan IMHO. Prob going for a non-brown Jetta Sportwagen 6MT TDI next time.

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Recent Comments

Statikboy I see only old Preludes in red. And a concept in white.Pretty sure this is going to end up being simply a Civic coupe. Maybe a slightly shorter wheelbase or wider track than the sedan, but mechanically identical to the Civic in Touring and/or Si trims.
SCE to AUX With these items under the pros:[list][*]It's quick, though it seems to take the powertrain a second to get sorted when you go from cruising to tromping on it.[/*][*]The powertrain transitions are mostly smooth, though occasionally harsh.[/*][/list]I'd much rather go electric or pure ICE I hate herky-jerky hybrid drivetrains.The list of cons is pretty damning for a new vehicle. Who is buying these things?
Jrhurren Nissan is in a sad state of affairs. Even the Z mentioned, nice though it is, will get passed over 3 times by better vehicles in the category. And that’s pretty much the story of Nissan right now. Zero of their vehicles are competitive in the segment. The only people I know who drive them are company cars that were “take it or leave it”.
Jrhurren I rented a RAV for a 12 day vacation with lots of driving. I walked away from the experience pretty unimpressed. Count me in with Team Honda. Never had a bad one yet
ToolGuy I don't deserve a vehicle like this.