New York 2015: Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

While we’re still waiting on powertrain specs for the Golf Alltrack, we know this – it will have AWD.

The Haldex system and a 20mm raised ride height are they key specs we know right now. Jalopnik is claiming that a DSG will be mandatory but both gasoline and diesel engines will be offered.

The base Sportwagen is a great car. Now, is this better or worse than an Audi Allroad?






Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

More by Derek Kreindler

Comments
Join the conversation
7 of 25 comments
  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Apr 01, 2015

    I imagine this will only be very slightly cheaper than the Audi version, and thus will not sell well. This will be one of those "Look at this special Euro product we've provided for you!" moments for VW, where they get on a high horse about pricing.

    • Hreardon Hreardon on Apr 01, 2015

      No way, CoreyDL. This should be priced squarely in the $25-$32 market whereas the allroad starts at an eye watering $42k (hence why the CPO deals are the best). The allroad should depart the US market within the year as the B9 A4 intros later this year and they runout inventory. I doubt we'll see another one here after the current B8 model, but if we do it's a good 2-3 years out. I suspect we'll see the Golf Alltrack take the $25-$32 market and when the Passat Alltrack makes its way here it'll take up the $28-$35 market.

  • Jerome10 Jerome10 on Apr 01, 2015

    I know know... But I think it needs to be said... Hopefully a manual is available. Also what is the situation on the rear suspension? I was getting quite interested in the regular Sportwagen diesel, manual (honestly!) but then I learned that the AdBlue tank required to meet EPA diesel emissions has resulted in a torsion beam rear suspension in the diesel models. In Europe the diesels do not have AdBlue and thus get the independent rear. Ignore the VW fear for a bit and they're SO CLOSE on this car... Their TDI fans buy a high percentage of manual cars, so they get it right on the Sportwagen but then you're stuck with torsion beam. Then they add AWD which is an even bigger plus, and a diesel (no way!) but then no manual? Waiting on the suspension too. It's really just so close to perfect. Too lazy atm to go search but are other Haldex VWs (such as the Golf R) DSG only also? Is there a reason this system simply doesn't work with a manual box?

    • See 3 previous
    • Th009 Th009 on Apr 05, 2015

      @hreardon AdBlue is the gating factor, though. All Golf TDIs use the torsion beam rear axle to allow for the tank, and that rules out AWD.

  • TheEndlessEnigma These cars were bought and hooned. This is a bomb waiting to go off in an owner's driveway.
  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X Thankfully I don't have to deal with GDI issues in my Frontier. These cleaners should do well for me if I win.
  • Theflyersfan Serious answer time...Honda used to stand for excellence in auto engineering. Their first main claim to fame was the CVCC (we don't need a catalytic converter!) engine and it sent from there. Their suspensions, their VTEC engines, slick manual transmissions, even a stowing minivan seat, all theirs. But I think they've been coasting a bit lately. Yes, the Civic Type-R has a powerful small engine, but the Honda of old would have found a way to get more revs out of it and make it feel like an i-VTEC engine of old instead of any old turbo engine that can be found in a multitude of performance small cars. Their 1.5L turbo-4...well...have they ever figured out the oil dilution problems? Very un-Honda-like. Paint issues that still linger. Cheaper feeling interior trim. All things that fly in the face of what Honda once was. The only thing that they seem to have kept have been the sales staff that treat you with utter contempt for daring to walk into their inner sanctum and wanting a deal on something that isn't a bare-bones CR-V. So Honda, beat the rest of your Japanese and Korean rivals, and plug-in hybridize everything. If you want a relatively (in an engineering way) easy way to get ahead of the curve, raise the CAFE score, and have a major point to advertise, and be able to sell to those who can't plug in easily, sell them on something that will get, for example, 35% better mileage, plug in when you get a chance, and drives like a Honda. Bring back some of the engineering skills that Honda once stood for. And then start introducing a portfolio of EVs once people are more comfortable with the idea of plugging in. People seeing that they can easily use an EV for their daily errands with the gas engine never starting will eventually sell them on a future EV because that range anxiety will be lessened. The all EV leap is still a bridge too far, especially as recent sales numbers have shown. Baby steps. That's how you win people over.
  • Theflyersfan If this saves (or delays) an expensive carbon brushing off of the valves down the road, I'll take a case. I understand that can be a very expensive bit of scheduled maintenance.
  • Zipper69 A Mini should have 2 doors and 4 cylinders and tires the size of dinner plates.All else is puffery.
Next