Volkswagen->ke94 has announced a new vehicle ahead of the 2014 Paris Motor Show.->ke227 The Golf Alltrack is a slightly lifted, a beefed-up version of the Golf wagon, equipped to handle slippery surfaces with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system from Haldex. Electronics help the Alltrack track all over thanks to brake-simulated locking differentials and inside-wheel-braking for improved cornering abilities.

The Golf Alltrack also gets plenty of cosmetic changes to show off its soft-roading skills. A raised ride height, a squared-off and unique front grille, matte-silver accents, and a few interior bits help distinguish the Alltrack from the standard Golf->ke164.

Things under the hood are different, too. Volkswagen now includes the 1.8-liter, TSI, gasoline engine in the Golf. Producing 177 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, the gas engine will scoot the Alltrack to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. Additionally, VW is offering three TDI engines in the Alltrack; the 1.6-liter TDI and two versions of the 2.0-liter TDI.

This is Volkswagen’s second soft-roader, preceded by the Passat Alltrack. The cars compete for customers against the Audi Allroad, the Volvo XC70, and even the Subaru Outback. The combination of a wagon-like build with SUV-like->ke145 abilities makes the Alltrack an interesting alternative to crossovers and a good Goldilocks solution to an age-old trade off.

Sadly, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack won’t likely trek to the States. However, the Alltrack’s less-brawny brother, the Golf SportWagen, a concept that debuted at the 2014 New York Auto Show->ke226, may in fact hit our shores.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack.

Exterior

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack gets a sharp, bolder look than the Gold SportWagen concept seen at the New York Auto show. Additional ground clearance with larger wheels and tires catch your attention first. Then grey wheel arches pop out, followed by the matte-silver accents along the lower edges of the wagon.

Those black fender flairs not only look good, but they also keep rocks and mud from scratching the paint. New 17-inch “Valley” alloy wheels are bespoke to the Alltrack as is the unique front fascia with its honeycomb grille and chrome Alltrack badging. Adding to the flair are mirror caps painted in the same “Reflex Silver” as the body accents.

The Alltrack’s chrome exhaust tips are a telltale sign of what lies under the hood. The 1.8-liter gasoline engine gets dual exhaust tips at either end of the rear bumper, while the TDI versions come with dual tips justified to the left.

Interior

The Golf Alltrack gets plenty of accents and special accoutrements. The leather seats come with the “Alltrack” logo prominently embroidered in view. The dashboard and door panels are stitched together with “tracks” that echo the car’s theme. A 4Motion badge is mounted on the center console and chrome trim surrounds the cabin. Of course, leather covers the steering wheel and gear shifter.

Optional features include a black headliner and aluminum pedals. Standard features include automatic climate control, LED map lights both front and rear, the Driver Alert System, and cruise control.

Drivetrain

A total of four engines are offered with the Golf Alltrack, with the 1.8-liter TSI being all-new to the Golf lineup. The diesel options include the 1.8-liter TDI that produces 108 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. As the base turbodiesel engine, it gives the Alltrack power best described as “just enough.” Its 0 to 62 mph time is clocked at 12.1 seconds.

Speeding things up are the two versions of the 2.0-liter TDI. The less powerful version puts out 147 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque that send the Alltrack to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds. The high-output 2.0-liter produces 181 horses and 280 pound-feet of torque, helping the Alltrack hit 62 in 7.8 seconds, matching the gasoline version.

While Volkswagen hasn’t announced fuel economy numbers yet, we suspect the TDI versions to get exceptional mileage hovering in the 40 to 45 mpg range.

Volkswagen designed the Alltrack’s all-wheel-drive system to enact quickly to changing road conditions, thanks to a Haldex-5 center differential coupling the front and rear axles. In normal conditions, the Alltrack sends all is power to the front axle, helping conserve fuel. When needed, the rear axle is called into play, with the ability to accept nearly 100 percent of the engine’s torque. An electro-hydraulic oil pump takes care of the coupling while a separate control unit continually adjusts the torque split.

Acting in conjunction with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is Volkswagen’s EDS and XDS systems. The EDS, or electronic differential lock system, utilizes the brakes to keep power flowing to the ground. If a tire starts spinning, the system will engage that wheel's brakes, effectively sending power to the opposite wheel.

The XDS system works with the electronic stability control system to apply brakes to the inside wheels when driving quickly around a sharp turn. This effectively allows the car to rotate around the bend, though slowing the car’s forward progress. This is especially handy on loose or gravely surfaces.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Volkswagen has not released prices for the 2015 Golf Alltrack. Stay tuned for any information coming from the Paris Motor Show.

Competition

Subaru Outback

Subaru has made a name for itself in providing some of the toughest, most well accepted all-wheel-drive wagons in the world. With tall ground clearance and a rugged undercarriage, the Outback gets the job done with little fuss. Power comes from the 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder making 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.

The Outback does lean closer to the crossover segment, but still provide plenty of competition for the Volkswagen. Prices for the Subaru start at $24,895.

Audi Allroad

Audi employs its quattro all-wheel-drive in propelling the Allroad forward. Like the Volkswagen, the Allroad gets extra body cladding and a lifted suspension. Power comes from the 2.0-liter, TFSI four-cylinder making 220 horsepower. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that helps keep fuel economy in check. In-city driving is rated at 21 mpg while highway driving nets an estimated 28 mpg.

The Allroad is a bit more upscale than the Volkswagen Golf Allroad, and that’s reflected in its base starting price of $45,775.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack looks to be a great bridge between the world of sedan-based wagons and SUV-like crossovers. Its combination of high ground clearance, extra body protection, and a formidable all-wheel-drive system should make the Alltrack a star performer in its category. Hopefully demand will rise for such a vehicle in the U.S., as a 40-mpg crossover alternative would likely catch on.