It's been a full year since Volkswagen->ke94 showcased the Golf SportWagen Alltrack in prototype form at the 2015 New York Auto Show,->ke226 and the production model is finally set to make its global debut at the 2016 edition of the same event. In essence, this is a compact station wagon->ke143 version of the Golf->ke164 we all know and love, only this time it’s on stilts. With a higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches and a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system, it is probably the most adventurous-looking Volkswagen that isn’t an SUV.->ke145

Unlike the European version that debuted at the 2014 Paris Motor Show,->ke227 the American one features the "SportWagen" nameplate, but other than that it is identical. The Golf SportWagen Alltrack will go on sale in fall 2016, offering a non-SUV->ke145 alternative to the slightly larger Tiguan.->ke1817

“We heard from dealers and customers that they wanted to see a Golf SportWagen with the all-terrain capability that comes from an all-wheel drive system,” said Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy of Volkswagen of America. “We are excited to introduce the Golf Alltrack to meet the active lifestyle needs of our customers.

Updated 03/21/2016: Volkswagen announced it will bring the production version Golf SportWagen Alltrack at the 2016 New York Auto Show. The model is set to go on sale later in the fall.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack.

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Despite being based on the regular Golf SportWagen, the Alltrack looks pretty distinctive, even to the untrained eye. The main visual difference comes from the nearly an inch higher ground clearance and the off-road-ready bodykit. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, while new plastic moldings on the wheel arches, and flared side sills make for a more provocative image and also offer increased body protection for those few owners that will take the Alltrack off-road.

The 17-inch alloy wheels are bespoke, along with matte-silver trim pieces along the lower edges of the model. A set of 18-inch wheels are offered on the range-topping SEL trim. Chrome "Alltrack" badging on both the unique honeycomb grille and the tailgate make it clear that this is no ordinary VW Golf station wagon... or should I say, SportWagen.

Interior

Unlike the exterior, the Golf SportWagen Alltrack's cabin is less flamboyant from a design standpoint, but that doesn't mean it doesn't come equipped with exclusive features. There is a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-shift lever, bespoke seat covers featuring the "Alltrack" badge on the front seats, a special trim called "Dark Magnesium" on the center console and "tracks" on the dashboard and doors.

Additionally, a chrome trim strip with "4Motion" lettering can be found on the storage compartment's lid, while the "Alltrack" moniker is also featured on the stainless-steel door sill plates. Various switches and buttons on the center console and doors also feature chrome accents. Standard equipment includes automatic climate control, ambient lights for the front footwells, LED reading lights for all seats, the "Composition Touch" infotainment system, the Driver Alert system, and cruise control. Optionally, buyers can go for black rooflining, sportier pedals, and foot rest with an aluminum look.

On the tech side, it comes with a 6.5-inch color touchscreen with proximity sensor, rearview camera, and VW Car-Net connectivity. It also features a Drive Mode selector that includes “Off-Road Mode,” which adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control for off-road terrain. The Off-Road HMI displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road.

As far as utility goes, the Alltrack is as spacious as the standard Golf wagon. It provides 30.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and a whopping 66.5 cubic feet when the 60:40 split rear seat is folded flat.

Drivetrain

While the Euro-spec model is powered by four engines, three of which are diesels, the U.S. model will go on sale with only the gasoline mill. The unit in question is the familiar 1.8-liter, four-cylinder TSI availabile with nearly all Volkswagen vehicles nowadays. In the Golf SportWagen Alltrack the four-banger generates 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, which is guided toward the wheels through a six-speed DSG automatic. A six-speed manual will be offered at a later date.

The 4Motion all-wheel drive system is standard and employs the latest-generation Haldex-5 coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump. In normal driving, the Alltrack acts like a front-wheel-drive car to save fuel economy, but when the system detects wheel slip, up to 50 percent of the torque can be sent to the rear wheels. The perched wagon is also equipped with electronic differential locks at the front and rear axles, which work in conjunction with the electronic stability control system. The system briefly applies braking on a wheel that is slipping, enabling stable transfer of power to the wheel on the opposite side, giving the Alltrack efficient off-road capability.

Safety

Much like the rest of the Golf family, the Alltrack comes with a comprehensive list safety systems on top of the front, side-impact, and overhead airbags. Standard features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, and an Intelligent Crash Response System, while the options list provides Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Assist, and front and rear Park Distance Control with Park Assist.

Prices

Starting price for the Golf SportWagon Alltrack is unknown at this point, but it's is expected to cost significantly more than the standard Golf wagon. In Europe, it is priced from €30,575, a €10,775 premium over the standard Golf Variant. With that in mind, expect the U.S. version to fetch at least $28,000 before options.

Competition

Subaru XV Crosstrek

While technically it's not exactly a direct rival for the Golf SportWagen Alltrack, The Subaru XV Crosstrek comes mighty close. Just like the Golf, it started as a compact hatchback and then engineers raised its suspension and added a bunch of body cladding in order to roughen its exterior looks. Slightly shorter and with less luggage-compartment volume than the Alltrack, the XV Crosstrek is essentially a hatchback Impreza on stilts, or a mini version of the Subaru Outback, if you like. Its all-wheel-drive system should in theory make it run circles around the mostly FWD Golf model, but it loses badly when it comes to the uninspired engine lineup, which makes it slower than the Volkswagen. It's bland and plasticky interior doesn't make things any better, while the $22,445 MSRP isn't exactly low. On the plus side, I think it looks better than the Alltrack, but maybe that's just me.

You can read our full review of the model here.

Jeep Compass

Don't be scared by its name, the Jeep Compass is probably the most car-like and least-SUV-like Jeep model in history. Mainly because it's based on a FWD car platform, just like the Golf SportWagen Alltrack, the Compass does not excel in off-road capabilities, but at the end of the day it is still a Jeep. Available in either FWD or AWD, the model will not get a replacement if recent rumors are correct, with the smaller Renegade being more than able to take its place in the Jeep lineup. On the plus side, the Compass starts at just $18,995 if you don't fancy all-wheel-drive ($20,995 with AWD) and looks more like a normal compact SUV than a raised hatchback, like its competitors. It is available with either a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, neither of which are overly powerful or fuel efficient.

You can read our review of the model here.

Conclusion

While Volkswagen was never known for raised station wagons in the past, leaving that niche almost exclusively to Audi and Subaru, the Alltrack family of models is bound to change that. The Golf SportWagon Alltrack will be the only VW of its kind to reach the U.S. market, but if things go well, the Passat Alltrack may follow. Despite not bringing anything extra compared to a Tiguan, except for a bit more luggage space and a friendlier look, we kind of like the Golf SportWagen Alltrack. In the U.S. it will be in a niche of its own, and if it comes with a reasonable price than it may even outsell the regular SportWagen.