Volkswagen Golf Alltrack - can the German bestseller surprise you with something else?

We tested another Golf. This time in the Alltrack variant. Is a powerful engine, all-wheel drive and practical station wagon body the recipe for the perfect car?

History is still alive

Reactivation of old models is now in vogue. Volkswagen couldn't be worse. Turns out the Golf Alltrack isn't the first upgraded Golf. Once upon a time there was a second-generation Golf in the Country version. It featured increased ground clearance, all-wheel drive, a protective pipeline and, above all, a spare wheel mounted on the trunk lid.

Currently, we will only get the "off-road" Golf in the Variant version, that is, in the station wagon body. As with the older model, all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance and off-road visual accessories are standard. In addition, there is another additional driving mode reserved only for Alltrack - Offroad. With it, we can read parameters such as altitude or the angle at which the wheels are turned. There was also a reunion assistant.

Change, change, change

Let's not confuse the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack with any other variety. All because of the plastic covers - they can be found literally everywhere! Each side of the car is also emblazoned with proud "Alltrack" lettering.

The front bumper and grille have been redesigned.

On the side, the changes are more noticeable. Golf Alltrack looks much more massive. At first glance, you can see that this variety is more off-road related than the regular Golf. This is evidenced by the noticeably raised suspension and wheel arch covers. The threshold also has a plastic finish. Like the Golf R, the Alltrack is equipped with silver mirrors regardless of body color. We get 17-inch Valley alloy wheels as standard, replaced with optional 18-inch Kalamata wheels on our example.

That's why it's hardest to tell an Alltrack from a classic Golf. The only change is a redesigned bumper.

How much is left of the classic Golf?

While there are many changes on the outside, it's hard to see anything on the inside. It's just a Golf with a very good bundle. The only difference is the "Alltrack" lettering in front of the gear lever. In addition, on the virtual cockpit we see a small descent assistant icon. It's all. Everything else is the well-known Highline Golf.

So, we sit on seats trimmed with Alcantara. A powerful engine runs under the hood, so it's nice that the seats have very good lateral support.

The steering wheel is less pleasant. Her wreath, in my opinion, is too small. If he was fatter, we could hold him tighter. Winter evenings will definitely appreciate the optional heated steering wheel. This is one of those elements that is addictive - once we buy a car with this add-on, we will never refuse it again.

Our test handset was well equipped, so there was no shortage of the older model's multimedia system. It offers a number of features, but most importantly, its speed is great. Unfortunately, the speed at which dust and fingerprints are attracted is even faster... A large, flat surface is not a good idea, especially when it comes to keeping it clean.

The breath of modernity brings a virtual cabin to the interior. I really praise this solution because I can always keep the most important information on top of it. However, it seems to me that the manufacturer from Wolfsburg did not use 100% of the capabilities of this gadget. For example, I miss the graphic design that is only for this version. Other off-road signs are possible.

The compact class has taught us that there will be plenty of space in the front row. So it is this time. There is neither too much nor too little space.

The situation is similar in the back. We have an air conditioning system and an armrest. A bit… It would be possible to use a socket for charging and tables. After all, the Alltrack is supposed to be an extremely versatile vehicle.

The Alltrack is only available in the Variant body, so you won't surprise anyone with a large trunk. 605 liters - that's how much the Golf Alltrack can hold. Of the benefits — the ability to fold the rear seats from the level of the trunk and a curtain with convenient rails.

2.0 TDI and 4Motion - a good combination?

Our vehicle is powered by the well-known 2.0 TDI engine. At the same time, it produces 184 hp. and a maximum torque of 380 Nm, available from 1750 rpm. Power is sent to all wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. How do you manage such a set? In a word - amazing!

I have driven many Golfs with different engines - from 1.0 TSI to 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TDI 150KM to 2.0 TSI in the Golf GTI. Of all these versions, I would choose the 2.0 TDI 184 hp. and 4Motion drive. Of course, the GTI will be faster, but for the first moments of acceleration, the Alltrack seems much safer and faster at the same time. This, of course, is due to all-wheel drive. This gives you more confidence when taking off. It doesn't matter if we drive on dry or wet pavement. Golf Alltrack always shoots like a slingshot.

Golf with such a drive is not very greedy for fuel - it consumes about 7 liters per 100 km. It doesn't matter if we are driving on the highway at the maximum permitted speed or moving around the city - usually we will see values ​​\u7b\u5bin the region of XNUMX liters. And with a gentle ride on the highway, we can even get XNUMX liters!

The Alltrack suspension is raised 20mm over the regular Golf. That's why an "off-road" Golf will never become a true SUV. I wouldn't risk riding on harder terrain. At best, I would choose a gravel road or meadow. The raised Golf is also slightly softer. This does not mean that driving is dangerous. On the other hand! However, Golf Alltrack is still Golf, so faster cornering is not a problem for him.

The Golf Alltrack is equipped as standard with permanent all-wheel drive, realized through the so-called Haldex. Its latest generation allows us to say that this is a permanent drive, because at least 4% of the power is always transferred to the rear wheels. Cars with earlier generations of this drive were driven forward, while the rear had to participate in more difficult situations.

Of course, this system is electronically controlled and the driver has no influence on its operation. It is worth noting that Haldex is able to "block" all the wheels, so that each wheel receives an equal 25% of the power. Moreover, in more difficult conditions, 100% of the torque can go to the rear axle, and since the system can additionally block individual wheels, it is possible that 100% of the power will go to one of the rear wheels.

A lot of people seem to love this car. However, there is a problem - we will not find the Golf Alltrack in the Volkswagen configurator. This is likely due to the new exhaust standards - fortunately, there is a very good chance that the model will soon return with units that meet the new requirements.

Our test copy cost about 180 zlotys. zloty A lot, or even a lot - but we must take into account that the person setting up this car has selected all the additional options.

In search of competition for this car, we did not have to go beyond the boundaries of the VAG concern. The closest competitor is the Skoda Octavia Scout (as well as the Golf Alltrack is not currently offered) and the Seat Leon X-Perience, priced at PLN 92. However, we get a much weaker engine - 900 TDI with 1.6 hp. Subaru has a different offer. The cost of the Outback model with a 115 engine starts at 2.5 euros.

Golf Alltrack is a complete car. It will work well on the highway, and in the city, and even on a gravel road. It has a large trunk, roomy interior, powerful and economical engine. So where's the catch? The problem turns out to be the price. 180 thousand PLN for golf is an unacceptable amount for many. It may be the best Golf in the world, but it's still Golf.