Test drive VW Passat Alltrack: SUV? Crossover? No thanks
Content
The first kilometers behind the wheel of the version with increased ground clearance and dual transmission of the model.
The latest edition of the VW Passat definitely does not disappoint us - the model is not just one of the best representatives of the middle class in almost all possible indicators, but, as a number of comparative tests have already shown, the balance of qualities prevails not only over its main opponents. , but also over representatives of significantly higher and more expensive categories, incl. A6 on Audi "Five" BMW and E-class Mercedes. It is true that for many years the model has not been among the most economical representatives of its class for a long time, but on the other hand, it really deserves to be a role model in a number of indicators, such as interior volume, functionality, ergonomics, road. behavior, comfort, multimedia equipment and assistance systems. And if the "normal" VW Passat manages to transcend the established middle class, the Alltrack version does it even more forcefully.
SUV? Crossover? No thanks.
The idea behind the VW Passat Alltrack is as simple as it is ingenious. Like the SUV class creators Subaru Outback and Volvo V70 Cross Country, this vehicle combines the practicality of a large family wagon with the benefits of a dual drivetrain and increased ground clearance. It is already well known that the Passat Variant is one of the most capable station wagons on the market today. Depending on the position of the rear seats, the volume of the huge trunk ranges from 639 to 1769 liters, and the payload reaches 659 kilograms. The car can easily tow a trailer weighing up to 2,2 tons, and for an additional fee, Trailer Assist is offered, which further facilitates maneuvering with a trailer and can even be combined with self-parking.
Workmanship is evident in every detail
Both cargo and passenger compartments are full of practical solutions that make everyday use more enjoyable. High-quality workmanship is one of the traditional strengths of the VW Passat, and in the Alltrack modification it is even more pronounced: elegant leather / Alcantara upholstery, decorative aluminum inserts in the instrument panel and doors, aluminum housings on the exterior rear-view mirrors. , metal handrails for luggage on the roof, the absence of noise from the body even on badly broken roads - the solidity of performance can be traced in every detail of this car.
In terms of assistance systems, the VW Passat Alltrack can be equipped with just about everything currently available in the middle class, from lane control to blind spot monitoring, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control to automatic parking. The same goes for multimedia equipment, including convenient touch controls, a navigation system with many options and easy connection to a smartphone. Among the options worth paying extra for is the superb Dynaudio Confidence audio system, which almost transforms the spacious hall into a concert hall on wheels. Another responsive option the test vehicle was equipped with is the panoramic glass roof.
Road behavior that many might envy
On the road, the VW Passat Alltrack proves once again in practice that in order to have good grip and relatively good suitability for difficult terrain, it is not necessary to invest in a heavy SUV with all its inevitable design flaws. Thanks to the latest generation Haldex all-wheel drive system and optional tilt and off-road assist, the Passat Alltrack delivers fantastic traction on absolutely any pavement, but without any of the car's drawbacks. with a higher center of gravity. It is extremely impressive that, when driven fast, this car manages to be as agile on the road as the “regular” Passat Variant.
The 174mm ground clearance may not sound like a racing SUV, but it's objectively no lower than what most SUVs offer with their seemingly significantly taller bodies. Safe and even dynamic handling goes hand in hand with excellent driving comfort and impressive sound insulation – the VW Passat Alltrack promises to be a reliable partner on long journeys.
Biturbodiesel with 240 hp and 500 Nm
The test car was equipped with a top-of-the-line engine for the model range - a two-liter diesel unit with a forced air cascade system with two turbochargers. 240 HP and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, available from 1750 to 2500 rpm, it is currently the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in its class. The engine is not only impressive on paper - acceleration from standstill to 6,4 km/h in XNUMX seconds and really impressive traction during acceleration, combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, provides dynamic performance that twenty years ago was a priority only for heavy-duty machines from high caliber.
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Melania Yosifova, VW
Evaluation
Passat Everything Rack
The Passat Alltrack convincingly demonstrates that you don't need to invest in an SUV to get great traction, decent off-road performance, reliable functionality and optimal performance on long journeys. Moreover, thanks to dynamic handling, the car does not exhibit any of the characteristic shortcomings of models with a higher center of gravity, consumption is also within reasonable limits, and practicality, comfort and traction are much better than most modern successors. disposable off-road vehicles.
technical details
| Passat Everything Rack | |
|---|---|
| Working volume | 1998 sm3 |
| Power | 240 k.s. (176 kW) |
| Maximum torque | 500 Nm at 1750 - 2500 rpm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 6,4 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | - |
| full speed | 234 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | - |
| Base Price | - |
