2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack First Drive Review
Overview:
This is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack First Drive – a Guest Column By Phil Shuyler
So you want the space and seating of a crossover, and the height and driving feel of a sedan? Looks like you’re shopping for a wagon! And the new Volkswagen Alltrack could be right down your alley.
For trims, you have a choice between the S, SE and SEL. Our favorite is the SE, which includes keyless access, push button start, Fender Premium audio, and a panoramic sunroof. Of course if you want all of the bells and whistles, step up to the SEL.
Handling & Performance:
The peppy 1.8L TSI direct injected turbo 4-cylinder engine chimes in and says “I’m ready to take you there.” Once you’re done having a conversation with your car, it’s time to hit the road.
The Alltrack gets 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with 170 horsepower and 199 ft. lbs. of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, and a 6-speed manual will be available in early 2017.
Taking a wagon off-road has never been easier, with the 5th generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive, which comes standard on all trim levels. The ground clearance is 6.9”, which we found to be sufficient, even when traversing over some relatively uneven terrain. It may not be an off-road vehicle, but you can certainly take it off-road. Standard fog lights will also help keep the trail illuminated as you explore the backcountry.
Styling:
Let’s talk about styling. It’s not boring, that’s for sure. The fender moldings and roof rack give it a look that says “let’s go outdoors”
Cost:
Pricing starts at $26,950 for the S with an automatic, and the manual will start at $25,850.
Conveniences and comfort:
Available driver assistance features include a standard rearview camera, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, high beam control, park distance control, parking steering assistant, and adaptive cruise control. We’re a big fan of adaptive cruise, and if you haven’t tried it before, I encourage you to give is a go during your next test drive. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it. The parking steering assistant worked surprisingly well in our testing. In an uneven parking lot with faint lines and moss growing on the pavement, once we drove past an open stall, we would be notified that a space was open. Just put it in reverse, and voilà, it will park and do all of the hard work for you. All you have to do is keep a foot on the brake, and a smile on your face.
On the inside, the seats are firm, but comfortable. All trims do include heated front seats. There’s also an optional panoramic sunroof, which can give you a truly stunning view of the forest canopy overhead, or beauty interweaving power lines in the city. Cargo space is 30.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which is right on par with the compact crossover segment. One of the nice things about a wagon compared to an SUV or crossover, is their lower load height, allowing you to put things in and take things out with ease.
For infotainment, there’s a 6.5” touchscreen, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. The system is smooth and easy to use.
Consumer Recommendations:
The Alltrack went on sale in October, so all of you wagon adventurers can now get out there and take one for a drive.
Recognized Competition:
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack $28,000, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen $28000, Toyota Prius V $28,000, Subaru Impreza $24,000.
Gas Stats:
$2.65 Gal avg. January 30, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
23 City and 32 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $28,000.
