When Volkswagen decided to give the Golf a mid-life spruce up, the Alltrack was also invited to the party and presented with a range of trendy updates that will keep its dance card filled.
For starters, there are two more variants to accompany the 132TSI – the 132TSI Premium and a diesel, the 135TDI Premium – that will offer buyers greater options. And there are tweaks to design, infotainment and safety features to add more value to the proposition.
The Alltrack is well-equipped with standard features with options packages for those who fancy a touch more. Our entry-level 132TSI boasted 17-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, cruise control with speed-limiter, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, reverse camera, parking sensors and a comprehensive safety package that has been boosted further with this update.
STYLING
The Golf Alltrack has never hurt the eye and a slightly refined exterior with new LED lights and bumpers certainly reinforces that feeling. It is restrained but classy, a look replicated on the inside too, where quality materials and a streamlined design are complemented by restrained trim and sensible buttons and dials.
INFOTAINMENT
A larger 8.0-inch colour touchscreen now fronts the infotainment system and it is easy to navigate with clear crisp modern-looking graphics.
Pairing your phone is child’s play with smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The unit itself, is nicely integrated into the dash.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Under the bonnet is the same 1.8-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder that arrived with the Alltrack in 2015. It is punchy and reliable with 132kW of power and 280Nm of torque and drives through a smooth six-speed dual-clutch auto.
There is also the choice of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel which delivers 135kW and 380Nm and is paired with a seven-speed transmission.
SAFETY
The Alltrack’s safety package now has additional active crash avoidance features like front assist with city emergency brake, front and rear sensors, trailer assist and a driver fatigue detection system.
Adaptive cruise control, lane assist and park assist are available through an options pack.
DRIVING
The cabin feels comfortable and reasonably spacious, with passengers benefitting from more headroom than the Golf. however, there’s not much more room to stretch out especially in the rear.
The back seat is designed for three but the transmission tunnel suggests that two would be the preferable choice, although we had three kiddies in the back for most of the week without complaint.
Cabin storage is adequate, rather than generous, although the boot does offer something to crow about – 605-litres of usable space with the seats up, much more than a typical SUV. Despite its increased height, it is still easy enough to load and unload.
Sometimes it is easier to take for granted those things sitting right under your nose. The VW Alltrack’s unharried progress and smooth ride would have probably been a case in point had we not jumped into the driver’s seat following a week in a competitor’s car that really did paint its manufacturer in glory.
So, the release of tension in the shoulders was more noticeable, as was the sinking of the back into the comfortable seat and of course the accomplished on-road performance. The Alltrack glides along without fuss, with enough power when needed, performing well on winding roads and the open highway.
It remains quite flat through the corners despite its increased height, with good grip and a fair bit of finesse too. The ride is on the firmish side but handling is comfortable and refinement is as you would expect from Volkswagen.
The 4Motion all-wheel drive system offers extra assurance on most surfaces. While the Alltrack is no real off-roader, it does make light work of secondary roads and is a real advantage in slippery conditions.
Despite fuel-saving technologies, the Alltrack is not as light on the juice as you may like, and we struggled to match the official 6.8L/100km efficiency figures.
SUMMING UP
While wagons may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the Alltrack does offer that higher middle ground between sedan and SUV that may be more appealing. It is fun to drive, spacious and comfortable enough for families and brings that little touch of adventure.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 132TSI
Price: from $34,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, AWD
Power: 232kW at 4500 – 6200rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1350-4500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel use: 6.8L/100km combined
Warranty: 3 years unlimited kilometres
Safety: Five Star ANCAP
What we liked:
Accomplished drive
Standard inclusions
Versatility
What we didn’t like:
Limited in-cabin storage
Ordinary fuel efficiency
