New Volkswagen Passat Alltrack makes public debut

Details have been revealed for the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, which has made its public debut appearance at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The Alltrack is based on the new-generation VW Passat estate, which is already on sale now in Britain.

The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is just as practical as the original estate, but it’s also more suitable for driving in tricky weather and off-road terrain. The Alltrack features a raised ride height, four-wheel drive and extra protective body work, giving this estate a more rugged appearance.

The new bodywork includes larger wheel arch mouldings, redesigned front and rear bumpers, protective side skirts and custom 17-inch alloy wheels. Customers of the new Alltrack will be able to upgrade to 18 or 19-inch alloys.

Design updates for the interior of the Alltrack are less dramatic compared to other versions of the Passat. However, the differences do include stainless steel door sills, different seat fabrics and a new media system with a 6.5-inch screen. The latter feature will be able to support numerous Apple and Android apps.

New driving features introduced by the Alltrack include an ‘Offroad’ setting in addition to the various driving modes available to choose from on the latest Passat saloon and estate. It also debuts a Trailer Assist, designed to aid owners in making the most of the car’s 2,200kg maximum towing capacity.

The Volkwagen Passat Alltrack will be offered with five engines, which are all carried over from the current standard estate. The selection therefore includes a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with outputs ranging between 148bhp and 237bhp, and a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol with 187bhp or 237bhp.

The launch date and pricing for the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will be announced later this year.