Last week Subaru confirmed that the global XV model would be coming to America in 2013 under the Crosstrek moniker, and now Volkswagen has revealed a Passat under the name of Alltrack that looks to fill the very same niche.
Unlike the Subaru XV, however, before today the world had not seen a VW Alltrack, making this a truly new model aimed at buyers looking for a dose of SUV-like capability without sacrificing some of the benefits found in a car.
The Passat Alltrack is, according to VW, intended to fill the niche that lies between the Tiguan and standard Passat Estate (wagon). Compared to the European Passat Estate, the Alltrack offers more light off-road capability, a more rugged design and an overall more versatile packaging.
Alltrack comes equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive (when paired with either premium engine), along with side sill and wheel well flares, greater approach and departure angles and overall higher ground clearance, as well.
In Europe and other global markets the Alltrack will come with the option of two different diesels and two different gas engines. The turbocharged gas engines range from 158 horsepower to 207 horsepower, while the diesels range from 138 to 168 horsepower.
The base engines come with standard front-wheel drive and manual transmissions, while the premium gas or diesel engines come with all-wheel drive and an automatic dual clutch transmission (DSG).
Because the Passat Alltrack is expected to fill a relatively small niche, VW is skipping the added cost of offering the traditional range of trim levels, electing instead to offer only a well-equipped Alltrack, complete with leather seating, 18-inch wheels, navigation and other typical luxury goodies found on top-tier Passats.
Passat Alltrack will debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show on December 3, going on sale in early 2012. Volkswagen has not specified all markets, but for now don’t found on an Alltrack arriving at a U.S. dealer near you anytime soon.
