PASSAT FOR RUGGED GROUND

The new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will debut in a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show; market launch for the new versatile Alltrack begins in early 2012.

Based on the popular and versatile Passat Estate, the Passat Alltrack adds 4MOTION four-wheel drive and a raised ride height that give it greater agility off-road, along with stylish body enhancements that also provide some protection from scrapes when covering rough terrain. These include stainless steel-look front and rear underbody protection panels and flared side sills. This new version closes the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs.

At 4,771 mm, the Passat Alltrack is exactly the same length as the Passat Estate.  Flared wheel arch protection increases the vehicle’s width by 20 mm to 1,840 mm, while the suspension is raised to increase ground clearance from 135 to 165 mm.  This also improves the ramp breakaway angle (significant when crossing the crest of a hill) from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees. Ruggedly styled front and rear bumpers increase the approach angle from 13.5 to 16 degrees, and the departure angle from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees. 

As with other Volkswagen vehicles featuring 4MOTION, on the Passat Alltrack the front axle is usually driven, with only 10 per cent of propulsive power going to the rear axle.  This saves on fuel.  If necessary, almost 100 per cent of power can be sent to the rear axle, through use of an electrohydraulic Haldex clutch.

The Passat Alltrack also features an off-road mode, similar to that on the Tigua. When switched on (via a dashboard-mounted button), this activates hill descent assist, which automatically brakes the vehicle when the descent angle is greater than 10 degrees.  The ABS function is also altered, with higher thresholds for operation on loose surfaces, along with faster-reacting electronic differential locks (EDS) to prevent wheelspin. For vehicles fitted with DSG dual-clutch transmission, the shift pattern is also altered when off-road mode is engaged, with higher shift points to give more power, a flatter and easier to manage accelerator pedal movement and no automatic upshifting in manual mode.

Two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TSI) with 160PS and 210PS and two turbodiesels (TDI) with 140PS and 170PS will be available in the Passat Alltrack. The two most powerful Alltrack versions, the 170PS TDI and the 210PS TSI, have standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). For the smaller TDI engine powered models, Volkswagen will offer all-wheel drive as an option.

Standard equipment will include 2Zone electronic climate control, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, MDI iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephone preparation and 18-inch alloys.