2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack First Test: Quicker Than Expected

Based on the new Golf SportWagen, the new Volkswagen Golf Alltrack pairs the automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with a slightly higher ride height for an off-road-oriented wagon. Although we’ve previously driven the new wagon in an off-road environment, we now have official test numbers of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SEL with 4Motion.

Power for the Golf Alltrack comes from the automaker’s 1.8-liter turbocharged TSI I-4 mated to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The engine, which is also used in the Golf and Golf SportWagen, makes 170 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque in the Golf Alltrack.

At the track, the all-wheel-drive Golf Alltrack hit 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and sprinted to the end of the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 86.7 mph. It stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet. For reference, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI with 170 hp and 199 lb-ft and a dual-clutch transmission reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and stopped in 117 feet, and our long-term 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI S 1.8T with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft and a five-speed manual hit 60 in 7.3 seconds. That’s not bad considering the lifted all-wheel-drive Alltrack wagon weighs 3,482 pounds compared to 3,115 pounds for the Golf TSI and 3,040 pounds for the manual-equipped Golf SportWagen.

In our handling tests, the Golf Alltrack lapped the figure eight in 27.7 seconds at 0.61 g average and pulled 0.81 g average around the skidpad. In comparison, the Golf TSI lapped the figure eight in 27.2 seconds at 0.65 g and the Golf SportWagen did the deed in 27.3 seconds at 0.63 g. With its higher ride height and taller sidewalls on the tires, the slightly lower handling numbers are expected. The Golf Alltrack has 6.9 inches of ground clearance versus 5.5 inches for the standard-height Golf models.

The Golf Alltrack’s closest competitors would be the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback models. In testing, the 3,038-pound 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek with a 148-hp 2.0-liter I-4 and five-speed manual hit 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, and a 3,198-pound 2013 Crosstrek with the CVT reached 60 mph in 10.0 seconds. The Crosstrek models stopped in 122 feet and 126 feet, respectively. The figure eight took 28.5 seconds at 0.54 g and 28.6 seconds at 0.56 g, respectively. In comparison, the 3,702-pound 2015 Subaru Outback with a 175-hp 2.5-liter F-4 with a CVT reached 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, stopped in 120 feet, and lapped the figure eight in 26.3 seconds at 0.63 g.

Although the Golf Alltrack offers 1.4 inches more ground clearance over the standard Golf models, the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback offer a total of 8.7 inches, or 1.8 inches more than the Golf Alltrack. With a total height of 59.7 inches, the Alltrack is 3.9 inches and 6.8 inches lower overall than the Crosstrek and Outback, respectively, which makes access to the roof rails much easier.

In addition to our track testing, our time with the raised wagon was spent on city streets where the boosted 1.8-liter and dual-clutch transmission combo felt smooth, allowing the Golf Alltrack to zip easily in and out of any traffic situation. It didn’t take corners as well as the Golf or Golf SportWagen, but it was still entertaining to toss around corners with the tall-sidewall tires progressively giving away as we drifted it around on the tarmac. We’re sure with its raised suspension and increased ride height that the Golf Alltrack could pull off its best impression of a WRC car on moderate dirt roads.

We didn’t take the Golf Alltrack off-road this time around, but we were impressed with how well the raised wagon performed off the beaten path in our 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack First Drive. “It’s no Wrangler,” we wrote, “but for all but the worst conditions, the Alltrack ought to get you through.”

There were a few interior complaints. First, the seats aren’t very comfortable. They’re attractive to look at, but the padding used below the leatherette material doesn’t offer much give when sitting. The stiff padding underneath could contribute to driver fatigue on longer drives. Second, rear-seat legroom is almost nonexistent. Even at just 5 feet 9 inches, I had a hard time sitting behind myself.

Our 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SEL with 4Motion tester starts at $33,710 and comes well-equipped. The drivetrain consists of the aforementioned 1.8-liter turbo I-4, DSG transmission, and the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, which has a drive-mode selector with Off-Road mode. Other off-road features include the raised four-wheel independent suspension and a front underbody guard. Notable standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, Alltrack bumpers and grille, automatic headlights with daytime running lights, foglights, heated power side mirrors, rain-sensing front and rear wipers, and a power panoramic moonroof.

Inside, the SEL of our tester features Titan Black leatherette seats. The front seats are heated, and the driver’s seat has power lumbar support. The steering wheel, brake lever, and shift knob are wrapped in leather, and it has keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. There’s also an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch color touchscreen and navigation, plus a Fender premium audio system, Bluetooth phone and music, SiriusXM radio, and VW Car-Net apps.

The sole option was the $1,995 SEL Driver Assistance & Lighting package. The package adds Park Pilot with Park Distance Control, park assist with front and rear sensors, light assist featuring HID headlights with high beam control, lane assist with lane departure warning, and an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror.

In total, our 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SEL with 4Motion tester came to $35,705. The all-wheel-drive Golf Alltrack with the DSG transmission is EPA-rated 22/30/35 mpg city/highway/combined.

Despite complaints about interior comfort, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack makes a great addition to the Volkswagen Golf lineup, which won our 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year award. It will appeal to the diehard Vee-Dub fans who want more off-road capabilities in their wagons. Although it’s quicker around town and has the ability to tackle what most owners would throw its way, we’re not sure if many Subaru fans will consider the Alltrack. But they should.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI 4Motion (SEL)
BASE PRICE	$33,710
PRICE AS TESTED	$35,705
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door wagon
ENGINE	1.8L/170-hp/199-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed twin-clutch auto.
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3,482 lb (56/44%)
WHEELBASE	103.5 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	180.2 x 70.8 x 59.7 in
0-60 MPH	7.4 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.7 sec @ 86.7 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	122 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.81 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	27.7 sec @ 0.61 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	22/30/25 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	153/112 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.78 lb/mile

 

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