Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Feb. 28, 2015
The new European Passat Alltracks world premiere. This is a European release so maybe we will receive the innovative VW AWD system in a future Passat here?
The Alltrack is based on the new eighth generation Passat wagon and built on a modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform. The new Passat Alltrack is quite a bit different however with an off-road look and 4MOTION permanent AWD.
The Passat Alltrack features modified bumpers with underbody guards, rugged wheel arches and side sill molding plus sill extensions. Its offers an inch higher ground clearance than the std. sedan/wagon giving it a slightly more off-road look although it will not be ready for rock crawling anytime soon.
Custom 17-inch alloys wheels - 18- and 19-inch wheel options available – providing a more sporting edge.
The Passat Alltrack incorporates VWs EDS (electronic differential lock), XDS+ and 4MOTION permanent AWD capable of towing up to 4,840 pounds - if trailer brake equipped - on a twelve per cent gradient. 1.8L TSI variant is limited to just under 4,000 pounds. Since this is a Europe release, those numbers to meet our own SAE specs would be reduced by at least half if not more.
The Alltrack AWD system is based on a fifth generation Haldex coupling and becomes active just before slip occurs. In normal driving, only the front wheels are driven. As soon as there is a risk of losing traction, the rear axle is smoothly engaged in just a fraction of a second.
The Passat Alltrack arrives with or can be equipped with an Active Info Display (fully digital instruments), a head-up display (HUD), Media Control rear seat entertainment system for tablet computers, Front Assist (lane-changing assistant), Emergency Assist (stops vehicle in emergency), Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert (detects vehicles in cross-traffic when backing out of parking spaces) and Trailer Assist (for assisted maneuvering with a trailer). A number of high end features available on numerous cars and trucks in the states albeit with different nomenclature.
2016 VW Passat Alltrack Drivetrain
Volkswagen is offering a total of five new direct fuel injection engines for the new Passat Alltrack including the 148 and 217 hp TSIs, 148, 188 and 237 hp TDIs. The 148 hp TSI and TDI engines arrive with a standard 6-speed MT. All of the more powerful variants arrive with dual-clutch ATs. A stop-start system and recover of braking energy with battery regeneration are also standard.
All Passat Alltracks will include "Eco", "Normal", "Sport" and "Individual" and "Offroad" modes standard.
Off-road mode allows a varying ABS regulation to help the tires build up a wedge of stones on loose surfaces during emergency stops to reduce stopping distances. Not sure if that will work in the real world but who knows?
Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Assist prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on uphill slopes and unwanted acceleration on downhill stretches. The accelerator can be operated more sensitively. At the same time, shift points are higher and automatic upshifting is suppressed in manual mode.
2016 VW Passat Alltrack Interior and Infotainment
The the interior has been specifically modified with rugged stainless steel door sill plates with embossed "Alltrack" lettering and floor mats with flat felled seam. The seats feature Alcantara on the outer sections and the new fabric decor "7 Summits" on the center panels. Various leather options, electric 14-way adjustment, seat climate control and a massage function will be made available. The sturdy pedals come in aluminum look. A horizontal ventilation strip is upgraded with custom trim in a "Tracks" design.
A total of five radio and radio-navigation systems are available for the Passat Alltrack including not just BlueTooth connectivity but Mirror Link, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The available systems include a standard 5-inch display "Composition Touch" and "Composition Color", 6.5-inch "Composition Media" and "Discover Media" (plus navigation), and an 8.0-inch radio navigation system called "Discover Pro".
2016 VW Passat Alltrack Safety
Front Assist plus City Emergency Braking function with Pedestrian Detection, Side Assist (lane change assistant), Emergency Assist (stops vehicle in emergency), Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert (detects other vehicles crossing when reversing out of a parking space), and Trailer Assist (assisted maneuvering with a trailer) will all be available.
Passat Alltrack Personalization - Volkswagen next generation of personalization simplifies the owners and other driver’s setup process significantly. This involves combining the individual settings for a driver into a user account, which is saved by the vehicle. Drivers can call up user management to activate their individual user account to implement their individual settings. Drivers simply identify themselves with their vehicle key; this is done when the vehicle is unlocked. This activates initial settings such as adjusting the seat position on the driver's side.
Some of these settings include:
- Ambient lighting
- Adaptive Cruise Control ACC
- Infotainment system (incl. media library, navigation, telephone)
- Automatic climate control
- Instrument cluster/multifunction display
- Lane Assist
- Light and Sight
- Memory seat
- Park Assist
- Locking/unlocking
- Side Assist.
- Mirror adjustment
The European Passat Alltrack is scheduled for September 2015 availability at VW dealerships across Europe.
VW in Geneva – The Passat Alltrack
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