Road Test: 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Specifications:
Price: $38,040 (as tested)
Engine: 1.8L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4
Trans: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG)
Power: 170 hp@ 4,500 rpm
Torque: 199 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,395 lbs./1,540 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 10.6/8.0
New for 2018: The Golf Alltrack was introduced to us in North America as a 2017 model but has already seen a few updates including a revised front end, new headlights and new tailights which mimic the changes that the other Golf models endured for 2018.
Segment Competitors: Mini Cooper Clubman, Fiat 500L, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, Audi A4 Allroad.
The Skinny: The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has been very well received since being introduced to us back in 2017 and borrows the general theme from Audi’s A4 Allroad, which is a sporty wagon that is versatile enough to tackle just about any driving situation and look good while doing so. The Alltrack is essentially a lifted Golf SportWagen with bolder trim pieces which is just as happy to be on a rough, unpaved logging road as it is cruising down the highway. The added cargo space provided by its wagon design make it the ideal road trip car even if some of your stops are a bit off the beaten path, but if that’s not your cup of tea the Alltrack is more than capable of performing everyday tasks in the city.
Pros: We experienced some snow during our testing of the Alltrack and couldn’t think of a better vehicle to have at that time. The 4Motion all-wheel drive system provided excellent traction and the lifted chassis allowed us to confidently take on even some of the deeper areas.
Cons: It’s always a good sign for the vehicle when we spend time trying to find something to write in here, but if we have to write something I guess you could say this is somewhat expensive for what is essentially an elongated Golf.
The Verdict: The Volkswagen Golf family is now an extensive one, with everything from a high performance model to this more rugged version, and we truly believe this is a good thing. The Golf has been one the most successful vehicle models of recent past and now with the versatility it has in its lineup to cater to even a broader range of customers. We’ve liked every example we’ve been able to try up until this point, and the Alltrack is absolutely no exception.
