Photo: X-Tomi Design
Volkswagen has all but confirmed that it is currently working on an Alltrack crossover version of the new Passat estate. It's been pledged to arrive in late 2015 and should look a little bit like this.
The German carmaker already has two Alltrack models on sale. One is based on the Golf Variant and the other on the previous generation Passat, having been launched in 2012. The general idea is the same and will be applied on the all-new Passat Alltrack B8. It involves slightly raising the suspension and adding protective body cladding to make it a great alternative for the SUV.
It's also worth a quick note that at 650 liters, the Passat Variant's boot is absolutely massive, bigger by 70 liters than that of the Touareg SUV and by 50 liters than the 2014 Alltrack models.
Engine choices will revolve around the Passat's four-cylinder units that can be both powerful and economical. We believe there will be two petrol engines available, the 180 PS 1.8 TSI and the 220 PS 2.0 TSI. Diesel choices will definitely include 150 and 184 PS versions of the 2.0 TDI.
As excited as we are about this Swiss Army knife on wheels, the Alltrack B8 is only going to sell in limited numbers, since it doesn't have the same curb appeal as the large SUVs. The new Passat sedan isn't coming to America until 2016 at the latest and even then, it's unlikely they will offer this potential Subaru Outback fighter.
The Alltrack B8, as a family car
The proportions of the Alltrack will be pretty much identical to the B8 Variant (except for a few millimeters added to the bumper for extra protection). There, Volkswagen worked with its modular MQB platform to produce a car that's longer and wider than its predecessor, the B7. The ergonomics of the cabin have been tailored in such a way as to increase headroom without making the body taller.It's also worth a quick note that at 650 liters, the Passat Variant's boot is absolutely massive, bigger by 70 liters than that of the Touareg SUV and by 50 liters than the 2014 Alltrack models.
The Alltrack B8 as an SUV
All-wheel drive will be standard across the model range, which should be attractively priced from around €32,000 in Germany. Tweaks to the braking and steering system will also be made and there will also be a separate driving mode for offroading.Engine choices will revolve around the Passat's four-cylinder units that can be both powerful and economical. We believe there will be two petrol engines available, the 180 PS 1.8 TSI and the 220 PS 2.0 TSI. Diesel choices will definitely include 150 and 184 PS versions of the 2.0 TDI.
As excited as we are about this Swiss Army knife on wheels, the Alltrack B8 is only going to sell in limited numbers, since it doesn't have the same curb appeal as the large SUVs. The new Passat sedan isn't coming to America until 2016 at the latest and even then, it's unlikely they will offer this potential Subaru Outback fighter.
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