Volkswagen Passat Alltrack• First rugged four-wheel drive Passat
• 2-litre TDI with 138 or 168bhp
• Order books open in April

A rugged four-wheel drive Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is set to go on sale in the UK for the first time next year.

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack gallery:

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack gallery

Based on the Passat estate, the Alltrack is the same length, but ground clearance is raised from 135 to 165mm, giving it the ability to tackle rougher terrain.

It should offer a cheaper alternative to models including the Subaru Outback and Audi A4 allroad quattro, although exact pricing has not been announced.

Fitted with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive, only ten per cent of power is sent to the rear wheels unless slip is detected – increasing fuel economy. If the front wheels do lose grip, as much as 100 per cent of power can be sent to the back wheels.

There’s also an off-road mode, first seen fitted to the Tiguan Escape. When switched on it activates hill descent assist (to control speed on steep slopes), the ABS adjusts to lower grip surfaces and the electronic differential locks more quickly to manage wheelspin. In Alltrack’s fitted with the optional DSG gearbox it also holds the car in lower gears.

Two versions of the 2-litre TDI engine will be available, with either 138 or 168bhp and fitted as standard with a six-speed manual ‘box.

A high level of standard equipment will include Alcantara upholstery, dual-zone air-con, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The exterior gets underbody protection and bumpers designed to increase the Allroad’s maximum approach and departure angles from slopes. Matt chrome roof rails, window surrounds, grille and mirror caps give it a premium look.

Order books will open in April and the first customer deliveries are expected in July. With the Passat Estate ranging from £20k to £24k, we expect the Alltrack to be priced from above £25k.

By Andy Goodwin, senior web journalist