Ignoring the fact that VW already offers the Tiguan, the new Passat Alltrack is a four-wheel drive version of the Passat Estate that has its suspension jacked up by 30mm for extra ground clearance, protective cladding added to the wheelarches and some stainless steel-look cladding added to the under-body.
Those who know of such things will note that the increase in height - in addition to restyled bumpers - gives the Passat Alltrack better departure, approach and breakover angles. Make no mistake though; the new car will not be a dedicated mud-plugger, even with the Tiguan Escape's off-road mode that activates hill descent assist, adjusts the anti-lock braking system, electronic differential locks (EDS) and - on models equipped with it - the DSG gearbox as well.
Instead the Passat Alltrack will be more at home in the winter urban jungle where its front-wheel drive biased 4Motion system, that only sends power rearwards when required, will come into its own.
The Passat Alltrack will be available in some markets with either a 2.0-litre TDI 140 engine with six-speed manual gearbox or a 2.0-litre TDI 170 with six-speed DSG transmission.
Latest word from Volkswagen Ireland is that the Passat Alltrack will not be offered for sale here. Pity.
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