Volkswagen has just revealed this, the Golf Alltrack, a 'ruggedized' 4x4 version of the Golf Estate, which will sit in the Volkswagen empire alongside such similar offerings as the Skoda Octavia Scout and SEAT Leon X-Perience. A jacked-up estate rather than a full-on SUV, the Alltrack uses Volkswagen's tried and tested Haldex-clutch controlled 4Motion four-wheel drive system, which should provide it with some pretty impressive off-roading ability.
The engine line-up consists of the familiar 105hp 1.6-litre TDI diesel and two 2.0-litre diesels - in 150hp and 184hp trims, the most powerful version coming with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox as standard. There's a 180hp 1.8-litre TSI petrol turbo too.
Aside from the stick on plastic panels and extra underbody protection, Volkswagen has protected the Golf Alltrack from off-road obstacles by raising the suspension by 20mm all-round. Inside, the cabin gets some specific Alltrack styling and trim, but more importantly keeps the practical stuff such as the massive 605-litre boot.
The clever 4Motion system also means that you won't pay through the nose to have a 4x4 - the system decouples the rear axle under light engine loads, or when the road underneath is dry and smooth, saving fuel and keeping the 1.6 TDI's emissions down to 127g/km. Not bad for a car with some proper off-roading ability.
Anything else?
If you were planning to get one of these in time for winter snows and rains, you can't; it doesn't go on sale until spring 2015, and even then it has not been confirmed for the Irish market as yet.