For many years, the sales of wagons have been slacking and few manufacturers offer any estate vehicles. However, we’re pretty sure the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is about to reinvigorate The Wagon.
Just with other VW Golf’s, the Alltrack TSI has a feeling of fun. Its steering is quick to respond, the suspension quick to react and the gas pedal is quick to accelerate. Just as with its hatchback-sized siblings, the Alltrack TSI is just a hoot to drive. Throw it around corners and it will make you smile.
Our Platinum Gray Metallic VW Alltrack tester looked good, too. The exterior keeps in line with the cute and reserved exterior of other Golf models. Nothing on the Alltrack’s exterior screams “Look at me!!” like some other wagons, and we’re ok with that. Not everything needs to look aggressive, and we enjoy the happy-go-lucky, handsome Golf styling.
Volkswagen included their 4Motion all-wheel drive system as standard, and its perfect for the impending winter snows. Like other all-wheel drive systems on the market, it’s not full-time AWD but a mix of FWD and AWD depending on road conditions. If a wheel slips, an adjusted amount of power is directed toward each wheel. The end experience is a capable wagon whose tires are hard to chirp despite all my trying.
That doesn’t negatively impact the capability of the drivetrain, though. The 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injected 4-cylinder is a kick to drive. It has 170-hp and 199-lb.ft of torque, and achieves an EPA estimated 22 mpg city and 32 mph highway (which we easily achieved even with some fun). While its only available in an automatic transmission, the paddle shifters offer driver-selectable gearing for more enthusiastic driving.
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The interior is rather German and stoic, but that doesn’t mean its lacking in the least. The VW Golf Alltrack tester came loaded with conveniences and technology. Intelligently designed, clean of clutter, and simple yet including of driver-desired features.
The front seats were leatherette surfaced and heated, though had manual adjustments. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good in one’s grip and with easy access to driver assistive systems and audio controls on the wheel.
Volkswagen has included a 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with AM, FM and HD radio, a CD Player and 8-speaker system. It has Bluetooth connectivity along with a limited subscription to SiriusXM radio. There’s also Volkswagen’s CarNet services – a smartphone-connected app that helps owners with scheduled maintenance, security, and warranty services such as emergency or roadside assistance.
The sound system was positively bouncing during our drive down to Portland and back on business. The seats more than comfortable enough for the long, 4-hour drive down south (and again back north), with few stops needed in between.
And, of course, it’s a wagon so there’s plenty of cargo space and room for passengers. The cargo capacity is 30.4 cu.ft with the rear seats up and 66.5 cu.ft with the rear seats down – plenty of space for all dogs or cat carriers or kids toys or camping gear or mob bodies.
While the Golf Alltrack starts at $25,850, our tester included the Alltrack S & SE Driver Assist package which includes adaptive cruise control, Park Pilot, forward emergency braking and other features. The adaptive cruise control is a feature we particularly enjoy for the effortless rush-hour traffic and less-demanding long-distance drives.
Overall, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a wagon we’d love to drive more. For a reasonable price, driver’s get a safe wagon with German engineering and technology, practicality, and fun – all built into a Golf-sized-wagon package.
To check out the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, please visit your local Volkswagen dealership.
