Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

VW is taking on the Audi A4 Allroad with this four-wheel drive Passat Estate   This is the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack – a more practical and capable estate version of the German company's family car, which benefits from a toughened-up

look and four-wheel drive. Offering a rival to the Audi A4 Allroad, it follows a similar formula with a raised ride height, SUV-style protective trim around the bumpers, sills and wheelarches while it also boasts VW's 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system too. Set to make its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show next week, it will be available to order from April with first deliveries in July. Two versions will be available for UK buyers, both of which are based on the 2.0-litre TDI 4MOTION model. The range kicks off with the 138bhp six-speed manual version, while there will also be a 168bhp model with a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Just the one, highly specified, trim level will be available, which comes with Alcantara suede, two-zone climate control, cruise control, tyre pressure sensors, an iPod dock, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloys. The Passat Alltrack benefits from the same 'off-road driving programme' as the Tiguan and Touareg, activated by an off-road button on the dashboard. This tweaks the way the ABS and electronic differential systems (EDS) operate so that they are more effective on loose surfaces. In addition, the Alltrack has a hill descent control system too. The boot is extremely practical with 603 litres with the seats in place and 1,731 litres with the rear bench folded flat. It has an optional movable cargo load floor which can be shifted backwards or forwards making it easy to stow objects up to 100kg in weight. The Alltrack is also available with a space divider for the boot area. No official pricing has been revealed but expect the 138bhp 2.0TDI Alltrack to cost around £28,000.