Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

The 10 Features of Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, our 2017 Subcompact SUV of the Year

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Photo: Volkswagen
Get the best interest rate
Guillaume Rivard
A smart man’s SUV alternative

The new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has generated a fair amount of buzz since launching in Canada earlier this year. And why not? This German wagon with all-wheel drive can challenge small crossovers and SUVs with its practicality, capability, and efficiency. In fact, it just took home Auto123.com’s 2017 Subcompact SUV of the Year award

In case you missed Benjamin Hunting’s First Drive review, we suggest you check it out after finishing this list of the top 10 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack features.

No. 1
4MOTION all-wheel drive

Unlike every other Golf sold in Canada, the new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack comes standard with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. In normal daily driving, the front wheels receive the majority of the power. However, when road conditions change, 4MOTION works to transfer grip almost instantaneously to help prevent wheel slippage. This allows drivers to venture farther off the pavement, for instance.

No. 2
Off-Road mode

To make that even easier, there’s the Driving Mode Selection button located on the centre console of the Golf Alltrack, offered as a standard feature. It includes an Off-Road mode that enables you to engage Hill Descent Assist, ensuring the car maintains speed at a crawling pace when you’re heading down a steep incline. Plus, the infotainment system can, as an added option, display Off-Road mode on the touchscreen to show Compass, Steering Angle and Altitude.

No. 3
1.8L turbo engine

That Off-Road mode as well as the AWD system would be more or less wasted without sufficient engine power to climb mountain roads or merge with highway traffic. Hence the presence of the direct-injection, 1.8L, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, which generates 170 horsepower and, more importantly, 199 lb-ft of torque.

No. 4
User-friendly height

With the Golf Alltrack, the roof height is just 4’11”, so it’s easier to lift a mountain bike or snowboard up there than with a traditional SUV or crossover. The standard roof rails also come in handy.

No. 5
Convenient space

Need space? With its standard 60/40-split rear seat folded flat, the Golf Alltrack offers 1,883 litres of storage. Even with the rear seats in use, you still get 861 litres of cargo space. Planning a ski trip? The rear-seat centre pass-through will prove invaluable.

No. 6
Rugged physique

The Golf Alltrack has the looks to match its go-anywhere capabilities. There’s rugged black composite cladding around the entire lower part of the car. The front fascia sports a unique honeycomb grille and aluminum detailing, while the sides are highlighted by distinctive alloy wheels. What’s more, the engineers at VW raised the ground clearance by 0.6” (15 mm) in comparison with the Golf SportWagen.

No. 7
Leatherette seating surfaces

Easy-to-clean standard leatherette seating surfaces (available in black, beige, grey or Marrakesh Brown) mean you don’t have to worry about dirt messing up the interior of your car after playing in the great outdoors.

No. 8
6-speed manual transmission

The available 6-speed dual-clutch DSG is a terrific operator, for sure, but it doesn’t come with paddle shifters in Canada, so why not have a little fun and stick with the, well, stick? That’s right: A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard. It’s like adding a touch of GTI sportiness to the versatile Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. 

No. 9 
Smartphone integration

Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect system allows you to access selected smartphone apps from your compatible smartphone right on the 6.5” colour touchscreen of the Golf Alltrack. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink are all supported.

No. 10
5-star safety rating

The new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following front, side and rollover crash tests. That’s peace of mind, right there.

 

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack pictures
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Photo: Volkswagen
Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
Automotive expert
None