VW Golf Alltrack revealed in Paris

Golf Estate-based off-roader presented at Paris, starting at around £23,000 and going on sale mid-2015

    This is the latest addition to the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 model line-up, the Golf Alltrack. It's a jacked-up version of the Golf Estate with mild off-road styling tweaks and is due on sale next summer following its debut at the Paris Motor Show.

    The Golf Alltrack, which sits underneath the Passat Alltrack in VW's model range, blends rugged looks, raised suspension and an all-wheel-drive platform with the efficiency and practicality of a small family estate.

    Like its sister car, the Skoda Octavia Scout, the Alltrack will include the latest Haldex 5 4WD system, which changes drive from the front wheels to all four wheels when it senses a break in traction. It also has 20mm higher ground clearance to help it in off-road situations.

    Visual changes include neat wheelarch mouldings and flared sills to protect the Alltrack from off-road damage. There are also redesigned bumpers and roof rails, all of which adds a tougher image. 

    An all-new 177bhp 1.8 TSI engine is the sole petrol choice in the range. It promises a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.8 seconds and a 135mph top speed, and claims 41.5mpg economy plus 158g/km CO2 emissions. The diesels are familiar Golf engines, with the smallest being the 108bhp 1.6 TDI. This claims 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds and a 116mph top speed, as well as 60mpg and 124g/km of CO2.

    The 2.0-litre TDI powerplant appears in two power outputs, and we would expect these to be the most popular options. The first has 148bhp and 340Nm of torque, and takes the Alltrack from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds.

    The faster 2.0 TDI has 181bhp and a punchy 380Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Golf Estate yet. It provides the range-topper with a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds and a 136mph top speed.

     The Alltrack's interior is relatively unchanged from the standard Golf Estate, so expect the usual VW quality and faultless ergonomics. Equipment includes climate and cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system and a Driver Alert system.