Just weeks away and brings plenty to the table. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 12, 2016 2017 AWD Golf Alltrack S w/ the 6-speed MT - $27,730 to start including the $820 D&H charge offers up a 22/30 mpg city/highway rating with the 6-speed DSG. VW released a ton of info on their upcoming 2017 Golf Alltrack based on the Golf Sportwagen but with a twist. It includes all the wonderful limited body roll, great on-center feel and compliant ride but with 4Motion AWD system. The Golf Alltrack will be available in three trims—S, SE and SEL—and will be in dealer showrooms in October. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Drivetrain The Alltrack is powered by VW’s turbocharged and direct-injected 170 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque 1.8L TSI I4 matd to either a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed MT available in early 2017. Both transmissions trasnfer power through the latest generation 4Motion AWD system features a fast-acting center differential. Also unique to Alltrack is a larger 14.5-gallon fuel tank. 2017 AWD Golf Alltrack The go anywhere wagon. 4Motion AWD System One of the Alltrack’s key features is the 4Motion permanent AWD system. The system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, which saves fuel. The rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump. A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle. In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDL) that are a function of the electronic stability control system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Exterior The AWD Golf Alltrack and FWD Golf SportWagen shape are similar as the overall length and width are the same at 180.2 inches and 70.8 inches respectively. Ride height of the Alltrack is up 0.6 inches. The Alltrack’s redesigned bumper and added underbody guard, a matte-aluminum low-profile radiator grille crossbar extending into the headlights, a lower silver crossbar that incorporates standard foglights and unique black honeycomb grilles. The Alltrack’s profile includes full body cladding on the side sills and around the wheelarches that carries over to the lower areas of the redesigned bumpers. Silver roof rails, Reflex Silver side mirrors and lower window chrome molding brighten up the exterior. A panoramic sunroof is standard on the SE and SEL trims. 17” alloys are standard on the S and SE with 18” alloys std. on the SEL. Ground clearance is a respectable 6.9 inches. Out back, the Alltrack features dark-red taillights and a new bumper with silver underbody protection, matching the style of the side sills and incorporating chrome exhaust outlets on either side. “Alltrack” and “4Motion” badging stand out. In addition to the standard foglights and LED Daytime Running Lights (all trims) with automatic headlight activation (SE and SEL only), a Driver Assist & Lighting Package ($1,995) is available for the Alltrack SEL that adds automatic headlight adjustment and replaces the halogen headlights with Bi-Xenon units. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Interior Inside, the Alltrack offers the same 94.3 cu. ft. of passenger volume as the SportWagen, as well as 30.4 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the rear seats and 66.5 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded. Headroom is the same at 38.6” as does the front and rear shoulder room of 55.9” and 53.9” and front and rear legroom of 41.2” and 35.6”. The Alltrack’s ucabin includes standrad V-Tex seats including a unique “Marrakesh” brown color option and std. heated front seats. A 12-way power driver seat is standard on the SEL trim. The unique interior equipment includes a black headliner, a 4Motion-branded chrome strip on the center console, stainless-steel door kickplates with the Alltrack logo, and custom aluminum-look pedals. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric center stack is angled towards the driver. Ambient lighting and soft-touch plastics and leather-wrapped handbrake, shifter knob and multi-function steering wheel round out the upscale look and feel. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Chassis The Alltrack is built on the same MQB chassis architecture as the rest of the Golf lineup. Two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, laser clamp welding, and “wobble seam” welds in a wave pattern - helps maximize strength in a limited space and offering up to four times the strength of a traditional spot weld. The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel. The use of newly developed ultra-high-strength steels, means thinner and lighter parts without any loss in strength. A single component can be tailor-rolled to have as many as 11 zones of varying thicknesses. The Alltrack’s chassis manages to remain light while offering enhanced crash protection. The Alltrack has unique suspension tuning. Up front, struts and an anti-roll bar. Outback, a multilink and anti-roll bar. The Golf Alltrack’s braking features 11.3-inch vented front discs and 10.7-inch solid rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The EPS assist features a 13.6:1 ratio that allows for 2.76 turns from lock to lock and a vehicle turning diamter of 35.8 feet. The Alltrack features a unique Driving Mode Selection that enables an Off Road Mode setting. This driving profile alters the ABS system and accelerator pedal character and activates the hill descent function, helping Alltrack deliver exceptional performance off the beaten path. The available Off-Road HMI in the SEL that is part of the navigation system displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road. Alltrack is also equipped with the XDS+ Cross Differential System. This technology acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Features All Alltrack trims include PW, PL and PM, rearview camera, Bluetooth, Volkswagen Car-Net and an 8-speaker audio system on the S trim. A proximity key w/ push-button start and Fender Premium Audio is standard on SE and SEL. A dual-zone auto climate is standard on SEL. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Infotainment The S and SE arrive with the MIB II infotainment system with Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected vehicle services platform. The SEL uses what VW calls their Discover Media navigation. Both MIB II units are anchored around a 6.5-inch, 800x480 capacitive color touchscreen display with proximity sensor. The Alltrack SEL Discover Media also includes 2.5D Navigation, one-shot voice destination entry, predicts possible destinations based on often used routes, and Destination Entry with Quick Search and Auto-complete, and Car-Net Guide & Inform. Compatible smartphone integration is a key part of this system, offering users the ability to run certain smartphone apps directly on the vehicle’s display through services like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirroLink. Alltrack’s infotainment system also offers AUX-in, SD card and USB multimedia interfaces with Apple iPhone and iPod compatibility, as well as a rearview camera display and Bluetooth technology with audio streaming for compatible phones. Other features include the ability to sync two phones simultaneously, along with a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM, HD Radio and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC). The Car-Net Security & Service suite features Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can contact first responders in the event of an collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses VW Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen. The system also provides remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash (of lights), last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). The Car-Net Security & Service also offers Family Guardian, a suite of features that help families. Features including speed alert, which can notify the owner of the vehicle when the preset maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which can alert you if the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through VW Car-Net. A Vehicle Health Report allows Volkswagen customers to check to see an overview of vehicle diagnostics. When it’s time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service can not only alert the customer, but also provide a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case you need a recommendation. Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of Volkswagen Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99. Guide & Inform. Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for Volkswagen customers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers owners. Satellite navigation is refined with Car-Net Guide & Inform, which incorporates several layers of information right onto the screen. MIB II-equipped Volkswagen models with in-vehicle navigation systems feature real-time fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. Volkswagen customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial. Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of Volkswagen Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99. App-Connect can be used free-of-charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services. Car-Net Guide & Inform services are provided by SiriusXM, and following the three-month trial period of SiriusXM Travel Link and SiriusXM Traffic, customers can contact SiriusXM at www.siriusxm.com to learn how to initiate paid subscriptions to these services. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Safety The Alltrack has already earned a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Preview: Earns a NHTSA 5-Star Crash Test Rating A standard feature on all 2017 Alltracks is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System that applys the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage. The Alltrack also includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions. All Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Driver Assistance Systems The Alltrack S and SE are available with the Driver Assistance Package (MSRP $845) that adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). The Alltrack SEL can be equipped with the Driver Assistance & Lighting Package ($1,995), which includes the above-listed systems and adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist), High Beam Control (Light Assist), and Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can use the accelerator, brake pedal, or steering wheel to cancel or override the ACC function. All system messages appear in the central multifunction display. When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is empty, the system maintains the set speed. Alltrack models fitted with automatic transmissions and ACC can match the speed of a vehicle in front and come to a stop, as well as resume ACC control after the driver presses the accelerator pedal or the “resume” button on the steering wheel. On manual transmission Alltrack models, the ACC ceases to operate below 19 mph. Forward Collision Warning helps warn the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster, and, if necessary, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to slow the vehicle if the driver fails to brake. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system. If there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane, the available Lane Departure Warning system can actively countersteer to help keep the vehicle in the lane above 40 mph. The system’s camera can recognize visible lane markings (one side can suffice) and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes their hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, or the vehicle crosses a lane marking without use of a turn signal, the system countersteers and later provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over steering. The system works in the dark and/or in fog, but will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Departure Warning system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can “override” the system at any time by applying minimal force, and is not relieved of responsibility to make conscious driving decisions. Park Distance Control uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight situations. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear. Park Assist can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces in reverse. After pressing the Park Assist button – once for parallel and twice for perpendicular – the driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected. The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, disengaging reverse gear or pressing the button. Below 25 mph, the system can scan both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the road, for example in a one-way street, for any parking spaces as it drives past. By activating the turn signal, the driver stipulates which side of the road they wish to park on. 2017 VW Golf Alltrack Where do you want to go today? Alltrack S $25,850 with manual transmission (late availability) $26,950 with automatic transmission Alltrack SE $29,430 with manual transmission (late availability) $30,530 with automatic transmission Alltrack SEL $32,890 with automatic transmission #VWGolfAlltrack #VW2017 #Efficient #long #distance #traveler
Hi All: Meet the all-new 2017 AWD #VW #Golf #Alltrack - aka. "The Subie Killer" #VWGolfAlltrack #VW2017 #Efficient #long #distance #traveler - #CleanMPG
I might be nit picking, but the VW 4 motion system doesn't have a center diff. Just a fast acting hydraulically actuated clutch (Haldex) that can modulate the torque sent to the rear axles. The CVT Subaru's don't have one either anymore just a clutch, but in Subaru's case the clutch is in the transmission and in VW's case the clutch is in the rear diff package. Anyways, I'm glad VW finally came out with some decent AWD options. It seemed like they were always afraid of competing with their more profitable Audi line so they avoided offering AWD on most cars in North America (aside from the optioned up Passat with the VR6). The fact that it comes with the DSG makes it even more amazing.
Hi Josh: Our MDX has the clutch based rear diff as well. It - the Alltracks - is normally spread 10% to the rear and 90 percent to the front with an anticipatory function that can move torque up to 50/50 split instantly. Wayne
I guess my view of what a differential is, might be too narrow. Any mechanism that transmits torque but allows the front/rear axles to operate at different speeds would technical be a form of differential even if it doesn't have the traditional spider gear set. Clutch differentials have some good FE, weight, and responsiveness advantages over traditional spinning metal gears.
I never understood why it isn't the other way around (90% rear 10% front moving to 50-50 with traction loss), FWD cars are cheaper to make but the rear diff already exists in a AWD car so I can't see why they don't make it rear bias.
VW Golf Alltrack and Sportwagen To End Production This Year Hi All: VW of America announced that the Golf Alltrack and Golf SportWagen will end production with the 2019 model year. VW will continue building the Alltrack at the Puebla, Mexico plant through December 2019 to provide additional opportunity to own an affordable, European-designed wagon. Over the past several years, demand among American consumers has shifted from wagons to SUVs. Through the first half of 2019, SUVs account for 47 percent of the industry sales, and more than 50 percent of VW sales. Thanks to strong sales of the Atlas and Tiguan, Volkswagen has had the highest year-over-year percentage growth among mainstream automotive brands in the first six months of 2019. VW plans to release three new SUV models in the next 24 months. The five-seater Atlas Cross Sport will be unveiled later this year, and the ID. CROZZ electric SUV debuts early next year. VW announced it will release a new smaller SUV model expected to arrive in 2021 that will slot beneath the Tiguan. The 2019 Golf Alltrack with standard 4Motion AWD combines practicality with year-round capability. The 168 hp and 199 pound-feet of torque 1.8L I4 Alltrack is mated to either a 6-speed DSG AT or a 6-speed MT. The car also features unique exterior styling and an extra 0.6 inch of ride height compared to the Golf SportWagen, giving it 6.9 inches of ground clearance. The 2019 Golf SportWagen combined the space and utility of a compact SUV with the nimbleness and fun-to-drive capabilities of a Golf. Front-wheel-drive models are powered by the 147 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque 1.4L TSI while 4Motion models use the 1.8 TSI. The 1.4L TSI is mated to either a 6-speed MT or 8-speed AT, while the 1.8 TSI is available with either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed DSG AT. VW Wagon History 1600 Squareback Sedan: 1966-1973 1.6L air-cooled engine with 65 hp Had cargo space under hood and in rear above the engine. The first mass-produced model with computerized fuel injection Type 412 Wagon: 1971-1974 1.6L air-cooled engine with 80 hp Unibody chassis and MacPherson strut suspension were firsts for VW Volkswagen Dasher: 1974-1981 First water-cooled, front-engined, front-wheel-drive car for VW of America lineup Also offered as a two-door or four-door hatchback, with 74 hp Sold as the Passat in Europe Volkswagen Quantum: 1981-1988 Midsize successor to the Dasher Sold with four- or five-cylinder engines up to 110 hp Introduced Syncro all-wheel-drive in a wagon, offered in 1986-1988 Volkswagen Fox: 1989-1991 Offered as a two-door subcompact wagon, rare in its era 80-hp, 1.8L I4 with manual transmission Built in Brazil, along with two- and four-door variants. Volkswagen Passat: 1990-2010 Three generations of Passat wagons were sold in America Stylish B4 generation unveiled a new, upscale VW design language The W8 variant offered 270 hp, 4Motion all-wheel drive and an available manual transmission Volkswagen Jetta: 2001-2005; 2008-2014 Most popular wagon model Volkswagen has sold in America First generation was unique to North America Independent rear suspension in later models Volkswagen Golf SportWagen: 2015-2019 First wagon for U.S. built off flexible, modern MQB platform Offers full suite of modern technology such as App-Connect Spacious interior and cargo area compares well to compact SUVs Volkswagen Golf Alltrack: 2017-2019 Higher ground clearance than SportWagen and standard 4Motion offer SUV-like capability Mixes more aggressive design cues with timeless Volkswagen style Manual transmission offered on top line SEL for enthusiasts 2016 VW Sportwagen TDI A pause on the Pacific before a long drive to Oregon. It was great to know you, even better to drive you, and good bye from one of millions of enthusiasts that found your wagons wonderful. The TDIs in particular despite dieselgate. Wayne
