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VW Launch Golf Alltrack, Position it Against Outback

As these words are written, Volkswagen is in the midst of feeding and lodging countless journalists (among whom I number) for the launch of the 2017 Golf Alltrack. There will be a full test drive later, but for now here are the important details.

The Golf Alltrack is an extremely important car for Volkswagen of America, or so says Hinrich Woebcken, who heads it. The rugged new (to us) station wagon is part of a push to get more family cars and four-wheel-drive cars into VW showrooms to drive sales by convincing the market that the company as a full line manufacturer, not just a maker of compacts.

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The Alltrack is basically a Golf SportWagen that has been raised 0.6 inches and “ruggedized,” to borrow a phrase from Megan Garbis, Golf product manager.

Three trims are offered (S, SE, and SEL) that start at roughly $26,000 to $32,000 and will hit showrooms next month. All come standard with 4Motion all-wheel-drive and the S and SE trims will be offered with a six speed manual transmission(!), but they won’t be available until early 2017.

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When the Alltrack only has two pedals, though, it’ll be fitted with a six speed DSG dual clutch auto, the first time that particular ‘box has been bolted to the 1.8L TSI (170hp, 199lb-ft of torque).

Although VW will argue that the Altrack is a unique snowflake, it’s being positioned against the Subaru Outback, even though it’s technically an SUV. The Alltrack is a little shorter than the Outback, in both roof height and clearance, but it still comes with a skid plate, plastic cladding on the wheel arches, and an off road driving mode.

I’ll come back with more about the Alltrack, including a full review, after I’ve driven the thing, which I’m on my way out the door to do. Meanwhile, you can read all the facts and figures in VW’s press release, here.

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