2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

2018 GOLF ALLTRACK: VOLKSWAGEN'S ADVENTUROUS WAGON IS BUILT FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE WHEREVER THE TRAIL LEADS

•Freshened styling and LEDs front and rear give the Golf Alltrack a new visual signature
•Pricing ranges from $25,955 for the S model with manual transmission to $35,660 for the top-tier SEL trim
•New, larger MIB II touchscreen infotainment systems across all trims, up to 8 inches
•4Motion® all-wheel drive, Hill Descent Control, Alltrack-exclusive 'Off Road Mode,' and increased ground clearance provide exceptional performance on a variety of terrains
•Driver assistance features become standard on various trims, including Front Assist, ACC and Lane Assist
•Six-year or 72,000-mile 'bumper-to-bumper' limited warranty beats its competitors' bumper to bumper coverage in years and mileage
•Tech features include standard Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect and an available Off-Road HMI section for the MIB II infotainment platform

Herndon, VA (November 7, 2017) – The 2018 Golf Alltrack with 4Motion® all-wheel drive is the ultimate vehicle for adventure seekers. Combining practicality with high-performance, the wagon can maneuver through a variety of terrain, all year-round.

New for 2018
The 2018 Golf Alltrack is available in three trims—S, SE and SEL. The 2018 Golf Alltrack S receives new LED taillights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and automatic headlights with rain sensor. On the inside, the updated model features a 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen infotainment display with Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect.

The 2018 Golf Alltrack SE adds Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), as a standard driver assistance feature. Pedestrian Monitoring and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert will be added mid-model year. SE trims also upgrade to an 8-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment display.

The top-of-line 2018 Golf Alltrack SEL gains a new 8-inch Discover Media touchscreen infotainment and navigation display, as well LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System. In addition, driver assistance features that were previously included in packages become standard equipment, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control with Maneuver braking (ParkPilot), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist) and High Beam Control (Light Assist). Mid-model year changes add standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.

For the 2018 model year, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack models in the Únited States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.

Pricing for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack with a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $25,955. The six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission with Tiptronic® starts at $27,055. The destination charge for all Golf Alltrack models is an additional $850.

Exterior


Halogen headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) refresh the Alltrack's look. Differentiating itself from the SportWagen, the Alltrack's profile includes body cladding on the side sills and around the wheelarches that carries over to the lower areas of the redesigned bumpers. Únique accenting can also be seen in the silver roof rails, Reflex Silver side mirrors and lower window chrome molding. A panoramic sunroof is standard equipment on SE and SEL grades. Also obvious from the side are the standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy 'Valley' wheels (18-inch 'Canyon' on the SEL) and the impressive ground clearance of 6.9 inches.

At the back, the Alltrack sports new LED taillights, and a bumper that is highlighted by dominant silver underbody protection, matching the style of the side sills and incorporating chrome exhaust outlets on either side. 'Alltrack' and '4Motion' badging also make it clear this is a distinctly different vehicle than its Golf brethren.

In addition to the standard fog lights, LED Daytime Running Lights and automatic headlights with rain sensor activation are now fitted on all trims. SEL models add LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Interior


Inside, the Alltrack offers a generous 94.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, as well as 30.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The sizeable interior also includes 38.6 inches of headroom space, front and rear shoulder room of 55.9 and 53.9 inches, and front and rear legroom of 41.2 and 35.6 inches.

Notable differences that distinguish the Alltrack's upscale cabin from its SportWagen brethren include standard V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces across all trims, along with standard heated front seats. A 12-way power driver seat is standard on the SEL model. The unique interior equipment of the Alltrack includes stainless-steel door kickplates with the Alltrack logo, custom aluminum-look pedals and updated center console trim.

In addition to the expansive interior space, driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver, a feature frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles. Ambient lighting further highlights this upscale character, as well as the use of premium materials throughout, such as the soft-touch plastics and leather-wrapped handbrake, shifter knob and multi-function steering wheel.

An equal amount of attention has been paid to helping to optimize comfort and convenience throughout the lineup. The Alltrack comes equipped with a long list of modern comfort, convenience and entertainment features, including power windows and power-adjustable mirrors, an eight-speaker audio system, and a rearview camera. SE trims include KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, while SEL models include the Fender® Premium Audio System and Climatronic® automatic dual-zone climate control.

MIB II Infotainment. As standard equipment across the Golf Alltrack line, the MIB II infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen's Car-Net® connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today.

The Golf Alltrack S is equipped with the Composition Color unit, which features a new 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system also offers SD card and ÚSB (one port) multimedia interfaces, as well as a rearview camera and standard Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices.

All other Alltrack models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch Composition Media unit with capacitive touchscreen display. The new 8.0-inch display is not only brighter than previous generation of MIB II, it also offers better color reproduction, response time and improved viewing angles due to the switch to In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.

Composition Media units offer one ÚSB ports, a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio for a three month trial period, HD Radio, and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC). Both units also have the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with Bluetooth with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously. The Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, featuring one-shot voice destination entry, destination entry with quick search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on often used routes.

Volkswagen Car-Net. Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Volkswagen Car-Net® connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through VW Car-Net are divided into three key areas: 'App-Connect,' 'Security & Service,' and 'Guide & Inform.'

VW Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all Golf Alltrack models. App-Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services like Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.

Equipped on Alltrack SE models, VW Car-Net Security & Service is a suite of elements that provides security features and also allows owners to access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app.

Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net Security & Service will receive a no-charge, six-month trial subscription from Verizon Telematics. To extend the benefits of this system after the trial, customers can choose from a number of payment options: One year for $199, two years for $378, and three years for $540, or month-to-month for $17.99, plus applicable taxes and fees. App-Connect can be used with no additional charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services.

Available VW Car-Net Security & Service features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a 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.

In addition, VW Car-Net Security & Service offers 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). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected compatible smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers who prefer a more personal touch, agent destination assist is also available.

VW Car-Net Security & Service also includes Family Guardian, which offers features such as: speed alert, which notifies the owner of the vehicle when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary.

Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through VW Car-Net Security & Service. In addition to the vehicle's warning and indicator lights, a Vehicle Health Report provides customers easy access to diagnostic information. When it's time for scheduled service, VW Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case owners need a recommendation.

The available VW Car-Net app for smartwatch (supports select Apple WatchTM and Android WearTM operating systems) allows VW customers to control a host of Security & Service features and functions available through the iPhoneTM and AndroidTM apps as well as the Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Smartwatch wearers can keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle more quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, and get walking or driving directions to the vehicle. Drivers can check their fuel level and receive alerts with a compatible smartwatch.

Car-Net Guide & Inform is included on Alltrack SEL and offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that helps empower consumers. The in-vehicle navigation system features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.

Powertrain

The Alltrack shares its 1.8-liter TSI engine with other members of the seventh-generation Golf lineup. This four-cylinder gasoline unit is a member of the latest EA888 engine family, utilizing turbocharged induction and direct fuel injection to help achieve excellent efficiency while still delivering impressive power. Output is rated at 170 horsepower at 4500 rpm and a stout 199 pound-feet of torque beginning at just 1,600 rpm.

On S and SE models, Alltrack is offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission; SEL models come standard with the six-speed DSG. Regardless of transmission, power is routed to all four wheels via the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. EPA-estimated fuel economy for models equipped with the six-speed manual is currently pending EPA certification, but these models are expected to be rated around 22 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. These estimates are preliminary, and official EPA estimates will be available later this Fall. When equipped with the optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission, EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Also unique to Alltrack is a large 14.5-gallon fuel tank, which offers a greater range for adventure than SportWagen's 13.2-gallon tank.

4Motion all-wheel-drive system

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.

Chassis

As a member of the modern Golf lineup, Alltrack is built on the same MQB chassis architecture as the rest of the line. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes new technologies such as laser clamp welding, which produces 'wobble seam' welds in a wave pattern to help maximize strength in a limited space, offering significantly more strength than a traditional spot weld.

The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength.

The Alltrack has its own, unique suspension tuning, with a ride height that is raised by 0.6 inches. Úp front, a strut layout uses coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar, with a multilink arrangement with coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar at the back.

The Golf Alltrack braking system 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 rack-and-pinion steering features electric power assist and features a 13.6:1 ratio that allows for 2.76 turns from lock to lock and a vehicle turning circle 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 that is part of the navigation system displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-pavement.

Alltrack is also equipped with the XDS+® Cross Differential System—a feature originally developed for the performance-oriented GTI model. 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.

Safety

Like the rest of the Golf line, Alltrack provides an intelligent combination of both passive and active safety systems. The Golf has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features six airbags as standard, along with a number of electronic and mechanical safety systems.

The Golf Alltrack braking system involves substantial 11.3-inch vented front discs and 10.7 -inch solid rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. All Golf models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on all 2018 Alltrack models is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus 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

The Golf Alltrack offers a standard rearview camera and number of available driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control with Maneuver braking (ParkPilot), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist).

Front Assist, standard on SE models, helps warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles, and in some cases can provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking). Pedestrian Monitoring will be added to SE trims mid-model year.

Within physical system limits, 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 above 18 mph. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard on Alltrack SEL, uses a 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 further use those buttons or the brakes to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Alltrack models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control after pressing the accelerator pedal or the 'resume' button on the steering wheel.

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert will be added mid-model year as standard equipment on Alltrack SE and SEL. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and can help warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor will vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.

If combined with Lane Assist (Alltrack SEL, see below) the system not only helps warn the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even with turn signals on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.

The Rear Traffic Alert system helps detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, before applying the brakes if a potential impending collision is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.

The Golf Alltrack SEL is equipped with standard Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist). When driving above 40 mph, if there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane, Lane Assist can actively countersteer to help keep the vehicle in the lane. The system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, directing the driver to place his or her hands back on the wheel. If the vehicle crosses a lane marking without use of a turn signal, the system will countersteer to help keep the vehicle in the lane.

The system can work in the dark and/or in fog, but it will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can 'override' the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.

ParkPilot, equipped on Alltrack SEL models, 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 spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.

New on Golf Alltrack is an emergency braking system called Maneuver Braking. Included with ParkPilot, it can help mitigate or prevent collisions with static obstacles to the front and rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active when reverse gear is selected. If the system detects a stationary object while the vehicle is in reverse and moving between 1-6 mph, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.

Park Assist is included on Alltrack SEL models. This system can now automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces (the latter both forward and in reverse). After pressing the Park Assist button, the system will preselect the likeliest parking maneuver based on the size of the parking spot but it will also show other available maneuvers in the instrument cluster. The driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected, as Park Assist automatically helps steer the vehicle into the parking space.

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 scans 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.

High Beam Control (Light Assist) automatically raises the headlamp high beams above 40 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected.

Warranty

For the 2018 model year, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack models in the Únited States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.

The six-year/72,000-mile People First Warranty includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive systems. Additionally, all the elements of the People First Warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners for up to six years or 72,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date it was first sold new.

Most mainstream competitors to the Volkswagen brand in the Únited States such as Honda, Toyota and Ford offer only a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty on their cars and SÚVs. While Hyundai and Kia offer a five-year/60,000 mile basic warranty and a higher time and mileage limit on their powertrain limited warranties, if the vehicle is sold to a second owner, the powertrain limited warranty is not transferable beyond five years or 60,000 miles from the date it was first sold new.

Source - Volkswagen