Flash Drive

2018 VW Golf Alltrack

July 18, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SE w/4Motion

The 2018 VW Golf Alltrack is a handsome compact SUV that’s more sport wagon than a traditional crossover.

Engine:1.8-liter turbo I-4, 170 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined

Base Price: $29,765

As Tested: $30,615

Performance:

Good power and acceleration

Driving modes: Sport, Custom, Off-road, Eco, Normal

Enjoyable, sporty handling

When equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission the Golf Alltrack is a great car for spirited driving on country roads.

Smooth 6-speed and clutch

Hill hold feature

Manual transmission gets most out of 1.8-liter engine

Impressive highway economy—our best was 35.9 mpg

Nimble for moderate off-road driving

Excellent foul weather traction and control

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom

Extra long front seat tracks for maximum adjustability

Decent rear legroom if fronts are up slightly

The VW Golf Alltrack front seats and comfortable and supportive. Front legroom is outstanding.

Three temps heated front seats

Seat height pump

Power upper cushion adjustment; manual lower cushion

Manual lumbar adjustment both front seats

Soft headrests

Excellent medium thick contoured flat bottom leather steering wheel

Manual tilt/telescopic column

Nice sound system

Utility:

Large cargo area

Flat floor

Extra bins in rear corners of cargo area

Rear seat room and comfort and good for the outboard passengers, but an overly tall floor hump hampers middle position comfort.

Rear hatch opens high for tall people

Wide opening for cargo area

Minimal lift-over

Split folding seats have slight incline

Small pass-through above rear seat armrest

Large non-locking glovebox

Big front door bins

Small console bin

Bin for miscellaneous on left side of dashboard

Large back doors for easy access

The VW Golf Alltrack flat bottom, contoured steering wheel goes well with the sporty nature of the car.

WOW Factors:

Smooth 6-speed manual transmission

Sporty handling

Superior front legroom

Panoramic sunroof

Good compromise between external size and interior space

Whines:

Very tall floor hump limits fifth passenger comfort

Bottom Line:

The 2018 VW Golf Alltrack is handsomely styled with enough extra ground clearance and cladding for any off-road adventures.

The 2018 VW Golf Alltrack is an intelligent alternative to the jacked-up SUVs that clog our highways. The availability of a 6-speed manual transmission and its relatively compact size makes the Gold Alltrack more of a sport wagon than a more common compact crossover SUV. The Golf Alltrack is both practical and fun to drive.