The all-new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack gives drivers the off-road capability they've been wanting.

Volkswagen is looking to build on the success of the Golf SportWagen with its new Alltrack model for 2017.

“We heard from dealers and customers that they wanted to see a Golf SportWagen with the all-terrain capability that comes from an all-wheel drive system,” said Joerg Sommer, vice president, Product Marketing and Strategy of Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We are excited to introduce the Golf Alltrack to meet the active lifestyle needs of our customers.”

The Golf Alltrack uses the MQB architecture, just like the rest of the Golf vehicle line-up, as well as the turbocharged and direct-injection powertrain. The EA888 1.8-liter, four-cylinder TSI gasoline unit produces 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission: a six-speed manual transmission will also be available later in the vehicle’s lifecycle.

It may resemble the SportWagen on the outside, but it separates itself with the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system using the latest generation Haldex-5 coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

In normal driving, the Alltrack acts like a front-wheel-drive car for better fuel economy, but as soon as the system detects wheel slip, up to 50% of the drive torque can be shipped to the rear wheels. In addition to the Haldex coupling that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks at the front and rear axles act laterally in concert with the electronic stability control system.

The new Alltrack gives buyers another wagon-based all-terrain option for buyers.

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The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. The Golf Alltrack also features nearly an inch higher ground clearance over the SportWagen.

This all-wheel drive capability mimics the Alltrack’s exterior, which suggests the wagon is ready to tackle natures worst as well as heading off road for some fun. With cladding for the unique bumpers, wheel wells and side sills, gives off-road protection and the front fascia incorporates foglights and a unique honeycomb grille.

The new Alltrack comes in S and SE trimlines, which have 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line SEL trim enjoys 18-inch wheels as well as silver detailing, including roof rails, matte mirror caps and diffusor, adds a premium touch.

The Alltrack provides occupants with plenty of comfort as well as access to an impressive array of infotainment features.

Volkswagen gives the driver the ability to use this capability at essentially the flip of a switch, although perhaps the turn of a knob may be more appropriate. A Drive Mode selector includes “Off-Road Mode,” which adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control for off-road terrain. The Off-Road HMI displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road.

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It’s not just the offroad capability that is important to drivers of a vehicle like the Alltrack. The new model is laden with safety technology, including a combination of both passive and active safety systems.

The Alltrack meets or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard. Additionally, it is equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System.

Available driver assistance systems include: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Assist, and front and rear Park Distance Control with Park Assist.

The safety features protecting the occupants are matched by Alltrack’s interior comforts for them.

Inside, Alltrack mimics SportWagen in layout, but gets a more upscale feel. Leatherette seating surfaces are standard and Alltrack receives a unique brown leatherette option in addition to aluminum pedal covers, door sills with Alltrack branding and ambient lighting. Standard infotainment features include: a 6.5-inch capacitive color touchscreen with proximity sensor, rearview camera, and VW Car-Net® App-Connect connectivity.

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The Alltrack has a spacious trunk that’s in line with those of compact SUVs. With the rear seats up, it boasts 30.4 cubic feet of space: when the 60:40 split rear seat is fully folded, that figure rises to 66.5 cubic feet of storage. The split folding rear seats are accessed by release levers in the cargo area, maximizing convenience, according to VW.