Volkswagen Passat Alltrack
The second generation Volkswagen Passat Alltrack (generation I debuted in 2012) is immediately recognisable as an individually designed estate and SUV crossover. It comes with anodised silver roof rails while the ground clearance has been increased by 27.5 mm. The body therefore has a total height of 1,506 mm. The new Passat Alltrack is 1,832 mm wide (with door mirrors 2,083 mm), with a length of 4,777 mm; the wheelbase extends over 2,789 mm.
The exterior of this charismatic model is distinguished from others in the Passat range by a bumper with a new design including a striking grille and custom fog lights. The headlights and radiator grille merge to create the appearance of a single unit. The design of the front section appears particularly striking in conjunction with new full LED headlights. Furthermore, Volkswagen has developed new and extremely effective engine underbody protection for the Passat Alltrack. The underbody protection, a standard feature, is no longer made of steel like the predecessor; rather, it is made of extremely tough plastic. This new component results in a weight saving of 16 kg.
The Passat Alltrack features one of the most powerful and economical light systems: full LED headlights with reflector technology (standard for the 176 kW TDI), additionally incorporating LED daytime running lights. The main area of the daytime running lights also features the indicator function. The daytime running lights' unique signature is unmistakable in conjunction with the two "eyes" in the reflectors. At the second lighting level the Passat Alltrack has full LED headlights in projection technology on board. The centrepiece of these headlights is the outer multi-beam lens module. In addition to the main and dipped beams, the module also generates a dynamic cornering light while the inner flat-beam lens module is responsible for illuminating the road up ahead. A further highlight of the projection LED headlights are daytime running lights with 32 LEDs. The indicator is positioned below the daytime running lights (twelve LEDs). LEDs for the static cornering light are also positioned on the inner side of the headlight. As an optional extra, the all-LED projection headlights are additionally controlled via a camera. For the first time, Volkswagen is combining Dynamic Light Assist (automatic main beam control) and LED technology. The camera recognises both traffic in front and approaching vehicles and compares this data with the headlight electronics; utilisation of the cornering light and pivoting multi-beam lens module ensure optimum light distribution without dazzling other road users.
The "matt chrome" door mirror caps, standard 17-inch "Ancona" alloy wheels and the robust, anthracite-coloured, door, sill and wheel arch cladding are particularly eye-catching features of the side profile. In addition, the sill cladding is upgraded with aluminium-look trim.
As an alternative to the standard wheels, Volkswagen offers 18-inch "Kalamata" alloy wheels and 19-inch "Albertville" aluminium wheels for the Passat Alltrack.
Like the front, the rear of the Passat Alltrack also features a customised bumper in an all-terrain design. To each corner of the bumper the trapezoidal trims of the exhaust system (in "chrome look") catch the eye; these - like all other aforementioned details - are standard features on the Passat Alltrack. The new colour "Habanero Orange Metallic" is exclusive to this crossover model and matches the different body trims extremely well.
The Passat Alltrack is equipped with LED rear lights as standard. They extend in two sections from the tailgate into the side panel. The tail light and brake light functions are located in the upper outer section, and the indicators are beneath this. In the inner segment (tailgate), the rear fog lights and reversing lights are integrated along with the tail lights. The tail lights can optionally be ordered in "dark red". The number plate lighting also works with LEDs.
The car features the "Alltrack" badge on the front grille, on the tailgate at the rear and on the sides on the front wings (as an extension of the character line). The tailgate also displays the motor designation and the "4MOTION" badge as a reference to the standard all-wheel drive.
Like the exterior, the interior of the Passat Alltrack has been specifically modified to express the charismatic character of this all-terrain model. The high level of individualisation, the materials used and the extensive standard equipment create an exclusive and sporty ambience. One of the most important features setting the Passat Alltrack apart from other models in the series is the seat system with a new design with comfort seats at the front. The seats are visually distinguished by Alcantara on the inside of the seat side bolsters, the new "7 Summits" fabric on the centre panels and the "Alltrack" emblem on the backrests of the front seats. In terms of function, the front seats feature pockets on the back of the backrests and adjustable lumbar supports. The driver's seat is an "ergoComfort" version (with features including electric adjustment of the backrest inclination, longitudinally adjustable thigh support and electric adjustment of the lumbar support). A folding centre armrest with cup holders is integrated in the asymmetrically divided backrest of the rear bench seat. Options include two different leather trims ("Vienna" and "Nappa"), two child seats integrated in the rear bench (on the outer sides) and - for the front seats - electric 14-way adjustment, seat climate control and a massage function.
Further individualised features of the Passat Alltrack extend right down to the smallest details. For example, the pedals and footrest for the driver come in brushed stainless steel. Robust stainless steel sill tread plates with embossed "Alltrack" lettering and floor mats with flat felled seams match them. An independent welcome screen and additional information in off-road mode characterise the touchscreen of the infotainment system. The horizontal ventilation strip and the door panels are upgraded with custom trim in a "Tracks" design. Meanwhile, the centre console is enhanced with "Titanium" trim. Further standard equipment includes a coupling box for mobile phones; it connects a smartphone to the external vehicle aerial of the Passat Alltrack; "Alltrack" is embossed on the lid of the box. The gear knob and the multifunction steering wheel (also a standard feature) are trimmed in leather.
The Active Info Display is available as an option for the Passat Alltrack. All instruments - including the specific displays in the Passat Alltrack - are implemented virtually by software. For example, navigation information can be displayed between the rev counter and the speedometer as a map in 2D or 3D. In this case, the round instruments are relocated to the side to make more room for the map display. Information on driving and assistance functions can be integrated into the graphic areas of the speedometer and rev counter as needed. Data that can be displayed on the centre console via the infotainment system (e.g. phone contact images or CD covers), can also be shown in the Active Info Display. The display is 12.3 inches in size. Its resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels enables an extremely precise display with high-quality graphics.
A new feature in the Passat Alltrack is the head-up display that is available as an option. It projects important information, such as vehicle speed, navigation pictograms or the parameters of the Adaptive Cruise Control ACC directly into the driver's primary field of vision. Thanks to this projection the drivers eyes remain focused on the road whilst taking in the information. Reaction time can also be significantly reduced by projecting warning messages directly into the driver's visual field. The head-up display of the Passat Alltrack is a "combined solution": the data is projected onto an extendable glass panel in front of the windscreen. The display quality corresponds to that of much more expensive windscreen systems. When it is not being used, the display panel is protected by lowering it into the dashboard, and the opening has a flush closure. The head-up display is activated by a separate control next to the rotary light switch. The driver can use the menu of the infotainment system to decide which information is displayed: the current speed, the permitted speed, navigation information, information from the assistance systems and warnings.
The Passat Alltrack is based on the Passat Variant. This means that it offers ample space on all seats and also an extremely large and versatile luggage compartment. With five passengers on board 639 litres of stowage space is available; in this case the load-floor depth is 1,172 mm. If the full load capacity is used, luggage space increases to 1,769 litres, and folding the asymmetrically split rear seat backrest enables extremely flexible use of the interior of the Passat Alltrack: items with a maximum length of 2,018 mm can be loaded in the luggage compartment (up to the backrest of the front seats).
App Connect integrates smartphone apps in the infotainment system
The systems of the second generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB II) offer a premium range of functions and connectivity (networking with smartphones and tablets). Four radio and radio-navigation systems are available for the Passat Alltrack: the 5-inch display device "Composition Colour" (standard in the Passat Alltrack), the 6.5-inch systems "Composition Media" and "Discover Media" (plus navigation), and the 8.0-inch radio navigation system "Discover Pro". The systems can be expanded by digital radio reception DAB+, voice control and the telephone interface "Business" or "Comfort". In addition, the sound system "Dynaudio Confidence" with total power output of 700 watts is available for "Discover Media" and "Discover Pro". Last but not least, the menu structure of the infotainment systems in the Passat Alltrack has a special feature: the "off-road information". In three digital round instruments the steering angle, a compass rose and an altitude indicator are shown.
Thanks to their progressive design and the versatility of the "Volkswagen Car-Net", the infotainment systems enable maximum connectivity for linking external devices. The various interfaces include integration of smartphones via "App Connect". This is based on the "MirrorLink™", "CarPlay™" (Apple) and "Android Auto™" (Google) applications. These platforms enable Apple and Android smartphones with important apps to be integrated into the infotainment systems of the Passat Alltrack. In addition, "Guide & Inform" enables traffic information or news to be accessed online or free parking spaces to be found, while the Volkswagen "Media Control" app enables the integration of tablets.
"MirrorLink™" makes it possible to display contents shown on the smartphone and operate smartphone functions via the touchscreen of the infotainment system. This is done intuitively: simply connect a smartphone to the Passat Alltrack and use the app via the screen of the infotainment system. "MirrorLink™" makes use of an industry standard set by the "Car Connectivity Consortium" (CCC) to "mirror" smartphone apps onto the car's touchscreen and link their operation to the infotainment system, as previously described. Since the smartphone apps are always up-to-date, "MirrorLink™" cannot become obsolete either. Volkswagen apps that can be used with "MirrorLink™" include "My Guide", "Think Blue. Trainer", "Shared Audio" and "Sound Journey".
With "CarPlay™" from Apple anyone who owns an iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6 or 6 Plus can use a large number of their phone's apps via the infotainment system of the Passat Alltrack. This system also "mirrors" the smartphone apps. "CarPlay™" feeds the iPhone's "Phone", "Messages", "Maps" and "Music" apps into the infotainment system via a USB connection. The apps in the Passat Alltrack are then controlled either via the touchscreen of the infotainment system or by voice control with Siri (Apple). "CarPlay™" is child's play to use: as soon as the smartphone is connected to the infotainment system via a charging cable "CarPlay™" appears in the menu structure.
"Android Auto™" was developed by Google for Android smartphones. In exactly the same way as with "MirrorLink™" and "CarPlay™", selected phone apps are displayed on the infotainment system's touchscreen. Here, too, the interface is a USB port. The numerous apps that can be incorporated via "Android Auto™" include classics such as "Google Maps", "Google Play Music", "WhatsApp" and "Spotify", but also countless new apps. Many of these apps can be operated via "Google Voice" voice control as an alternative to the touchscreen (the voice control function is activated on the multifunction steering wheel).
Fuel-efficient and powerful engines deliver 150, 190, 220 and 240 PS
Volkswagen is offering a choice of four efficient and extremely high-torque turbo-charged direct injection engines for the second generation Passat Alltrack: one turbo petrol engine (TSI) and three turbodiesel engines (TDI). The powerful TSI delivers 162 kW / 220 PS. The range of high-torque TDI engines starts at 110 kW / 150 PS; two additional engines in the next power ratings deliver 140 kW / 190 PS and 176 kW / 240 PS. A stop/start system and energy recovery system are included in the standard specification and, needless to say, every Passat Alltrack complies with the Euro 6 emissions standard. Volkswagen offers the 150 PS TDI engine with a manual 6-speed gearbox. All of the more powerful versions come equipped with a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).
Volkswagen is currently offering a version of the Passat Alltrack with a 162 kW / 220 PS petrol engine. This power output is available between 4,420 and 6,250 rpm. The 1,984 cc engine delivers the maximum torque of 350 Nm from a low 1,485 rpm and it remains at this constant high level right up to 4,400 rpm. Combined average fuel consumption of the four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine - always combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) - amounts to 6.9 l/100 km (corresponding to CO2 emissions of 157 g/km). The coasting function of the DSG is a standard feature that contributes to the low fuel consumption as it disengages the engine from the drivetrain, for example on downhill stretches, so that optimum use can be made of the kinetic energy. This extremely refined turbo engine accelerates the Passat Alltrack to 100 km/h in a short 6.8 seconds. The car reaches a top speed of 231 km/h.
The Passat Alltrack's three 2.0-litre TDI engines each have two balancer shafts which make for very smooth running. In the first of the three power ratings the 1,968 cc TDI develops 110 kW / 150 PS; the engine with four valves per cylinder delivers this output between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 340 Nm is available from a low 1,750 rpm (up to 3,000 rpm). The 150 PS Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, has a top speed of 205 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. The combined fuel consumption is just 4.9 l/100 km (corresponding to 129 g/km CO2).
The Passat Alltrack's second 2.0 TDI develops power output of 140 kW / 190 PS (at 3,600 to 4,000 rpm). Equipped with a newly designed turbocharger, the four-cylinder engine sends an impressive maximum torque of 400 Nm in the direction of the standard 6-speed DSG from as low as 1,950 rpm with this level remaining constant up to 3,000 rpm. This Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI BMT 4MOTION has a top speed of 220 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 8.0 seconds. This dynamic performance goes hand in hand with sustainable fuel consumption of just 5.1 l/100 km (135 g/km CO2).
The most powerful four-cylinder direct-injection turbodiesel engine ever to be offered by Volkswagen - a 2.0 TDI with output of 176 kW / 240 PS (at 4,000 rpm) and extremely high maximum torque of 500 Nm (1,750 to 2,500 rpm) - is a completely new development. In order to realise this performance, a compact bi-turbo module was developed with a high-pressure and low-pressure turbocharger. Comfort at low revs is optimised by a new centrifugal pendulum absorber in the standard 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It enables further lowering of the gear shift points which reduces engine rev levels and contributes to the excellent fuel consumption figures of the TDI. With this high-tech engine the Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI BMT 4MOTION reaches a top speed of 234 km/h; the Volkswagen speeds to the 100 km/h mark in just 6.4 seconds. The low average fuel consumption is impressive in view of the high power output of 5.5 l/100 km (144 g/km CO2).
All three TDI engines in the Passat Alltrack are fitted with a SCR catalytic converter. The positioning of the oxidation catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter and SCR system (selective catalytic reduction) close to the engine makes the emission control components react especially quickly. Using a specially coated diesel particulate filter (the actual SCR catalytic converter), the SCR system converts the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas into nitrogen (N2) and water (H20). This conversion takes place using synthetically produced AdBlue, which is carried in a 13-litre tank and in the Passat has to be topped up only every 9,000 kilometres via a separate filler neck under the fuel tank flap.
The three most powerful engines in the new Passat Alltrack deliver their power to the all-wheel drive through a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The 6-speed or 7-speed DSG have two multi-plate clutches that run in an oil bath.
As already mentioned, the new Passat Alltrack is equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as a standard feature. It works with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling; the propulsion power distribution to all four wheels is activated even before slip occurs. This almost entirely eliminates any loss of traction. Normally, only the front wheels are driven, saving fuel. But as soon as there is a risk of losing traction, the rear axle is smoothly engaged in a fraction of a second. Along with the Haldex coupling that acts as a longitudinal lock, the electronic differential locks (EDS) integrated in the electronic stability control system (ESC) act as transverse locks for all four wheels. If a wheel starts to spin, they ensure that drive power is directed to the wheel on the opposite side within fractions of a second. In addition, the Passat Alltrack 2.0 TSI with 220 PS and 2.0 TDI with 240 PS are also equipped with XDS+ on both axles. This system - available as an option on all other Passat Alltrack models - brakes the wheels on the inside of the bend during fast cornering and thus optimises steering response.
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls how far the multi-plate clutch should be closed by regulating the oil pump. In this manner, the contact pressure on the clutch plates rises in proportion to the desired torque at the rear axle. The level of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the transmitted torque. Even when moving off quickly and accelerating, the wheels of the Passat are prevented from spinning, because the control unit regulates the torque distribution according to the dynamic axle loads. Actuation of the Haldex 5 coupling is based primarily on the engine torque demanded by the driver. Parallel to this, a driving status identification system within the all-wheel drive control unit evaluates parameters such as wheel speeds and the steering angle. If necessary, nearly 100 per cent of the drive torque can be directed to the rear axle.
When manoeuvring or taking tight bends any build-up of tension within the drivetrain is prevented by reducing the torque transmitted by the Haldex coupling. The opposite happens in the event of heavy and rapid acceleration; in this case the coupling torque is quickly increased. Meanwhile, at high speeds the pilot control of the coupling, which is dependent on engine torque, is reduced in order to minimise fuel consumption. In this case front-wheel drive dominates. However, even in this situation 4MOTION remains a permanent all-wheel drive system, as the rear axle instantly re-engages as soon as any slippage is imminent on the front axle or the Passat Alltrack is driven with increased lateral acceleration.
Parallel to the Haldex coupling that acts as a longitudinal lock, electronic differential locks (four-wheel EDS) integrated in electronic stability control system act as transverse locks. If a wheel starts to spin, they ensure that drive power is directed to the wheel on the opposite side within fractions of a second. Furthermore, the Passat Alltrack is equipped with the additional function XDS+ on the front and rear axles which brakes the wheels on the inside of a bend during fast cornering and thus perfects the steering response (more precise steering angle), further improves the traction, increases agility and, last but not least, enables a higher speed when exiting bends. In technical terms, XDS+ is a functional extension of the electronic differential locks.
Driving profile selector as a standard feature
All versions of the Passat Alltrack are equipped with a driving profile selector. A total of four driving programmes are available, or six in conjunction with DCC (adaptive chassis control): "Eco", "Normal", "Sport", "Off-road" and, in combination with DCC, the additional "Comfort" and "Individual" modes. DCC including driving profile selector is a standard feature for the Passat Alltrack TSI with 162 kW / 220 PS and TDI with 176 kW / 240 PS. The "Off-road" driving profile is an exclusive feature of the Alltrack model series. It assists the driver during off-road driving with a completely modified powertrain strategy; for example, among other features Hill Descent Assist is automatically activated. As soon as the driving profile switch in the centre console next to the gear knob is operated, the driving profile menu opens in the display of the infotainment system. Here the driver can select the off-road programme. The following systems are then immediately changed or activated:
Standard in the new Passat Alltrack: Front Assist with City Emergency Braking function and Pedestrian Detection
A pioneering range of comfort and assistance systems is available for the new Passat Alltrack. These technologies include the ambient traffic monitoring system Front Assist including City Emergency Braking function with Pedestrian Detection that is a standard feature in the Passat Alltrack, Side Assist (lane change assistant), Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, the proactive PreCrash occupant protection system, Emergency Assist (stops vehicle in emergency), Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert (detects other vehicles crossing when reversing out of a parking space), Area View, a previously unrivalled level of personalisation and Trailer Assist (assisted manoeuvring with a trailer). The latest comfort and assistance systems in detail:
The Passat Alltrack offers significantly enhanced safety and dynamics with its alliance of EDS, XDS+ and 4MOTION. It is also an ideal towing vehicle: the Passat Alltrack can tow a permitted trailer load of up to 2,200 kg on an 8% and 12% incline (braked) on its electrically folding hook. Manoeuvring with a trailer has never been so easy because Volkswagen is offering the new Trailer Assist system for the Passat Alltrack, which is frequently ordered with a tow bar. This system makes manoeuvring with a trailer easier than ever before. This is how Trailer Assist works:
The number of comfort and assistance systems is growing with every vehicle generation. This also holds true for the new Passat Alltrack. Many of these systems are individually adjusted by different drivers of a car. Therefore, drivers are constantly reactivating their personal settings. Volkswagen has designed a new generation of personalisation that simplifies this process significantly. This involves combining the individual settings for a driver into a user account, which is saved. Via user management each driver can activate their individual user account in next to no time, and call up their individual settings. Drivers simply identify themselves with their vehicle key; this is done when the vehicle is unlocked. This immediately activates initial settings such as adjusting the seat position on the driver's side. An overview of personalisation options in the Passat Alltrack, depending on the specific equipment version:
Front Assist including City Emergency Braking function
Front Assist is a system that warns the driver and brakes automatically in case of an imminent collision. One component of the Front Assist system is the City Emergency Braking function with Pedestrian Detection. This ambient traffic monitoring system now comes as standard in the Passat Alltrack for the first time. While Front Assist warns drivers about insufficient distance to the vehicle in front and potential collisions at higher speeds and automatically brakes the vehicle if necessary, the City Emergency Braking system performs this role in slower urban traffic. Up until now, the City Emergency Braking system detected vehicles only. In the latest generation, the more advanced system now also recognises pedestrians. This is how the system works:
Volkswagen developed Traffic Assist based on Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The system makes driving in traffic jams or stop-and-go traffic much more comfortable. Lane Assist forms the basis here by offering adaptive lane guidance also at speeds below 60 km/h. The system then not only countersteers to make corrections when the car leaves the lane; in addition the active adaptive lane guidance of Lane Assist keeps the Passat Alltrack in the middle of the driving lane or "learns" the driver's preferred position. The Adaptive Cruise Control ACC (available in two versions for the Passat Alltrack up to 160 or up to 210 km/h) is a further assistance system integrated in the Traffic Jam Assist. When ACC is active, braking and accelerating is automatic even in stop-and-go traffic. ACC and Lane Assist combine to create Traffic Jam Assist: the system enables assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance. The car steers, accelerates and brakes automatically, but only on condition that the driver's hands are on the steering wheel and participating in steering, so that the driver can intervene at any time.
Emergency Assist is a further system combining Lane Assist and ACC to create a new assistance system: as soon as the sensors detect that the driver is not performing any steering, braking or acceleration activities, the system initiates various escalating actions to rouse the driver, and if the driver remains inactive, it initiates an emergency stop. The hazard lights are automatically activated, and the Passat Alltrack also performs slight steering manoeuvres to make surrounding traffic aware of the hazardous situation. ACC prevents the vehicle from colliding with the traffic ahead. Emergency Assist from Volkswagen is a world first. Incidentally, every model of the series that has an integrated mobile phone interface enables an SOS emergency call to be made via the infotainment system with the "Euro Emergency Call 112" function to notify the emergency services in the event of an emergency. The prerequisite for this is a telephone linked via Bluetooth to the infotainment system or an enabled SIM card in the "Premium" mobile phone interface.
The new Passat Alltrack is equipped with second generation adaptive chassis control (DCC). Compared with the normal chassis the vehicle body is lowered by 10 mm with DCC. The Passat Alltrack 2.0 TSI with 162 kW / 220 PS and the Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI with 176 kW / 240 PS come equipped with DCC as standard. The system offers three driving modes: "Comfort", "Normal" and "Sport." The "Sport" mode enables a very agile driving style, while the "Comfort" mode makes travelling in the Passat exceptionally comfortable. Via the driving profile selector in the "Individual" profile it is also possible to assign any other driving profile properties to the DCC mode. The system adaptively controls the damper valves via the Volkswagen control algorithm and thereby sets the damper characteristic. In cycles of one millisecond DCC acquires the input signals from suspension travel sensors and accelerometers as well as vehicle bus information from the chassis CAN, in order to compute and adaptively adjust the optimal damping force for every driving situation. Furthermore, the damping forces are individually regulated and selectively applied to each wheel.
The camera-based surroundings visualisation system Area View was developed to enable a 360-degree overview of the close surroundings and traffic situation. The latest generation Area View offers extended functionality, better camera resolution and new 3D bird's eye view perspectives. How Area View works:
Park Assist enables semi-automatic parking in parking spaces parallel or perpendicular to the road. It can also back the car out of parallel parking spaces. In the case of perpendicular parking spaces, not only is reversing into a parking space supported; it is also possible to drive forwards into a parking space semi-automatically.
After pressing the Park Assist button, the driver only needs to operate the accelerator and brake pedal as well as the gear lever (together with the clutch for a manual gearbox) while Park Assist automatically steers the Passat Alltrack into the parking space. The system automatically recognises the type of parking space and initiates the necessary manoeuvre; at the same time, the driver is informed and given instructions via the multifunction display. The driver can use the Park Assist activation button to manually select a parking space from the parking spaces that were automatically detected. The basic functions of Park Assist have been further improved by the use of a surroundings map. The system has sensors in all four wheels that detect the turning direction; this enables precise locating of the Passat so that it can be parked more precisely than ever.
Volkswagen has extended the functional range of its Side Assist driver assistance system with the new Rear Traffic Alert. The system can help to prevent serious accidents - particularly in two situations. Firstly, on the motorway, because it detects both vehicles overtaking quickly and slow vehicles in the blind spot, warning the driver and thereby making overtaking safer. Secondly, when reversing out of a parking space, because the sensors even detect vehicles approaching from the side that are not yet visible to the driver. This is how Side Assist works:
Easy Open - the counterpart to Easy Close - was introduced with the seventh generation Passat Estate in 2010. If the car is equipped with Keyless Access (an automatic locking and starting system), a well-directed movement of the foot at the back of the vehicle is all that is needed to open the boot. The human-machine interface here is a proximity sensor near the bumper, which detects the virtual kick movement. In the new Passat Alltrack, this automatic tailgate opening function is supplemented by the Easy Close closing function. This is how the system works:
It is only since the 1980s that all-wheel drive has been regarded as an effective means of improving traction on asphalt. The trailblazer here was Volkswagen's sister brand Audi, which brought all-wheel drive to passenger cars and at the same time excelled with success in motorsport. Prior to this, two or more driven axles were always designed for harsh off-road conditions.
At the Volkswagen brand, the history of 4x4 started in 1975 - 40 years ago - with the T2 Transporter. Back then a handful of prototypes were created with 70 PS two-litre flat engines, a 4-speed gearbox and an upstream torque converter providing the additional front-wheel drive, which was solely recommended for off-road use. This increased the hill-climbing capacity of the Transporter to 94 percent. The wading depth was 50 cm, which later became the standard figure for such vehicles.
Meanwhile, series production of Volkswagen all-wheel drive vehicles commenced with the Volkswagen Iltis, which succeeded the DKW Munga in the German armed forces in 1978. The Iltis had a simpler all-wheel drive system than the syncro system that was later introduced, namely rear-wheel drive with front-wheel drive that could be manually activated. The 1.7-litre petrol engine with 75 PS from the South American Passat was initially used; between 1987 and 1988 the 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 70 PS adopted from the Golf and Passat was also fitted. From the spring of 1979, a civilian version of the Iltis was also available, designed as a robust off-roader for use in forestry and agriculture, but also for off-road leisure use. Two doors, carpet, sports seats, an upgraded dashboard, a large tailgate, 15-inch wheels plus an optional hardtop, a wider body and a modified front apron enhanced the appearance. But it was first and foremost the high price that prevented market success: at DM 39,300 the Iltis cost as much as three Golfs with basic equipment.
At Volkswagen all-wheel drive was introduced in the passenger car range from 1984 in the Passat B2, which was, however, already fitted with a permanently active system. It used the bevel gearing familiar from the former Audi 80 quattro with pneumatically activated differential locks. A prototype shown a year before at the IAA still carried the designation Passat Variant Tetra, but this name had to be changed due to legal objections. The all-wheel-drive Passat models of the B2 model series (with 2.2-litre five-cylinder engines) were initially marketed under the name syncro - they represented the premium models from Volkswagen. In early 1985 - i.e. 30 years ago - a syncro variant of the T3 Transporter with the same system was added with hill-climbing capacity of up to 73 percent.
Unlike the Passat with a longitudinally mounted engine, the 1986 Golf A2 synchro with its 90 PS transverse 1.8-litre engine had an extended system with viscous coupling - developed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik. The system was based on a cylindrical cell filled with silicone oil, in which discs arranged on a rotor or stator were incorporated. If speed differences occurred whilst driving, for example on loose surfaces or during cornering, the discs in the cell rotated at different speeds and automatically established a frictional connection between both axles. Selectable differential locks ensured forward movement in the event of reduced grip, too much power or very slippery surfaces.
25 years ago, the 1990 Golf Country, a 98 PS Golf CL syncro with a martial exterior subsequently raised by 120 mm by Steyr in Austria, played a special role in the second Golf generation. It was the trailblazer for the surge of SUVs later to come. Since then, all Golf, Passat and "VW Bus" generations have always also been available with permanent all-wheel drive. The Passat B5 syncro - with a longitudinal engine - already used the Torsen system from Audi, while the Golf syncro - that always had a transverse engine - initially kept the viscous coupling.
With the name change from "syncro" to "4MOTION" in the second half of the 1990s the technical concepts also changed. Depending on the installation position of the engine, a distinction was now made between Haldex and Torsen technology. For vehicles with a longitudinal engine (Passat B5), a Torsen differential supplied by the manual gearbox distributed the drive forces to the front and rear axle by locking itself in the event of speed differences between the powered axles. By contrast, a Haldex coupling on the rear axle was fitted in vehicles with a transverse engine (Golf A4, Bora). It transmitted the engine power to the rear wheels without the driver having to take any action - the power distribution was permanently adjusted to the driving conditions. The most important part of the system is the electronically controlled, wet-running multi-plate clutch, similar to the viscous coupling, but with a much faster response thanks to the electronics and able to transmit higher torque. Whichever variant you drove - you drove safely because in both cases the electronic control ensured full ABS and ESP functionality. EDS (electronic differential lock acting as transverse locks on both axles) and XDS (brake-torque vectoring even before a wheel starts to spin for better steering behaviour) are additional functions of the brake regulation system.
But since the new millennium Volkswagen has also had a professional SUV for heavy-duty off-road use in its range. The permanent all-wheel drive in the Touareg, which ensured propulsion even in the most difficult terrain, was called 4MOTION Terrain Tech. The Touareg got a lockable central differential with a multi-plate clutch and reduction gear. In normal operation there was a slip-dependent and seamless distribution of power between the front and rear axle. In addition, it was possible to lock the central differential for a fixed distribution of power. A gearbox reduction step (low range) for heavy-duty off-road use could be activated electrically via the chassis switch. It enabled maximum propulsion at a low speed. This means that the Touareg has a climbing ability of up to 100 percent (corresponding to 45 degrees). Furthermore, a rear axle differential with transverse lock and a 100 percent locking effect could be ordered as an option.
Meanwhile, within the course of hybridisation the "electric propshaft" has now become a focus of attention - it has been presented in concept cars based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). Here an electric motor drives the rear axle so that the distribution of power as required can be regulated even faster fully electronically. But this is a look at the future.
