Volkswagen Creates 2017 Golf Wagon All-Track
By Mike Garcia
The Volkswagen Golf Wagon All-Track is everything I want in a proper daily driver.
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If it were beige, diesel, and came with a manual transmission, the Golf Wagon All-Track would be the ultimate “jalopnik” daily driver. As of right now, I still drive my Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.5GT and have a few gripes. I wish it had a manual transmission. But, since I couldn’t get that, I wish the automatic transmission would have an extra cog and shift smoother. I’m guessing that the latest Golf Wagon All-Track fixes those gripes.
The Golf All-Track will share its’ familiar drivetrain with the Golf family. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine has an output of 170 horsepower and 199-lb.ft. of torque, perfectly capable of daily driving purposes. More importantly, that engine can be connected to a six-speed DSG automatic transmission, or the “jalopnik-friendly” six-speed manual transmission.
The Golf All-Track went the same route as the Volvo Cross Country and select Subaru models, adding plastic cladding and what looks like a touch more ride-height for more capability on gravel.
Maybe Subaru and Volvo were ahead of the game.
Except, this particular Golf All-Track acts as a front-wheel-drive car most of the time for fuel efficiency. When the extra traction is needed, nearly 50% of the torque can go to the rear wheels for all-wheel-drive punch.
An off-road mode is also available, adding hill-descent control and optimizing traction on more loose surfaces.
With a well designed interior, the latest from VW offers an alternative to its’ competitors. A well designed dash display along with the leatherette seats add a bit more of an upscale feel.
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So, is this car best for you? Why wouldn’t it be? With a fuel efficiency drivetrain, a proper 4-cylinder engine with nearly 200-lb.ft. of torque, and well-behaved driving dynamics, this Volkswagen Golf All-Track can handle everything the roads throw at you, including obstacles that you may come across, off-road.