The interior of our tester has a two-tone color scheme.
Photos by Mark Kennedy
The basics
› Model: 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack› Engine: 1.8-liter, four-cylinder turbo› Fuel economy: 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city› Local dealer: Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga› Price (as tested): $28,615
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Looking for a used or new car?
Watch your back Subaru Outback, the new Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is bearing down on you.
Whether you're buying groceries at Whole Foods or headed out of town for a little kayaking on the Ocoee River, the all-new Alltrack is a perfect run-about for town and trail.
- Just the facts: The Alltrack is a five-passenger sports wagon with modest off-road chops, a peppy power-train and buttoned-down German design. Starting at under $30,000 (our tester lists for $28,615), even the base Alltrack has all-wheel-drive, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, 17-inch alloys, roof rails, a rear-view camera and an eight-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio.
- Worthwhile option: The $845 Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, electronic parking assistance and automatic emergency braking. That's a bargain, folks.
- It's good for Chattanooga buyers because Its dual strengths as a fun-to-drive town car with an adventure-seeking athletic side make the Golf Alltrack a perfect blend for residents of Outside Magazine's "Best Town" award-winner.
- How much: Base prices range from $26,950 to $32,890.
- Who should buy it? Young urbanites who want the versatility of a wagon for their weekend fun, wrapped in a compact package. It should appeal to those who have Audi aspirations but a VW budget.
- Cool stuff: Rocker-panel and wheel-arch cladding toughen up the look. Fit and finish is luxury quality. Content level is phenomenal in an under-$30,000 vehicle. Sophisticated dual-clutch transmission is whisper quiet.
- Wish list: A few more horses under the hood would elevate the fun-to-drive factor. Softer seats would appeal to older buyers.
- While you're looking: Check out the stalwart all-wheel-drive wagon, the Subaru Outback, which has more interior room and can handle a light towing load.
Read Mark Kennedy's full Test Drive reviews each Saturday in the Times Free Press business section. Contact him at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.