Volkswagen is already the only place to get an affordable wagon in this country, and the 2017 Golf SportWagen Alltrack answers the prayers of many with all-wheel drive.
Last month, Automotive News ran a story about a Connecticut VW dealer, one of the oldest in the U.S., that was shutting down. Slumping sales and a lack of cash were the cause, but definitely brought on by the fact VW was competing in an area demanding crossovers and all-wheel drive.
It’s why Subarus do so well in the Northeast, and why I can’t figure out why automakers can’t duplicate the Outback well. Forget debating whether it’s sensible to have AWD when you only really need it a few days out of the year. In the northeast states, it’s what drives many car purchases.
The Alltrack won’t sell in Outback (or probably even Impreza) numbers, but it stands to put VW back on the shopping list for a lot of people. The Golf wagon itself is such an immensely practical vehicle, too, and it feels like a truly quality product. It has a prestige image that Subaru lacks, which is likely going to make it really popular in certain towns. And yet it shouldn’t be nearly as pricey as a Volvo XC70, V60 Cross Country or Audi Allroad.
And I kind of like the way it looks. I’m not usually a fan of jacked-up wagons, but the Alltrack wears its added height and car-version of hiking boots well.
So if you live in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine, prepare to get in line.
Photos copyright Carscoops.com / Zac Estrada
Twitter: @zacestrada
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