{"id":2912,"date":"2020-04-13T20:34:40","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T00:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=2912"},"modified":"2025-03-07T09:26:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T14:26:54","slug":"2019-volkswagen-golf-alltrack-execline-road-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/2019-volkswagen-golf-alltrack-execline-road-test\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Execline Road Test"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2019
Updated just last year, the Golf Alltrack is going away too early.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As part of collecting data for this review I searched through every Ontario, BC and Alberta Volkswagen dealer site I could find, at which point I realized they were stuck with a much higher number of 2019 models than other brands (I\u2019ve been doing this a lot for most brands lately). This, of course, should be beneficial to anyone purchasing a VW right now, as they would\u2019ve already had a lot of stock they\u2019d want to get rid of before the virus arrived, and must be seriously motived now. <\/span><\/p>\n

One of the cars on VW\u2019s list of leftovers is the 2019 Golf Alltrack<\/a>, which was also discontinued last year, so they\u2019re even more motivated to sell their remaining inventory. I\u2019m guessing the dealers are more motivated than Volkswagen Canada, however, as the manufacturer has only put $1,500 in additional incentives on the hood, so to speak, this according to the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Canada Prices<\/a> page right here on CarCostCanada<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

When you sign up for a CarCostCanada membership<\/a> you have access to the 2019 Golf Alltrack\u2019s dealer invoice price, which means you\u2019ll know exactly what your local VW retailer paid for it and potentially how far he or she is willing to discount it. You\u2019ll also know about any manufacturer rebates and financing\/lease rate deals currently available. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
Wholly practical yet still fun to drive, the Alltrack takes Golf traditions to new heights.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting the best deal on a car is important, but getting the best car for your lifestyle is even more so. To that end the Golf Alltrack<\/a> is a car I\u2019d actually consider owning, as it suits me to a tee. To my eyes it\u2019s attractive, even more so than the Golf SportWagen<\/a> it\u2019s based on. That model gets discontinued after the 2019 model year too, incidentally. The Golf Alltrack\u2019s one-inch taller ride height and beefier body cladding work ideally with its long, angular body, while all of its aluminum-look trim, including stylish silver side mirror housings, give it a near-premium persona. <\/span><\/p>\n

As with all new Golf<\/a>-based\u00a0models, the Alltrack<\/a>\u2019s interior is arguably its most impressive attribute. Luxury details abound, like cloth-wrapped A pillars, a pliable composite dash top that extends down to the midpoint of the instrument panel, the same soft-touch synthetic used for the front door uppers, an beautifully detailed leather-clad flat-bottom sport steering wheel with wonderfully thin spokes filled with high-quality switchgear, stylish grey carbon-fibre-like dash and door trim, gloss-black highlights in key areas, and a nice assortment of satin-finish metallic accents elsewhere. <\/span><\/p>\n

The monochromatic multi-information display (MID) positioned between the otherwise legible gauge cluster wasn\u2019t very advanced when testing this car in 2017 and still isn\u2019t, especially from a brand that makes an ultra-impressive fully digital primary display in some of its other models, while the majority of its compact crossover competitors provide full-colour TFT MIDs stock full of features in their most basic trims. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
Full LED headlights, LED fog lamps, 18-inch alloys and cool aluminum-look trim, the Alltrack Execline is an impressive near-luxury crossover.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On a much more positive note, the Alltrack<\/a>\u2019s standard infotainment system is excellent, this Execline model and the base Highline trim replacing the old outdated 6.5-inch centre touchscreen with a much more up-to-date 8.0-inch display for 2019, once again complete with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone integration, and a larger more useful reverse camera (but oddly with static guidelines), while the Execline gets exclusive navigation with nice map graphics and accurate route guidance. <\/span><\/p>\n

Yet more infotainment features include voice recognition, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a great sounding nine-speaker Fender audio system replacing the standard six-speaker unit, satellite radio, various apps, car system features, and more, while the display\u2019s cool factor is proximity-sensing tech that causes hidden digital buttons to pop up when your hand gets near. <\/span><\/p>\n

Being that I mentioned updates from the 2017 model I reviewed back in the day, I should provide some history as well as a few additional changes made over the past two model years. The Alltrack<\/a> arrived on the scene in 2016 for the 2017 model year, and was actually refreshed for 2018 with LED signature lights in both its base halogen headlights and upgraded full LEDs, while new LED tail lamps also featured their own signature style and VW updated the front and rear fascias so subtly I couldn\u2019t tell the difference (but the press release said it so it must be true). <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
Interior refinement is excellent for the class, and its feature set in Execline trim is very generous.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There were no changes from the 2018 to 2019 model, including the previous year\u2019s available six-speed manual gearbox that wasn\u2019t part of the 2017 lineup in Canada, while Execline trim now included paddles for shifting the optional six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. <\/span><\/p>\n

The unique Peacock Green Metallic colour seen on my tester was new for 2018 too, pulled up to 2019 as well, as was White Silver Metallic that increased the total colour count to nine. My tester\u2019s interior was done out in no-cost optional Shetland beige, always a good combination with green, although this colour can also be had with standard Titan Black. <\/span><\/p>\n

VW makes every colour available in either Highline or Execline trim, the base model available from $31,200 plus freight and fees when suited up with the manual transmission or $1,400 more for the autobox, whereas Execline trim starts at $35,270 for the manual and $36,670 with the automated transmission, less the previously noted incentives and any additional discounts you\u2019re able to negotiate after getting up to speed on dealer invoice pricing right here at CarCostCanada. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
From a brand that offers some of its models with fully digital gauge clusters, these old-school instruments seem a bit dated.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Execline trim adds an inch to the alloy wheels for an exclusive set of 18-inch rims wrapped in 225\/40 all-season tires, while additional standard equipment includes LED headlamps with dynamic cornering, those paddle shifters with automatic I mentioned earlier, a navigation system, an SD card slot, the already praised Fender audio system (with a subwoofer), front sport seats, a 12-way power driver\u2019s seat with two-way power lumbar (that are truly excellent), and leather upholstery. <\/span><\/p>\n

My test model also included the Golf Alltrack Execline<\/a>\u2019s only available upgrade package dubbed Driver Assistance Plus for $1,750. It features autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and park assist with park distance control. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
Both Golf Alltrack trims get a new 8.0-inch touchscreen with loads of features, while top-tier Execline trim also includes navigation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Items pulled up to the Execline from base Highline trim include 4Motion all-wheel drive, auto on\/off headlamps with coming and leaving capability, fog lights, silver finished side mirror housings, silver roof rails, proximity keyless entry with pushbutton ignition, rain-sensing wipers, power windows, the previously noted leather-rimmed multifunction steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob and handbrake lever, simulated carbon fibre decorative trim, brushed stainless steel pedals, two-zone auto HVAC, a USB port, three-way heated front seats, a two-way powered front passenger seat (that\u2019s also eight-way manually adjustable), an auto-dimming centre mirror, ambient lighting, LED reading lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, a large power panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade made from an opaque cloth, a scrolling rear cargo cover, 12- and 115-volt power outlets in the cargo area, 60\/40 split-folding rear seatbacks with a centre pass-through, etcetera. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Golf Alltrack<\/a> is identical to past models mechanically, with the 2019 once again getting VW\u2019s 1.8-litre turbo-four capable of 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. It produces robust yet smooth, linear power that results in a fairly fast sprint from standstill to highway speeds, and once on the freeway potent passing power, while its all-wheel drive system is ideal for rain, snow, and light-duty dirt and gravel roads. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The hip-hugging 12-way powered leather-surfaced driver’s seat is ultra-comfortable and plenty supportive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Alltrack<\/a> is rated at 11.1 L\/100km city, 7.8 highway and 9.6 combined when mated to its base manual transmission, or 10.7 city, 8.0 highway and 9.4 combined with its automated gearbox, which are both reasonably good results for a compact crossover. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Golf Alltrack<\/a> rides on the compact segment\u2019s usual front MacPherson strut and rear independent multi-link suspension design, and thanks to VW\u2019s expertise this results in a comfortable ride and even better handling. Its one-inch taller ride height that comes from a special set of springs and shocks, helps the former attribute to make sense, because increased suspension travel normally aids ride comfort, and while the regular Golf SportWagen<\/a> will likely outshine the Alltrack through the slalom the taller wagon is certainly more capable through such cones than an equivalently sized crossover SUV. The Alltrack\u2019s speed-sensitive power steering provides good response and better than average feel, while a set of 286 mm vented front and 272 mm solid rear brake discs brings all the fun to a stop quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
Let there be light! The Alltrack’s panoramic sunroof provides a lot of airy openness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ride and handling praise will be nothing new to those who read VW Golf reviews, but the big difference between the regular five-door hatchback and this Alltrack<\/a>, or for that matter its SportWagen<\/a> donor model, is cargo volume. Specifically, the two longer Golfs receive 368 litres (13.0 cubic feet) of extra capacity behind the 60\/40-split rear seatbacks, and 362 (12.8 cu ft) more when lowered, the bigger two cars\u2019 max cargo volume a respective measuring 861 and 1,883 litres (30.4 and 66.5 cu ft). <\/span><\/p>\n

All Golfs include the convenience of a rear centre pass-through as well, making it easy to load in longer items like skis, poles, snowboards, 2x4s or what-have-you. This leaves the two more comfortable rear window seats available for passengers to enjoy. Also good, VW has added levers to each cargo wall for lowering those seatbacks automatically, but before doing you\u2019ll want to remove the cargo cover within its ultimately over-engineered cross-member. Seriously, this part metal, part composite component weighs a lot more than you\u2019re probably expecting, which is good if you want it to last for time and all eternity, yet maybe not so much if your muscles aren\u2019t as toned as Patrik Baboumian\u2019s (strongest man in Germany, just in case you were wondering). <\/span><\/p>\n

Hopefully you won\u2019t have any problem lifting the manual rear hatch because VW doesn\u2019t offer a powered liftgate, but there is some extra stowage area below the load floor atop the space saver spare tire. Loads in mind, the Alltrack<\/a> can manage 14 more kilos (31 lbs) of payload than the regular Golf<\/a>, resulting in 459 kg (1,012 lbs) max. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The rear seats are comfortable and there’s a lot of space in back to stretch out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just in case you\u2019re considering the Alltrack instead of VW\u2019s own Tiguan compact SUV, the Golf Alltrack<\/a> is about 73 litres (2.6 cu ft) less spacious behind its rear seatbacks, however it can haul an extra 23 litres (0.8 litres) when those seats are folded down, which is pretty impressive when considering the Tiguan is one of the compact segment\u2019s only three-row SUVs. <\/span><\/p>\n

While the Tiguan is one of the more enjoyable compact SUVs to drive, I must admit to preferring the Golf Alltrack<\/a> on the road. It\u2019s cabin is finished to a higher standard as well, but all of that hardly matters now that this impressive German wagon is being phased out and the Tiguan will likely replace all collective Golf models as Canada\u2019s top seller soon. <\/span><\/p>\n

The recently redesigned Tiguan became 42.7 percent more popular year-over-year in calendar year 2018, growing to 21,449 unit sales, coming close to upstaging the Golf that edged it out by just 28 units. It took six different Golf models to achieve that tally, mind you, including the regular Golf hatchback<\/a>, Golf GTI<\/a>, Golf R<\/a>, e-Golf<\/a>, Golf SportWagen<\/a>, and this Golf Alltrack<\/a>. Calendar year 2019 saw Tiguan deliveries drop by 10.2 percent to 19,250 units from a previous high mark, whereas the Golf lost 8.4 percent to 19,668 examples through 2019. With the Golf Alltrack and SportWagen<\/a> soon gone from the lineup, the Tiguan may potentially outsell the Golf range, although the way sales are looking right now due to the COVID-19 outbreak, 2020 won\u2019t be a stellar year either way. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The long Golf Alltrack provides loads of cargo space, while a centre pass-through means rear passengers get window seats even when loading in long items like skis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still, it\u2019s a good year to purchase a Golf Alltrack<\/a>, and probably the only year you\u2019ll be able to get a new one (unless a straggler or two manages to remain unsold until 2021). While I happen to believe it\u2019s one of the best compact crossovers on the market, before you call your local VW retailer or connect with someone online, please do your homework at CarCostCanada<\/a> first. Remember, a CarCostCanada<\/a> membership will provide you a full 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack<\/a> report with information about manufacturer rebates, financing and leasing deals, plus best of all, dealer invoice pricing that could literally save you thousands when negotiating your best deal. <\/span><\/p>\n

As for spending time behind the wheel, most dealers will bring the car you\u2019re interested in to your home so you can take it for a drive, after fully disinfecting it of course. If you ask them to bring you the latest Golf Alltrack<\/a>, I feel fairly confident you\u2019ll like it. <\/span><\/p>\n

Story and photo credits: Trevor Hofmann<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As part of collecting data for this review I searched through every Ontario, BC and Alberta Volkswagen dealer site I could find, at which point I realized they were stuck with a much higher number of 2019 models than other brands (I\u2019ve been doing this a lot for most brands lately). This, of course, should […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2921,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[31,495,59,136,138,496,494,79,78,497,137,181,320,321,61],"class_list":["post-2912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carcostcanada","tag-31","tag-alltrack","tag-compact","tag-crossover","tag-cuv","tag-execline","tag-golf","tag-review","tag-road-test","tag-sportwagen","tag-suv","tag-utility","tag-volkswagen","tag-vw","tag-wagon"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2912","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2912"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2912\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2935,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2912\/revisions\/2935"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2912"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2912"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2912"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}