2021 Volkswagen Golf Mk 8 Alltrack and Wagon revealed

Volkswagen has today unveiled the new Golf Wagon – Variant in Europe – and Alltrack based on the eighth-gen Golf. The Wagon and Alltrack are on sale now in Europe, though Australian timing is yet to be confirmed.

The new wagon is, understandably, longer than its predecessor by 66mm for greater interior space, but it also looks much more contemporary with its aggressive grille details and sleek headlights from the new Golf.

When the Alltrack and Wagon arrive in Australia, they will provide alternatives to the Skoda Octavia and that car’s Scout counterpart, and soon-to-be-updated Subaru Levorg.

Compared to the Golf hatch, the Wagon promises to be a whole lot more practical. Overall length is up from 4,284mm in the hatch to 4,663mm, and the wheelbase is 50mm longer at 2,686mm.

That equates to more interior space, in fact, it almost exactly mirrors the wheelbase increase at 48mm longer internally. This will benefit rear-seat passengers mainly, though there are 6 litres more boot space on offer than before at 611 litres.

The ever-practical wagon body also means that, in conjunction with Volkswagen’s load cover, luggage can be stacked to the roof, which increases the boot size to 1,642 litres. An increase of 22 litres compared to the Mk 7 Golf Wagon, in case you were wondering.

Inside the Golf Wagon essentially mirrors the design on the Mk 8 hatch. Some will dislike the lack of hard buttons, but everything is now controlled through either the digital driver’s display or central touchscreen. 

There are niceties like dual USB charging ports upfront, a familiar multi-function steering wheel and a gear-shifter lifted straight from the Porsche catalogue. 

As before, the Alltrack is based on the Wagon – or Variant – version of the Golf. It’s distinguished outside by some tough black cladding and its slightly taller ride height. Powertrains have yet to be confirmed, but we expect the Alltrack to be powered by a two-litre diesel given its advertised two-tonne towing capability.

As standard, the Alltrack is fitted with some extra goodies including adaptive cruise control that functions between zero to 210km/h, permanent all-wheel-drive and attractive Matrix LED headlights. Inside, the Alltrack also gets different interior fabrics to the rest of the range.

As for other models, expect a mix of petrol and diesel in Europe, though Australian specification will likely preference more powerful petrol engines. Volkswagen has fitted all the new “eTSI” with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, too.

Volkswagen will also offer a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox for the Wagon and Alltrack.

Pictured is the up-spec R-Line Wagon, though Volkswagen will offer three other trim-levels across the range; the base model is just referred to as the Golf, with Life and Style trims above that.

Standard equipment is generous, as in the Mk 8 hatch, and includes a digital driver’s display, an 8.25-inch central touchscreen and Volkswagen online services. Safety-wise, all Golfs get city-speed AEB with junction assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, keyless entry, automatic lights and lane-departure warning.

Upper-trim models add goodies like adaptive cruise, a hands-free power tailgate and styling tweaks. Speaking of those, the R-Line is outfitted with aggressive bumpers front and rear, attractive side skirts, suede appointed tombstone seats and bigger alloy wheels.

On sale now in Europe, the new Golf Wagon and Alltrack will likely arrive in Australia early in 2021, though we will have confirmation closer to that date.