Following in the footsteps of the Passat Alltrack, the latest addition to the Golf range brings all-wheel drive and a pumped-up off-road look.

Based on the same body as the Golf Estate, the Alltrack brings up to 20mm additional ground clearance and also gains extra design features such as a bespoke griller and bumpers, wheel arch mouldings, mouldings, flared side sills that offer body protection, 17-inch bespoke alloy wheels and a roof rail.

The interior is also intended to reflect the model’s sporty off-road character, with details such as a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift lever, custom seat covers with the "Alltrack" badge on the backs of the front seats and custom pedals and foot rest with an aluminium look.

The Alltrack also gains the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system equipped with the latest generation Haldex coupling, which activates even before slip occurs and prevents nearly all losses in traction thanks to a proactive control.

Engine line-up takes the form of one TSI petrol engine and three diesel engines, all turbocharged direct injection units. The 1.8-litre TSI with 177bhp is an entirely new addition to the Golf range.

Diesel units will comprise a 1.6-litre TDI with 108bhp, plus two 2.0-litre TDI engines with 147bhp and 181bhp. Both the 1.8-litre TSI and the higher-powered diesel also feature a standard six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG).

Thanks to its higher ground clearance, "Offroad" driving profile with hill descent function and 4MOTION four-wheel drive system, the Golf Alltrack is said to gain off-road driving traits in line with a typical SUV and is also designed to handle trailer loads of up to 2,000 kg (braked on 12% incline).

The Golf Alltrack is expected to go on sale in the UK by summer 2015.