What's the news?
We never got the chance to buy the last one but the good news today is that the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will, Cinderella-like, get to go to the Irish ball.
Volkswagen Group Ireland has confirmed that the high-riding, four-wheel-drive version of the Passat estate will be launched here, and that it will go on sale in early 2016. Prices aren't decided yet but they should start in the region of €45,000.
The Alltrack comes as standard with four-wheel-drive, and rides 27mm higher on its springs than a standard Passat. For those interested in towing, it can haul a braked trailer weight of up to 2,200kg.
The car has exterior features such as modified bumpers (with underbody guard in stainless-steel look), rugged wheel arches and side sill moulding covers in "Anthracite" and sill extensions. There are also anodised silver roof rails, "Alltrack" badges on the radiator grille and tailgate and custom 17-inch alloy wheels (which can be upgraded to 18- and 19-inch wheel options).