• Lots of safety kit is standard on the Alltrack
• Four-wheel drive common across the range
• Five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating

Euro NCAP won’t specifically crash test the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, so it automatically scores the same five-star safety rating as the regular hatchback.

The good news, in typical VW fashion, is the Golf Alltrack is loaded with safety features. As standard you’ll notice there are seven airbags, an electronic stability control system, lane departure warning and a system that detects when the driver is getting tired or drowsy.

As it’s based on the Golf Estate in GT specification, the Alltrack also benefits from autonomous emergency braking, reducing the risk of collision with unexpected vehicles at low-speed, and adaptive cruise control to ensure that you always remain a safe distance from the vehicle in front while operating the system.

Plus, whichever engine you choose, every Golf Alltrack comes with VW’s 4Motion four-wheel drive system as standard.

• As flexible as the regular Golf Estate
• Surprisingly capable off the beaten track
• Tows up to 2,000kg of braked trailer

Fundamentally the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack shares its bodywork with the Estate, so internal practicality is identical to that car.

This equates to a 605-litre boot with all seats in use and 1,620 litres when folded (almost) flat into the floor.

There’s a generous level of rear legroom too, and if you’re a fan of the standard Golf hatch, but need a little more flexibility without going the whole hog down the crossover route, this Alltrack is a sensible proposition.

Like the rest of the range storage space is ample, with a decent sized glovebox (though the CD player and SD car slots take up some space), large door pockets (ideal for storing water bottles) and a centre console cubby under the armrest for other odds and ends.

And in terms of go-anywhere ability this Alltrack is more practical than any other in the range, the 15mm ride height increase and standard 4Motion four-wheel drive system allowing it to traverse any number of rough tracks and uneven ground.

In fact, despite this modest suspension rise the Alltrack is surprisingly capable at dealing with relatively extreme obstacles.

This car has also been designed with towing in mind, and anyone keen can take advantage of this car’s 2,000kg braked tow limit.