VW'S TAKE on producing a 4 x 4 estate car, the Passat Alltrack, has just been given a revamp, including the choice of five revised engines.

Exterior features, such as its modified bumpers (with underbody guard in stainless-steel look), bigger wheel arches and 27.5 mm higher ground clearance, make stand out from the more mundane Passats. It also benefits from upgraded software in its offroad driving programmes, modified chassis and all but one of the Alltracks are rated to tow 2.2 tonnes of braked trailer.

Engines range from the TSI petrol turbocharged engines of 148 bhp and 217 bhp, through to three TDI versions of its well-proven 2.0-litre diesel rated at 148 bhp, 187 bhp and 237 bhp.