VW Passat Alltrack vs Subaru Outback Premium

Alltrack gets more equipment than Outback but is aimed at softer duties. Big news is the six-year, 90,000km capped price service. Alltrack will cost $1141 in service for its first three years. It comes with satnav, sunroof, leather upholstery and eight-speaker audio.

Well-priced Outback takes on big hitters with a turbo diesel engine and automatic transmission. Subaru is yet to come up with capped-price servicing. City-slicker comforts include leather, sunroof, Bluetooth-plus audio, satnav and more. It's unquestionably tough in the dirt, too.

Clinical Passat wagon silhouette gets a lift kit. Boot space is bigger (588L v 490L) though headroom is lower. Electric tailgate is handy for shoppers. Dash reflects German efficiency and build quality is high. Ground clearance is a so-so 165mm but there is steel underbody protection.  

The Liberty-based wagon looks hard-core, is very well made and practical. Ground clearance is better than some 4WD and it rides higher than the Alltrack, with elevated seat point and boot lip to benefit passengers. Boot space is a bit smaller than Alltrack but the Subaru is also 91mm shorter.

The 2.0 (130kW/380Nm, the latter at 1750-2500rpm) drives a six-speed dual-clutch box to all wheels, with a Haldex diff. VW claims 6.3L/100km, helped by standard stop-start system. The 1705kg wagon can tow up to 1800kg. Components are familiar Passat items.  

The CVT automatic is new and so tech-savvy that it will switch to a stepped, seven-speed auto mode to enhance performance. The 2.0-litre (110kW/350Nm) is the weak link, though its 6.5L/100km is economical and perfect for country duties. It weighs 1628kg and can tow 1700kg.

As with the Passat, Alltrack gets five-star rating. It has eight airbags, all the necessary electronic aids, all-wheel drive, reverse camera and extra gear including a driver fatigue monitor, emergency brake light and daytime running lights. There is an emergency, speed-limited spare.

Subaru was the first maker in Australia to deliver a full five-star fleet and Outback continues, adding seven airbags, constant all-wheel drive, electronic stability and traction control, reverse camera, all-wheel ventilated disc brakes and a full-size spare wheel.

The Alltrack feels smaller (it's not) and cabin is more intimate. Diesel has a bit more zing, which shows in nimble manners. Dual-clutch box still has some annoying lag. Ride comfort tends to be firm, better suited to smooth pavement, though handling is positive.

Diesel is leisurely yet new CVT makes the most of what's available. Electric steering and higher ground clearance make it feel lighter on-road yet it cruises beautifully on compliant suspension. Off the bitumen it simply gobbles up the trails.