VW attacks the Outback with Golf SportWagen Alltrack (pictures)

NEW YORK — Volkswagen debuts its new 2017 Golf SportWagen Alltrack to the U.S. market at the 2015 New York auto show.

The Alltrack model will go on sale in 2016 as a 2017 model

SportWagen models differentiate themselves from the Golf 5-door with an elongated cargo area.

The new model retains the face and style of the compact Golf, but in a more rugged configuration.

The 2017 Alltrack will do battle with the likes of Subaru's Outback when reaches the market.

Roof rails should be standard equipment on the Alltrack and will accommodate active lifestyle equipment.

The standard Golf SportWagen replaces the popular Jetta Sportwagen.

The Alltrack model will be powered by the same modular line of engines that you'll find in the standard Golf.

Engine choices include a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque.

The second engine option is Volkswagen's 2.0-liter TDI that makes 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

Transmission choices for those engines hasn't been explicitly stated, but we can expect the automaker's DSG to make an appearance.

All Alltrack models will be equipped with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system as a standard feature.

The system is an on-demand setup that can send up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels as needed.

The Alltrack also features an elevated ride height that Volkswagen says will boost it's off-road cred.

Body cladding along the lower edge and wheel arches completes the off-road ready look.

Inside, the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack retain the automaker's timeless design.

If you've seen one Volkswagen's interior, you've seen them all. The Alltrack boasts no surprises.

Here we see the shifter for the automatic transmission.

This generation of Volkswagen models uses a very modular construction that extends even to the dashboard tech.

The Alltrack's slightly elevated ride height should yield the benefit of a more commanding view of the road.

Instrumentation is VW simple with dual gauges flanking a monochrome info display.

Be sure to check out the rest of CNET's coverage of the 2015 New York auto show.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack's chassis is nearly as long as its name.

Like the standard Sportwagen, the Golf Alltrack will boast more room for cargo behind its second row.

Be sure to check out the rest of CNET's coverage of the 2015 New York auto show.

Be sure to check out the rest of CNET's coverage of the 2015 New York auto show.

Be sure to check out the rest of CNET's coverage of the 2015 New York auto show.

Be sure to check out the rest of CNET's coverage of the 2015 New York auto show.