UNLIKE the rest of the facelifted Golf ‘Mk 7.5’ range that received equipment boosts from entry level up, VW has instead opted to strip kit from the ruggedised-and-raised Alltrack wagon in return for a lower price.

The punchy petrol engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission remain under its bonnet and a Premium variant has been added that carries over the previous Golf Alltrack’s generous equipment list. A diesel option for long-haulers is also now available.

It’s a lot more choice for a variant that accounted for less than 4.4 per cent of all Golfs sold in 2016, suggesting VW Australia is seeking the Golf Alltrack’s sales sweet spot.

We spent a week with the base Alltrack – bereft of optional extras or even metallic paint – and there was a certain charm about its newfound simplicity.