Volkswagen has a 4MOTION vehicle for every purpose, with almost 50 per cent of the brand's Australian customers – from small passenger cars to the biggest commercial vehicle – opting for vehicles featuring these all-wheel-drive systems.
With the widest range of AWD vehicles of any popular manufacturer, Volkswagen is showcasing the breadth of its 4MOTION all-wheel drive range with the ultimate test of traction – the icy pans of the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground in Queenstown, NZ, and the sweeping bends of Highlands Motorsport Park.
More than just a series of go-fast track sessions, the 4MOTION showcase is designed to highlight the real world benefits of all-wheel-drive, be it in the award-winning Golf R performance car, an SUV such as the all-new Touareg, or in a commercial vehicle like the recently-launched Crafter.
The 4MOTON systems go beyond a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to all-wheel-drive, employing a combination of hardware and software configurations unique to each vehicle and typical purpose.
Recently appointed General Manager of Aftersales for the Volkswagen brand, Mr Andrew Duffy, explained the benefits of 4MOTION.
"Whether you're carrying passengers, parcels or pace, the 4MOTION system in all its iterations is designed to maintain a predicable level of control and composure over the vehicle," Volkswagen Australia's General Manager of Aftersales Andrew Duffy says.
"Performance cars with 4MOTION run an electronically-controlled set-up, whereas commercial vehicles and off-road SUVs feature a mechanical torsen set-up."
While performance cars and urban SUVs like the Golf R, Tiguan and Passat use the electronically controlled AWD system, formerly known as Haldex, the all-new Touareg and venerable Amarok model ranges utilise a robust, mechanical torque-sensing, or "torsen", all-wheel-drive.
For the Touareg, power is handled by a transfer box bolted directly to the 8 speed automatic gearbox. The asymmetric/dynamic torque distribution by the centre differential is based on a purely mechanical system. Locking power is generated in the centre differential in proportion to the drive
torque. The locking power and basic distribution of the transfer box result in the drive torque that is transferred to the front and rear axles. Approx. 70% of the drive torque can thus be directed to the front axle or approx. 80% to the rear axle depending on the driving situation and road surface.
Furthermore, the mechanical torque distribution by the centre differential works closely with the wheel specific drive torque regulation by the ESC.
The Amarok utilises a similar, but uniquely configured system, with a bolted-on transfer case housing the Torsen set-up that distributes drive forces variably between the front and rear axles; in the default setting, power is distributed 40:60, resulting in excellent vehicle dynamics and high traction. The system also works with the brakes to provide torque to the wheels with the most grip.
The other benefit of the 4MOTION system is its on-demand, rather than permanent nature, meaning that torque is sent to the required wheel or wheels in a split second and as required, to ensure maximum grip and stability, while reducing fuel usage.
One for everyone: 4MOTION-equipped Volkswagen models:
Electronically-controlled Haldex-style AWD
Golf Alltrack
Golf R hatch and wagon
Passat 206TSI wagon
Passat Alltrack
Arteon
Tiguan 132TSI and 162TSI
Tiguan Allspace 132TSI and 162TSI
Transporter T6
Crafter
Mechanical Torsen AWD
Touareg
Amarok