Volkswagen brands its all-wheel drive cars as 4Motion, replacing the previous ‘Syncro’ badge used for the same in its older models. In traditional petrol and diesel models, 4Motion usually refers to a type of part-time all-wheel drive, where the engine powers the front wheels most of the time but can send power to the rear if it needs additional traction in slippery conditions. This means the vehicle runs in more efficient two-wheel drive most of the time, only switching to all-wheel drive when you need it. The same branding is also now used for electric models that power all four wheels, even if the technology is rather different and uses separate motors on each axle rather than the mechanical link of old.