Audi A4 Allroad

Audi A4 Allroad

At first sight the Audi A4 Allroad seems a bit niche. Part of the regular range of A4 saloons and Avant (estate car) models, the Allroad takes practicality a step further. Not niche at all in fact, this car has proved very popular with drivers who need a little extra advantage when the roads get tougher.

The Exterior

The Allroad takes its foundation from the swift and practical A4 Avant and adds toughness thanks to the powerfully flared wheel arches and the sturdy rear bumper with its single or twin exhaust outlets and a robust underbody guard.

The front end is distinctively Audi with jagged headlights, a unique bumper and model-specific air intakes. Vertical chrome slats supplement the sculpted Singleframe grille and Allroad badges decorate the front wings and the tailgate. The roof rails round out the typical outdoor look. Ride height, is raised by 23 mm with larger wheels compared with the standard Audi A4 Avant giving an additional 34 mm of ground clearance off road on light rough ground, a feature which may be useful to overseas buyers who wish to import an Audi A4 Allroad from the UK.

Despite the intended rugged appearance the A4 Allroad, the car features luxury-class acoustic comfort. At the aerodynamic rear end there’s a low-drawn roof edge spoiler with side fins. Depending on the engine, the exhaust system is either a single- or dual-branch system that ends with either in a twin exhaust tailpipe on the diesel variant or two separate tailpipes for the petrol engine. The essential quattro all-wheel-drive is standard across all models. Although this model is intended to go where regular cars fear to tread, it’s not a full blown off-roader. It will however be welcomed by owners who live in rural areas or on difficult terrain.

The Interior

The luggage compartment of the Allroad quattro offers 505 litres of storage space in the standard configuration rising to 1,510 litres with the rear seats down. Given the nature of the vehicle there’s an optional rail and load-securing kit making it easier to transport individual objects, especially over rough roads. The tailgate is electric and a ‘foot gesture’ option is available when hands are full. It’s a big car but it is easy to park with sensors front and rear. A 360° camera is also available.

It’s the usual classy Audi interior. The driver will have no difficulty getting comfortable thanks to the plentiful seat and steering wheel adjustments, including four-way electrically operated lumbar adjustment as standard on the Sport trim. The top-end ‘Vorsprung’ get. an electrically operated driver's seat.

Essentially the same as the regular A4, the dashboard is clear and modern and is easy to use, with large controls for the main functions, including climate control. All versions get Audi's excellent 12.3” Virtual Cockpit system as standard. Range-topping ‘Vorsprung’ trim gets a heads-up display too. Leather seats of course and where any plastic exists it is quality soft-touch. Again, step up to ‘Vorsprung’ and the aluminium trim gets replaced by an oak veneer effect and soft, tempting Nappa leather.

Driving The Audi A4 Allroad

It’s under all-weather conditions that this car scores. With standard or adaptive suspension the Allroad deals with rough roads with sure-footed ease. Unlike the wide range of engines on the regular car, the selection for the Allroad is limited to three units. All three are strong. Entry-level is catered for with a 201bhp (204PS) 2.0 litre turbo-diesel that offers low-end gutsiness and flexibility, ideal for towing, for example.

Next up is a 3.0 litre, six-cylinder diesel with a pretty hefty 282bhp (286PS) accelerating to 62mph (100kph) in just 5.4sec. The third choice is a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 261bhp (264PS). To aid progress, the quattro 4x4 drive is augmented by a self-locking differential when the going gets sticky. An interesting point to note is that the all-wheel drive system’s intelligent control works predictively, always looking ahead by means of an array of sensors analysing the driving dynamics, road condition and driver behaviour to best effect.

Reliability is not in question. Allroad versions have been around since 2009 and the model is tried and tested. When a regular station wagon just won’t do, the Audi A4 Allroad makes a compelling choice. At MHH International we specialise in importing cars from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and other destinations. Get in touch for more information.