Audi A4 Allroad 3.0 TDI Quattro S-Tronic (From Living Northeast)

Audi A4 Allroad 3.0 TDI Quattro S-Tronic

9:31pm Wednesday 8th September 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

THE Audi Allroad tries to be all things to all people, and comes pretty close.

Ive written previously about the options available to those who want to avoid the stigma that comes with an SUV, but still require all of its attributes.

The Audi, and in particular the A4 version, fits this bill almost perfectly.

It is cultured on the road, more than capable off it, has space, power and good looks.

Based on the A4 Avant, the Allroad allies permanent all-wheel drive to increased ground clearance to enable the car to handle both the rough and the smooth.

It is both larger and taller than the Avant and perhaps in part due to this and its increased technical specification is significantly more expensive, coming in at several thousand pounds more.

The basic silhouette of the car remains the same as its relative, but looks far more aggressive thanks to chunky bumpers, flared wheel arches and stainless steel underbody guards.

Unlike on some cars I could name, these are as much for go as show, meaning rutted country lanes can be negotiated without much forethought for what it might do to your nice shiny paintwork.

Most Allroads that I have seen come with black plastic arches, which tend to cheapen the look in my view. However, our test cars were the same as the rest of the body, making it look far more appealing.

On the inside, the Allroad is typically Audi - classy, well-built and well-equipped. Theres plenty of room in the front and two passengers are well catered for in the rear.

The boot is deep and wide and has a number of neat touches, including a reversible load liner, the underside of which is water and dirt resistant.

Space is abundant - I managed to get a childs go-kart in sideways without it touching the sides and though the rear seats do not fold that, collapsing them does increase the space significantly.

While the cars size might make you question its power, hitting the accelerator is enough to dispel any preconceptions. It takes just 6.4 seconds to top 60mph and will go on to an impressive 148mph.

The addition of Audis S tronic gearbox means that power is handled expertly, with extremely smooth gear shifts all the way up to seven.

Theres also the option of drive and sport modes, although I imagine few people will not feel the need to switch.

The Allroads steering feels fine in a straight line, but turning requires a little more effort than I had expected. The ride is comfortable, with all but the biggest bumps negotiated with ease - something I was glad of when transporting a huge tractor cake for my sons birthday.

While some people may be put off by the cost, especially when compared to the Avant, if youre looking to avoid the oh-so common SUVs then all roads may lead to Audi.