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Audi A4 allroad road test report

Audi A4 allroad

Part estate car, part SUV, the Audi A4 Allroad tries to bring some of the glamour and chic of its larger A6 Allroad brother to a smaller class. It’s also trying to offer a more affordable route into luxurious SUV ownership while offering efficient diesel engines. Quattro four-wheel drive is standard on all models, but the A4 Allroad is most definitely aimed at the ski set rather than the farming community.

Road Test Reports Says 3 star rating
A front-facing image of the Audi A4 allroad

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ALISDAIR SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

Audi has trimmed down its engine choices for the Allroad compared to the A4 Avant estate. Entry point is a 208bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol that offers 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds with help from the slick and swift changes of the seven-speed S-tronic double-clutch gearbox that is the only transmission option. It’s a great gearbox to use and the petrol engine is full of verve at all speeds. Despite the petrol’s oomph, it’s the 2.0-litre turbodiesel that holds more appeal for most buyers thanks to its lower emissions and higher economy figures. Even so, this engine is no slouch and feels faster than the 8.9 second 0-62mph figure would suggest. This is down to the 2.0-litre diesel’s mid-rev punch that drives it with muscle through its six-speed manual gearbox, though the manual’s changes are not as velvety at the double-clutch transmission’s. Topping off the engine range is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with 236bhp and a hefty 368lb ft of brawny mid-range. It’s more than sufficient to see this A4 Allroad from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds and it has no problems hustling its way past slower traffic.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 2 stars

Audi has done an impressive job of retaining the A4 Avant estate’s handling ability in the Allroad and it corners with grippy confidence. The steering is still as remote from the action as the rest of the A4 range’s, but with Quattro four-wheel drive it feels sure-footed on all types of normal road surface. Unfortunately, that all-wheel drive will do nothing if you attempt to head onto anything more than a farm track as the Allroad lacks the ground clearance and entry and departure angles to make it anything other than a very soft roader. Fine for the ski resort, but anything more than a gymkhana car park will defeat it. This we can forgive, but the terrible ride is far more of a disappointment. On any road, even the smoothest strip of tarmac you can find, the Allroad jiggles and niggles it way along, never settling to anything even close to a comfortable ride. When the A4 Avant is better and Audi’s own Q5 SUV is very supple, the A4 Allroad falls down the gap between this pair.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

It’s hard to fault the cabin quality of the A4 Allroad and the materials it’s made from. Everything is sturdy and feels ready to last a lifetime. The same is true of the engines and other mechanical components that have proved themselves very reliable and hard wearing in other Audi models. One star is lost for the A4 Allroad, however, as the rufty-tufty body kit that gives it the SUV look is not up to anything close to serious off-roading. Try any dirt-defying feats and the A4 Allroad’s bodywork will soon look very second-hand and leave you staring down the barrel of a very expensive repair bill.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

Quattro four-wheel drive gives the A4 Allroad great driving security and Audi has not forgotten how to keep the car safe for passengers. There are six airbags to protect the front, side and heads of occupants, while all three rear seat passengers have a three-point seat belt. There’s also ESP electronic traction and stability control on all models, while anti-lock brakes are also fitted. An alarm, deadlocks and immobiliser keep the A4 Allroad safe from thieves, while the load bay has a luggage cover to keep prying eyes from spotting what’s in the boot.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

You won’t be surprised to read that the Allroad offers exactly the same load space and versatility as the Av Avant. The tailgate opens wide and high to reveal a boot of reasonable proportions, though the Allroad errs more on the side of lifestyle estate than full bore load hauler. Folding the rear seats is easy and the drop to leave a decent load bed with a flat floor. Put the rear seats back in position and the back seat has sufficient space for two adults, though knee room is not as generous as in some rivals or Audi own Q5. In the front, the driver is welcomed by plenty of room and adjustment in steering and seat to offer comfort for all shapes of driver. The dash is the same as every other A4 variants’, so it’s clear and classy.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

The A4 Allroad is aimed at a small niche of buyers and it’s not likely to break beyond this appeal. Even though the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine’s emissions of 164g/km are reasonable for an SUV, they still bust the key 160g/km barrier for company car users. Private buyers will no doubt love the Allroad for its looks, but come resale time they will not see as much back in proportion to an A4 Avant or Q5. Audi service costs are also among the more expensive, while insurance, tyres and road tax are other considerations that may steer buyers towards other rivals. The 2.0-litre diesel provides 45.2mpg combined economy, which is good for a car of this class, but the 2.0-litre petrol’s 34.9mpg is less impressive. Go for the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel and you get 39.8mpg, which is fine for an engine of this capacity. As a premium model in the A4 line-up, every Allroad comes with climate control, electric windows, alloy wheels, CD stereo and rear parking sensors, but no leather seats – even on the top spec 3.0 V6 diesel – seems a little tight on Audi’s part.

Submitted: 07/06/2010 08:21:29

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