Allroads lead to Audi dealers

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What exactly is the Audi A4 Allroad?

In Darwinian terms the Allroad is something akin to the missing link. An evolutionary blip between a conventional estate car and a full-on SUV, the Allroad features the chunky looks and raised ride height of an SUV but is built around an estate (Avant in Audi-speak) body. It's a clever idea that's seen elsewhere, not least with Audi's hugely successful A6 Allroad, the A4 Allroad's bigger brother.

Is it any good?

Being based on a conventional estate car means that the Allroad doesn't have the compromises you get with SUVs on the road. The suspension is higher to the tune of 37mm and the track is wider by 20mm. Throw in some off-road tweaks to the ESP system and the A4 Allroad is actually remarkably capable off road. Certainly, it'll go a bit further than your standard quattro (four-wheel drive) A4 Avant but then few buyers are ever going to find out. It's as much a lifestyle vehicle as anything else, the A4 Allroad likely to become just as popular as its A6 Allroad relative and its rivals are in ski resorts all over the world.

The thing is, the changes Audi makes to the Allroad make a good deal of sense in such an environment; whether you're there in the winter for some skiing or in the summer mountain biking or walking. The plastic body additions take knocks better than metal bodywork and loading systems inside help keep your kit in place, while the higher roof bars are easier to fix bikes or skis to. That extra ground clearance helps in deep snow or for fitting snow-chains too, meaning you can park it in places regular estates can't reach. The reversible boot floor is perfect for wet or mucky gear; the A4 Allroad may be a niche vehicle but it's a well thought out one.

Three engine choices are offered on the single trim range. Given the Allroad's practical bent it's the 168bhp 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel that'll take the majority of sales. It's a punchy unit that can return 44.1mpg on the official combined cycle, that alone making the 3.0-litre TDI and 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engines redundant. Oddly, the ride suffers a touch thanks to the higher suspension, but it's a small price to pay for the Allroad's extra cool factor in the company/forest/ski car park.

Should I call the bank manager?

You might not need to, the A4 Allroad coming in at £29,285 for the TDI model. With Audi fitting out all Allroads in SE trim - and those additional Allroad twists - the off-road enabled Avant isn't too ridiculously priced. Sure, you could have a regular A4 Avant with the quattro four-wheel drive system for less, but then that's not the point. Audi reckons that the A4's A6 Allroad relative is bought by some of its highest net worth customers too; if the A4 Allroad does the same then they'll certainly not need to bother the bank for the funds to pay for it.

Summary

The A4 Allroad might be an unashamed lifestyle statement, but there's little wrong in that. There's something rather appealing about its additional rugged ability, while the extra kit it gains and the more assertive looks suit its shape. It's a touch more expensive than the regular A4 Avant, but it's sure to find a customer base looking for the extra rugged ability and the lifestyle image it projects.

Kyle Fortune