Audi's all-new SUV revealed

Audi has revealed the very first details of its new 'soft-roader', the A4 allroad quattro, which is the first time the allroad name has been used on a model other than the Audi A6. The allroad is based on the Audi A4 Avant though it features more rugged styling and more off-road ability.

On the looks front, the allroad is differentiated from the Avant by the fitment of chunky new bumpers and wheelarch extensions, stainless steel underbody protection, standard roof rails and a prominent front grille. Ground clearance has been significantly increased, while the alloy wheels are also set further apart.

Three engine options will greet customers at launch: two turbodiesels and a single petrol unit. The best seller will be the 2.0 TDI version, with 168bhp at its disposal. Buyers will perhaps be more interested in its 44.1mpg than the 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds.

More performance is on offer from the V6-engined 3.0 TDI model, which pushes out 236bhp and a healthy 369lb.ft of torque. Top speed is 147mph and 0-62mph takes just 6.4 seconds, yet this version also returns 39.8mpg on the combined cycle.

The single petrol model offers decent performance too, with 208bhp powering it to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, while its 34.9mpg figure is thanks in part to direct injection technology.

Following a debut at next month's Geneva Show, the A4 allroad quattro will go on sale in the summer, with UK prices expected to start at less than £30,000.

Shane O' Donoghue