► World debut of Audi A4 Allroad Quattro
► Another 2016 NAIAS arrival
► It’s an A4 Avant on stilts
The new Audi A4 Allroad Quattro has bowed in at the 2016 Detroit motor show – giving the regular A4 Avant estate bodystyle a butch look and an extra 23mm hike in ride height for that all-important soft-roader look.
This is the second-generation Allroad in the A4 range; the trend started on the bigger A6, but the muddification continued with the Mk1 A4 in 2009.
What makes an Audi A4 Allroad an Allroad?
It’s the usual bolt-ons: the wheelarches are slightly flared, and trimmed with plastic cladding to give an SUV vibe; it looks more on tippy-toes thanks to that higher stance and Allroad badges are more liberally applied; and Quattro four-wheel drive is standard across the range.
The following models are available from launch:
- 2.0 TFSI 249bhp, 273lb ft, 0-62mph 6.1sec, 155mph, 44.1mpg, 147g/km CO2
- 2.0 TDI 187bhp, 295lb ft, 0-62mph 7.8sec, 136mph, 57.7mpg, 128g/km CO2
- 3.0 TDI 215bhp, 295lb ft, further figures not yet available
- 3.0 TDI 268bhp, 442lb ft, 0-62mph 5.5sec, 155mph, 53.3mpg, 139g/km CO2
In line with the new A4 saloon range, the new Allroad is around 90kg lighter than its predecessor – the better for performance, emissions and handling.
Niceties on the new 2016 A4 Allroad include a bootlid that opens with a foot waggle and a lazy-man’s electronically deploying towbar. It’s rated to tow up to 2100kg, so it’ll be perfect for the target market Norfolk sailing types.
Standard equipment in the UK includes xenon headlamps, electric luggage cover and tailgate, Quattro four-wheel drive and 17in alloy wheels (upgradeable to 19ins for maximum posing and ride-ruining potential).
How will the new A4 Allroad drive?
Should be good, judging by our review of the regular saloon. The bigger wheels, combined with the raised ride height, contribute to 34mm of extra ground clearance – and Audi says it’s tweaked the Quattro system for greater traction and handling prowess. New too is the latest Audi Drive Select system, now with an off-road function and more personalisation.
Click here for more on the 2016 Detroit motor show.