2007 Audi Allroad Review

Specifications

Audis allroad a Continuing Revolution

The Audi allroad (lower case intentional) caught most of the motoring industry by surprise; no one really thought that an A6 Avant - a fantastic, if not quick-selling vehicle - dressed up in scratch-resistant cladding and a jacked-up suspension would succeed. After all, at the time of its launch, some six years ago, it was in relatively unexplored niche territory. Sure, there was the Volvo V70 XC (now known as the XC70), as well as Subarus Legacy-based Outback wagon, two large crossover five-doors that come complete with ride height lifts and similar exterior treatments, but they werent as advanced or as luxurious as the allroad. And despite being a vehicle in a class of its own, it was a phenomenal success for Audi, so much so that the premium brand has decided to bring it back for a second round.

Besides the strong sales numbers (90,000 units as of 05) that supported Audis cause for an all-new allroad, we were tipped off by a concept that was launched a bit more than half a year ago. Audis designers significantly toned down the rugged theme with this generation of allroad by reducing the amount of scratch-resistant black plastic used on the car. Personally, I thought that the previous model had a tasteful amount, but the automakers designers have trimmed most of it off the front bumper down to the lower fascias, plus the wrap-around that wraps around the heavily flared fenders. Black plastic is now limited to the lower fascia, with the rear bumper also moulded in the same material. Seeing as most allroads reside in inner-city suburbs, it would have made sense for Audi to keep the previous levels of plastic to ward off nicks, dings and scratches picked up in downtown core rush-hour.

But theres more to this Audi wagon than a few smatterings of matte black plastic; this allroad has another significant change. Check out the grille; do you notice anything different? The allroad is the first production Audi to feature an undivided single frame grille, which the brands latest concepts - TT Shooting Brake, Roadjet and allroad - feature, not to mention the chrome-plated grid finish. The car also features roof racks made of brushed aluminum and different, Meccano-style alloy wheels which were also styled after the concepts. Of course, this being an all-terrain Audi, it is available in a variety of neutral, earthy tones which complement its outdoorsy nature. Interior alterations are limited to different color schemes which use a variety of new materials.

As with all Audis, the allroad is available with a broad selection of engines that run on gasoline and diesel. The first generation allroads hallmark engine, and the only one available to North Americans was the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which debuted in the B5-type (model year 2000) S4, and just like the first-gen allroad its long gone. The base line instead is the new 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine which produces 255-horsepower. The other gasoline engine that will be available to the allroad is the 350-horsepower 4.2-liter FSI V8 which has been boosted up from the current 335-hp. As for diesels, the 2.7- and 3.0-liter TDI V6s will also be available for non-North American markets. All motors drive through six-speed gearboxes before being routed through quattro all-wheel drive.

As both the A6 and the allroad rely only on a permanently engaged all-wheel drive system without a transfer case, what sets the standard A6 quattro apart from the allroad is its off-road tweaked underpinnings. The allroad features an aluminum-intensive suspension housing with adjustable air dampers which allow for five different ride heights, two of which are catered to off-roading with much greater ride height for clearing obstacles. When the vehicle reaches highway speeds, the air suspension automatically reduces the ride height in order to lower the cars center of gravity and improve its handling and aerodynamics. Audi also altered the settings on the ESP stability control system to improve the allroads path-worthiness.

At heart, the allroad is designed to be more of a travelers best friend, offering the toughness of an all-terrain vehicle, with the cargo-capacity and driving characteristics of a premium luxury wagon. The allroad features up to 58.6 cu-ft of cargo space, plus Audis innovative cargo rail organization system that features metal dividers, sliding tie-down latches and a cargo seatbelt to ensure that any luggage onboard isnt tempted to enter the passenger cabin.

In the Audi range, the allroad is positioned above the A6 Avant, but below the Q7. Its standard equipment list is much larger than that of the A6 Avant, featuring the five-mode air suspension, dual-zone digital climate control, heated seats, 17-inch alloy wheels (optional 18-inch; standard on V8), and the MMI multi-media interface with bright LCD display as standard equipment. For those who wish to traverse the planet in greater luxury and convenience, Audi also offers the allroad with a power-lift tailgate, keyless start, adaptive swiveling xenon headlamps, and a rear-facing park-assist video camera.

While the new allroad is undoubtedly a better vehicle than its predecessor, offering more of what Audi owners desire, theres something missing here; that certain factor of exclusivity which previously set the model apart from conventional A6 Avants. Perhaps it was the air suspension now available on the A6, or maybe the exotic twin-turbo engine thats no longer available, or the fact that the allroads sleek roofline and heavily raked hatch looks out of place dressed up in hiking boots. Nevertheless, Audi views the allroad as a vehicle that has the potential to succeed in this uninhabited marketplace, but instead of the question, “Can we sell it?”, Audi must now be concerned with its performance against the Q7 and the smaller, forthcoming Q5.