Audi Allroad Quattro Concept

The original Allroad may not have reached Audi's sales expectations in the UK, but we think this new variant will definitely score with buyers. It looks less awkward than its predecessor, and could well spearhead a more serious assault on the SUV market from the firm ahead of the Q7 and Q5.

It's the car Audi said would never exist, but that didn't stop Auto Express from becoming the first magazine to get behind the wheel! We took to the tarmac in the Audi Allroad - which made an unexpected world debut at last month's Detroit Motor Show - in an exclusive test session in the US.

There's still no official confirmation that this car will be made, but the styling study is so far developed, insiders have suggested it could arrive in showrooms in the next 18 months. The newcomer shares the A6 Avant bodyshell, but as with its predecessor sits higher off the ground - in this case 60mm. Its distinctive styling includes a derivative of Audi's grille, featuring a more aggressive polished aluminium mesh pattern. This look is the blueprint for the manufacturer's future off-roaders.

From the wheel, it's just like being in an A6. The switchgear will be familiar to Audi owners, although the dash boasts a unique layout with aluminium-ringed dials. The firm's MMI 'Infotainment' system also features a clever 3D screen, which uses Global Positioning Satellites to provide an accurate picture of the terrain the car is covering.

This enables drivers to avoid obstacles and potential hazards. And in case you come across some amazing scenery on your travels, there's a camera mounted by the rear view mirror.

In the back, the two individual seats fold flat into the floor, with the rear centre console, to give a massive load space. While this arrangement is unlikely to spread to other models in the range, developments such as Lane Assist and Side Assist will, and are expected to appear within the next three years.

The first vibrates the steering wheel if you veer out of a lane, while the second lights up a warning in the door mirror when another car is in your blindspot. Further down the line is Audi Road Vision, which uses lasers to scan the route ahead, then adjusts the suspension and stability control systems accordingly.

Fire it up and there's nothing to suggest the Allroad is a diesel. But then this is no ordinary oil-burning engine; it's a development of the 4.0-litre V8 TDI that's currently fitted to the A8.

And what a motor it is. It's not the 286bhp output that impresses; rather, it's the 650Nm of torque which gives the Allroad such remarkable low-down grunt. As you'd expect, power delivery is effortless and the six-speed automatic gearbox provides seamless changes.

Audi has always said the future of the model depends on public reaction, and insiders tell us so far that's been incredibly positive. As this future Allroad also shares more components with the standard A6 than its predecessor - and is therefore cheaper to produce - it's even more likely to see the light of day.