Audi A4 Allroad

15th February 2009

Forget 4x4’s – Audi’s latest estate does two jobs for the price of one!

Thanks to its tough looks and tall suspension, ground clearance is increased by 180 millimetres over the standard Avant, while up front there’s a more pronounced bumper and bigger air intakes.

The side profile gets flared wheel arches and the rear bumper is fitted with a stainless steel underbody guard.

Audi’s ESP traction control system now features Offroad Detection technology (or ORD, for short) which automatically senses the surface and adjusts the ESP’s response to spinning wheels.

On tarmac roads Audi’s drive select lets drivers pick from comfortable, standard and sporty modes - which adjust throttle response, steering weight and gear changes depending on your mood.

Three turbocharged engines are offered at launch – one petrol and two diesels. A 211bhp 2.0 TFSI, 170bhp 2.0 TDI and the range-topping 3.0 V6 TDI unit with 240bhp and a colossal 500Nm of torque. In the 2.0 TDI power is transferred through a six-speed manual, the other two powerplants use Audi’s quick-shifting twin-clutch S tronic transmission.

Scheduled to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the A4 allroad will go on sale in early summer starting from around £29,500 for the 2.0 TDI.

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