Audi A6 Allroad 2.7 TDI quattro Tiptronic

With a range that includes the fashionable TT and stunning R8, Audi arguably has one of the most stylish line-ups in the industry. The A6 doesn’t have the same visual impact as the more glamorous coupés, but in the executive market, its understated design has made it popular.

The Avant variant is more distinctive than the saloon, while the Allroad adds a harder edge – although it’s not instantly recognisable as a soft-roader, due to its limited ground clearance. Luckily, our test car had the contrasting body cladding, which helps it stand out. This can be colour-coded as a £550 option, although we feel it makes the Allroad too subtle. The Audi also gets unique alloy wheels, extended side sills and the bold Audi grille with vertical chrome bars. Fans of the rugged look will no doubt prefer the Volvo, but the German has the edge in terms of style.

It’s well proportioned and deceptively big inside, although the driving position is a little more cramped than the Volvo’s. That’s not necessarily a criticism – the Audi is simply more driver-focused. The optional leather seats are comfortable and offer good support, although they are expensive at £1,250 – and we would have expected electric adjustment for that price. Yet this doesn’t detract from the superb build quality that’s immediately apparent throughout the Allroad’s cabin. There’s a sense of solidity that the Volvo can’t quite equal. The instruments are easy to read and the central multimedia controls simple to use. Our only gripes are that it’s not as neatly laid out as the Volvo and the heater controls are rather complicated.

But these are really only minor gripes and don’t detract from the excellent interior. Passengers in the rear get a good deal, too, with bags of leg and headroom, although the black leather does make it a little gloomy. What’s more, with the seats in place, the boot is smaller than the Volvo’s, and while the Allroad offers a tray under the trunk, it’s no match for the clever flip-up load divider and roll-out plastic floor in the XC70.

As with its rival, the four-wheel-drive set-up provides reassuring handling, and because the steering is more responsive, the Audi is happier in corners. It’s still a little lifeless, but inspires more confidence. The standard height-adjustable air-suspension means that the Allroad easily adapts to different conditions, too: ‘dynamic’ is best for reducing body roll, but even in ‘comfort’ mode it’s not excessive. The ride is firmer than the Volvo’s, and isn’t as cosseting. Despite feeling stiffer, potholes don’t unsettle it as much.

The 177bhp V6 diesel doesn’t have as much power as the Volvo’s D5, but with its torque available from only 1,400rpm all the way up to 3,300rpm, it feels far more responsive, especially around town. This is helped further by the six-speed Tiptronic gearbox, which is quicker to select ratios than the Volvo’s transmission. However, at the test track, the Allroad was slower in-gear, while increased tyre noise contributed to a sound reading of 68dB at 70mph – that’s 5dB louder than the Swede’s.

Looking at list prices, the Audi is the cheaper option at £34,020. But even though you get the automatic transmission as standard, it’s not as well equipped, while there’s one less airbag, too. Adding options is an expensive business – yet you can’t deny the Audi is a fine all-rounder.

Details

Price: £34,020
Model tested: Audi A6 Allroad 2.7 TDI
Chart position: 1
WHY: Allroad sets the standard for quality in the crossover estate market, and is competitively priced.

Economy

The Allroad didn’t fare as well as the Volvo, and over our test route returned 25.6mpg. It has a larger tank, though, which gives it a range of 451 miles – 50 miles more than the XC70.

Residuals

For proof of the A6 Allroad’s desirability, look no further than its residuals. After three years, the Audi is worth 54.1 per cent of its list price, and that’s £18,405.

Servicing

Given its premium image, Audi will be disappointed its network was 16th in Driver Power 2007. Again, price was an issue – three Allroad services come to £1,040.

Tax

Despite its lighter weight and slippery shape, the 2.7-litre A6 emits 229g/km of CO2 and sits two tax brackets higher than the Volvo. It costs higher-band owners £211 more a year, at £4,763.