Way back in 2006, customers could walk into a U.S. Audi dealership and choose
between an A3 five-door hatchback, an A4 Avant, an A6 Avant, and the A6-based
Allroad. Even with journalists' best efforts, wagons and hatchbacks still aren't
flying off the lots like pfannkuchen. First the Allroad disappeared, and now the
A4 and A6 Avants and the A3 hatchback are going away next year. But luckily for
those buyers who aren't SUV-inclined, Audi is bringing back the Allroad for
2013, this time based on the A4 platform. Although it is based on Audi's smaller
platform, the 2013 Allroad is just slightly bigger than the 2006 A6-based car,
and it has a far more fuel efficient, but less powerful, engine. Previous
Allroads were equipped with either the famous 250-horsepower, twin-turbo
2.7-liter V-6 or the 300-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8. The 2013 Allroad is powered
by a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 with 211 horsepower. Interestingly, the 2.0
liter puts out the same 258 lb-ft of torque as the older 2.7 liter, but falls
just short of the 4.2 liter's peak 280 lb-ft.
Besides the mechanical bits, the Allroad is equipped with stainless steel
skidplates to protect the underside of the car and plastic cladding around the
fenders. For those who don't need to advertise their outdoorsy Bear Grylls
ruggedness, Audi will paint the plastic trim pieces body color for $1000. On the
inside, the layout is basically the same as the outgoing A4, but materials and
electronics have all been upgraded. The MMI navigation and infotainment system
now uses Google Maps for the best-looking navigation system this side of a
corporate jet. A 3G connection provided by a T-Mobile SIM card in the dash also
allows for the use of Google data for weather, points of interest, and several
other features.
The service will add between $15 and $30 to your monthly payment
for unlimited data. If you chose not to opt for the service, Audi's navigation
system is still one of the best in the business -- it just won't look as pretty.
As it sits, The Allroad still gets from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, pretty
quick compared to the XC70's 8.9-second run. Things don't get any easier for the
Volvo in the quarter mile, with the Audi running 15.0 seconds flat at 92.4 mph,
while the Swede trailed with a 16.7-second run at 87.9 mph. Braking is where
things really evened out.
From 60 mph the Audi hauled down to a stop in 120
feet, while the Volvo only needed a single foot more.
Overall, the Allroad is an impressive package for the active customer
needing some off-road ability without sacrificing the efficiency and sport
touring abilities of a wagon. I drove the test vehicle back from the launch
event in Colorado and never wished I was in a standard A4 Avant. It handles like
a wagon, has the looks of a CUV, and will certainly go 90 percent of the places
a CUV will go. While journalists will miss the choice of two wagons and a
hatchback, the Allroad is certainly a good compromise.
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