Audi A4 allroad 2015 Review

What is the Audi A4 allroad? It’s a neat and tidy German wagon pitched at buyers who refuse to embrace the SUV, which is currently the world's fastest growing mainstream vehicle type.

Does that mean they're old-fashioned? Maybe. But there are plenty of them out there, insists Audi. They're trend-setters, individuals who prefer to go against the grain and apparently they like the A4 allroad's ability to marry car-like aesthetics and dynamics with SUV-like load-lugging and offroad potential.

Based on the Audi A4 avant (wagon), the allroad variant rides on specially-tuned suspension that jacks up the ride height by 37mm, delivering 180mm of ground clearance. This not only gives the rugged A4 a more commanding view of the road – handy in everyday driving – but allows it to venture further off the beaten track and get grubby.

On a short drive up north, A4 allroad is easily a match for cousin, the more affordable Q5. The steering is light but direct on asphalt roads, and although there's a touch of body roll in corners it plays out nicely on dirt roads, where the longer suspension travel ensures good ride quality and instils driver confidence.

Audi's rugged A4 allroad will automatically detect when the vehicle reaches poor roads and adjust its stability control to suit. It also raises the anti-lock brakes threshold and tweaks the electronic differential lock, or EDL, to suit unsealed surfaces.

Like its A6 sibling, the A4 allroad benefits from pumped-wheel arches that act as body protection when scrambling through heavy foliage, and there's a reinforced subframe and underbody cladding too. Throw in heavy-duty wheels and higher-profile tyres for good measure.

Power is provided by an updated version of the VW Group's tried-and-tested (and admittedly very handy) 2.0-litre TDI (turbo-diesel) engine. It's now more efficient, using 5.6L/100km (down from 6.0), but also faster to 100km/h thanks to a 10kW, 20Nm boost.

Peak power of 140kW/400Nm results in a claimed 7.8 second 0-100km/h sprint time, and engine power is diverted through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and sent to all four wheels via a quattro permanent AWD system. It also gets a self-locking centre differential to aid footing when things get rough and tumble.

Although the vehicle doesn't mind getting its hands dirty, this isn't a serious 4WD and is unlikely to cope with some of the more serious tracks scattered across Australia's coastlines and interior. But it is comfortable and well-appointed.

You get a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, leather-appointed seats with electric adjust for front occupants, xenon headlights, and a lovely-looking three-zone automatic climate control panel (which is most useful when you've got a pair of car scribes up front and a photographer in the back who all have different requirements).

The infotainment system is rather nice, featuring the usual Audi layout and ease of use, and it comes with a 20GB hard drive to store music too. Voice control works well, as does Bluetooth streaming and the 10-speaker (with woofer) audio system adds a touch of pomp.

Although the A4 allroad cannot touch the A6 allroad's lavish interior, it's nevertheless a comfortable, quiet and luxurious cabin and a pleasant car to drive.

For more than $70,000 the fact that radar cruise control and active lane-leeping assist are not standard seems a bit rich. Instead they are offered as part of $1300 optional package. Another feature which should be mandatory in a vehicle at this price and of this shape is a powered tailgate.

There are also no visual updates inside or out that denote the new 2015 Audi A4 allroad from its predecessors, which is a bit of a shame.

The Audi Q5 SUV is also cheaper and sits higher on the road.

Nonetheless, the Audi is a neat package and a viable alternative to the evergreen SUV and will have particular appeal buyers who want something a little different.

See new Audi A6 allroad review