Audi A6 Allroad 2007 Review

In an automotive landscape that has seen the growth of SUV sales skyrocket -- to the point where they command nearly 20 per cent of the total vehicle market -- you might wonder what place there is for a 'beefed up' all-wheel drive station wagon like the Audi A6 allroad quattro.

This is a question that Audi, in particular, must have asked given its Q (SUV) strategy has seen the launch of the seven-seat Q7 and promises things to come in the shape of smaller Q5 and Q3 models over the next few years. Whatever, the German marque obviously believes there is still a market for the Allroad Down Under, for we now have the second generation which, like its predecessor, is based on the A6 Avant.

The Allroad is not an SUV and unlike its predecessor, it doesn't enter Australia under the lower tariff rate for off-roaders, SUVs or whatever you want to call them. It is, if you look at it in context, simply an addition to the A6 Avant range -- one that features a diesel engine and a standard adjustable active air suspension.

Indeed if you consider the A6 wagon lineup, the Allroad sits in the middle of the range priced from $106,000. At the top is the petrol 3.2-litre V6 Quattro (low ride) version priced from $109,150, while lower down the rung is the entry-level front drive 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol version priced from $79,700. Basically, if you want an Audi all-wheel drive wagon with a diesel engine, then the A6 Allroad Quattro is it.

Unless, that is, you opt for the Q7 with the same drivetrain and save about $20K!

From this perspective, the Allroad Quattro seems outrageously priced and we have no arguments that it is lacking a bit on the convenience stakes for the money -- with satnav and bluetooth connectivity being surprising options.

Take a look at its obvious rivals, however, and you will find similar if not higher stickers. BMW doesn't offer all-wheel drive or a diesel engine (yet) in its local 5 Series Touring (ie: wagon) which starts at a shade under $120,000, while the rear-drive only Benz E280 CDI V6 turbodiesel wagon is priced from $109,300. There is also Volvo's new all-wheel drive XC70 which starts at about $60,000 for the five-cylinder diesel variant but Audi would claim its Allroad is in an altogether different realm.

So now we have the context sorted what's the car like?

As with the A6 Avant donor car, it is a marked improvement over its predecessor and may well provide the answer for Audi's target market that it claims are after sporty elegance and practical versatility.

On the styling front, you would be hard pressed to say that the car is not attractive. Like its petrol kin, it eschews the box on the back for a sleeker visage and the offroad body add-ons have thankfully been kept to a minimum.

Slip inside into the comfortable and supportive leather trimmed driver's seat and you are greeted with the same degree of elegance that is evident in the exterior. The fit and finish are up to Audi's very high standards and there is plenty of space in the new bigger body to accommodate an array of passenger/luggage combinations.

Second-row adult passengers won't be found wanting for head or legroom and the rear luggage space is particularly well finished with Audi's excellent twin-rail securing system and the potential to swallow 1660 litres of luggage with the rear seats folded flat.

Despite a long options list, standard kit is reasonable with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, power windows, mirrors and front seats, auto headlights and wipers and an excellent six-stack CD audio system. Safety kit includes six airbags, ESP traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes and, of course, Audi's superb electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system.

But the best part about the A6 allroad is under the bonnet. Delivering a superb combination of economy, performance and refinement is Audi's 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel mated to a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. Together with the Quattro all-wheel drive, this is one of Audi's best all-round drivetrains.

Maximum outputs are listed as 171kW of power at 4000rpm and peak torque of 450Nm from as low as 1400rpm right through to 3250rpm.

It is the fulsome torque that matters most. From just off idle there is a very strong surge as the car rapidly and smoothly takes off with very little audible evidence of the strong diesel beneath the bonnet. Across the rev band it feels very refined and the slick six-speed auto is quick to respond to right foot pressure changing down smoothly and efficiently.

Being a diesel it is also relatively frugal for the size of the vehicle. Audi claims an official combined consumption of 8.8lt/100km, while the Carsales Network's country run of about 200km produced a figure of just 9.8lt/100km. After another couple of hundred kays around town the figure had only risen to a still very respectable 10.5lt/100km.

Unlike the other A6 wagons, the Allroad comes standard with an air suspension system that can be manually adjusted through five different modes from the sporty 'Dynamic' to the rough road 'Lift'. Ride height varies from 125-185mm.

Set on the mid Comfort setting, the car delivers just that with plenty of compliance and suppleness in the ride to ensure cosseting comfort on most sealed surfaces. At the same time it feels reasonably well controlled and although we didn't have the opportunity to test back-to-back against the Q7, the lower centre of gravity on the Allroad would inherently provide a more stable vehicle.

Switch to Dynamic mode and you do almost get a sporty drive. Using the steering column mounted paddle shifts to keep the engine spinning firmly in the strong midrange, the lowered, firmer stance allows the opportunity to push harder through corners and the car responds well sitting fairly flat and balanced with an assurance of grip courtesy of the Quattro system.

This becomes even more evident when you hit the dirt with the car able to be driven at relatively high speeds on unsealed surfaces delivering a very solid confidence in its handling and traction abilities. The only thing that lets it down a bit is the light steering that doesn't tell you a hell of a lot about what is happening at the road surface. You also need to watch out for deeper potholes as on the Dynamic setting it can crash a bit over sharper ridges.

As for getting further offroad, while the car's electronic systems may be able to cope okay, its relatively low maximum ride height and long overhangs mean that it is better suited to slippery dirt and snow and, perhaps, the odd venture onto the sand.

If you want an SUV, then the Allroad is not the place the look. However, if you have the occasional need for all-wheel drive or a little extra clearance, not to mention the economy and performance of diesel power, it makes sense.

Up against its luxury wagon rivals the Allroad does offer more in the way of features. But as with itsBMW and Benz equivalents, you do pay for the privilege of not wanting to join the SUV-driving masses.