Audi allroad lives

Audi has launched a new version of its allroad wagon. Unveiled at Geneva, the new A6-based five-door proved wrong pundits who had stated Audi would kill off the all-wheel drive high-ride wagon following the debut of its Q7 SUV.

Versions of the allroad first debuted in 2000. Since then the allroad has won a strong following in Germany and to a lesser extent the USA. Locally, the car has sold in small numbers only -- just over 140 found homes Down Under in 2005.

Closely based to the A6 Avant, the new allroad follows the recipe set in the last generation vehicle. For 2006, it gets extra ground clearance, bigger wheels (18-inch on the V8), wider track and more aggressive (dare we say, masculine) styling cues.

Four direct-injection engines are offered internationally -- two petrol and two diesel. The 3.2 V6 and 4.2 V8 FSI petrols are rated at 188 and 257kW respectively, while the 2.7 and 3.0-litre V6s diesel pump out 132 and 171kW. Expect only the 3.0-litre diesel and petrol V8 to make it Down Under, each matched to six-speed tiptronic auto transmissions.

Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system is optimised for the role and air suspension is standard. Five modes are offered including two settings for "off-road driving." Maximum ground clearance is 195mm with the lowest (high-speed) setting still yielding 125mm of free space.

As you'd expect, the allroad will arrive in Oz as one with the lot. When? We'd like to say in time for the ski season, but that might be pushing it... Stay tuned...