Audi's new A4 allroad arrives in Oz

Audi has released its third A4 variant in Australia this week, with the A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI S tronic joining the newly-released sedan and Avant (wagon) ranges.

Priced from $74,400 (plus on-road costs), the higher-riding crossover wagon introduces a number of new technologies to Audi’s second-generation allroad line-up, while at the same time maintaining the practicality and class-leading technology offered elsewhere in the A4 range.

Importantly for the new A4 allroad quattro is Audi’s newest generation quattro all-wheel drive system. Dubbed Ultra Technology, the lighter new system is available exclusively in conjunction with the 2.0 TFSI variant, bringing fuel economy benefits to the model by operating in front-wheel drive mode in usual running.

All-wheel drive is available on demand with up to 100 per cent of torque on offer at each axle. Further, the system may be locked in ‘offroad’ mode, via Audi’s Drive Select function.

The 2.0 TDI variant ($71,400 plus ORCs), which will go on sale in November, will continue to offer Audi’s familiar permanent quattro all-wheel drive configuration.

Initially, the 2.0 TFSI variant will bring 185kW and 370Nm to the A4 allroad quattro, its 0-100km/h time of 6.1sec making it the fastest-ever allroad model ever. Audi says that in spite of the model’s performance, fuel economy is now more frugal, the A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI S tronic sipping 6.7L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle.

Importantly, that figure sees the model slip beneath the Luxury Car Tax threshold, those savings also applied to the 2.0 TDI (diesel) model and its 140kW/400Nm and 5.2L/100km combination later this year.

Both petrol and diesel A4 allroad quattro models are offered exclusively with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, which includes a fuel-saving free-wheeling (or coasting) function.

The A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI is distinguished by its higher ride height (+34mm) and wider track, flared wheel-arches and model-specific bumpers. A chrome vertical slat grille and chrome-topped door handles are exclusive to the model, as are aluminium-look trim elements and roof rails.

The single-grade A4 allroad quattro offers a strong standard equipment list with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, MMI Navigation plus with 8.3-inch screen and MMI touch, DVD player, 10GB music storage, Audi connect, live traffic and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Digital radio with twin USB ports, a 180-Watt, 10-speaker audio package is included, as is sports leather upholstery (heated up front), tri-zone climate-control, hands-free tailgate, entry and push-button ignition, folding heated wing mirrors and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror.

A 7.0-inch high-resolution Driver Information screen is offered as standard, but the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel is optional. Rear-seat tablets are also available ($3600 pair), as is adaptive suspension ($1700) and four option packages.

The Technik package offers Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and head-up display for $2200, the addition of a sunroof taking the pack to $3900. Audi also offers its Assistance package tour with active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, traffic jam assist, collision avoidance, pre-sense frontal collision avoidance, predictive efficiency assistant and auto high-beam for $1900 and a Parking Assist pack with auto parking facility for $950.

Like the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro receives a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and amongst other features includes autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection (up to 85km/h), exit warning, cross-traffic assist, side assist and blind-spot monitoring, pre-sense rear and rear-view camera.

The A4 allroad quattro also shares the luggage capacity of its wagon derivative at 505 litres, extendable to 1510 litres via 60:40 split-fold rear seats. Audi offers myriad accessories for active buyers, including a luggage-securing kit, and bike, ski and kayak holders to name a few.

“Versatility is an important function of the entire Audi model range, but the allroad quattro models offer a unique and attractive combination of features that Australian buyers are especially drawn to,” explained Audi Australia managing director, Andrew Doyle.

“The owners of our allroad quattro models are very loyal customers – it’s just one of those vehicles that offers a perfect combination of versatility, rugged styling and car-like performance that really works for daily driving.

“Most owners lead a very active lifestyle, and the allroad quattro is the perfect complement to this, whether you want to load up your bike or kayak on the roof, lay the rear seats flat for bulky items or simply just keep on driving when the bitumen ends, it’s the effortless versatility that owners really appreciate,” Doyle concluded.

For more information on the Audi A4 allroad quattro, read our local launch review.

2016 Audi A4 allroad quattro pricing (plus ORCs):
2.0 TFSI — $74,400
2.0 TDI — $71,400