Detroit show: Audi reveals A4 Allroad

AUDI has followed up the launch of its all-new A4 mid-sized sedan and wagon range with its second-generation Allroad quattro, which shares much of the regular road car's underpinnings but adds a dose of all-terrain ability.

Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new Allroad range uses the A4 Avant wagon as its basis but adds 34mm to the ride height, a tougher exterior and a new 'offroad' mode for the more adventurous Audi owner.

When it launches in Europe in mid-2016 the all-new model will be offered with a choice of five diesel engines or a petrol, priced from €72,000 (about $A111,000), and the model will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2016.

In its first generation, the A4 Allroad was originally only planned as a limited edition, but Audi Australia product communications executive Shaun Cleary explained the model attracted an unexpected following.

“Originally we launched it as a limited edition of about 150 cars but we have sold more than that every year since,” he said. “It's a really popular model for us in the A4 range.”Mr Cleary said that Australia would not be taking the full range of European engines, but the company was still evaluating what will work best in the market.

“As with every new model, we will look at the engine line-up with a fresh set of eyes, but we are not ready to make an announcement just yet.”From launch, the A4 Allroad will be available in Europe with either a 120kW or 140kW 2.0-litre TDI diesel which both produce 400Nm of torque and use 4.9 litres of fuel per 100km, alongside a TFSI petrol also displacing 2.0-litres with 185kW and 370Nm.

Later, the range will be broadened with three more diesel options at either ends of the performance spectrum. A third 2.0-litre version of the four-cylinder TDI will bring a new entry level variant with 110kW and 320Nm, while a pair of 3.0-litre V6 diesels will sit at the top of the pack.

The more accessible of the two V6s will produce 160kW and 400Nm while the flagship has 200kW and 600Nm at its disposal and can dash from zero to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds, while using 6.1L/100km of fuel on the combined cycle.

A range of transmissions are offered depending on the variant including a six-speed manual gearbox and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic, while the range-topping V6 TDI gets an eight-speed tiptronic torque converter automatic transmission.

All versions of the new Allroad are branded quattro indicating power is sent to all four corners courtesy of the German car-maker's trademark four-wheel drive transmission, which gives the range its all-terrain ability.

For the new model, Audi has introduced an extra 'offroad' mode in the drive select menu which alters the behaviour of ESC and suspension when fitted with the optional damper control system. When back on the blacktop, the driver can select other driving modes such as dynamic for more spirited driving.

Chassis geometry has also been revised for the second-gen Allroad with an updated five-link set-up on the front axle which has saved five kilograms of weight, the same arrangement on the rear axle has shaved seven kilograms, while a more compact electric power steering design has saved 3.5kg.

Overall the new Allroad weighs in lighter than the previous version with up to 90kg difference when compared with the equivalent variant of the outgoing model. The lightest TFSI variant has a 1580kg kerb weight.

Its alloy wheels measure 17 inches as standard but a range of accessories allow customers to upgrade to either 18- or 19-inch versions. They house front brake discs which are 338mm in diameter.

On the inside, the Allroad offers a blend of comfort and practicality with a luggage compartment that can swallow 505 litres of things, or 1510L with the rear seats folded, and is accessible via an electric tailgate.

Like the Audi TT sportscar and Q7 large SUV, the Allroad now also adopts the company's innovative Virtual Cockpit instrument display, which is complemented by the latest iteration of its MMI control system and an 8.3-inch display.

A Bang & Olufsen sound system with 19 speakers is the first automotive application to allow 3D sound, according to Audi, while other innovative comfort features include cordless inductive device charging and an optional lighting package which allows occupants the choice of 30 ambient light colours to flood the cabin with.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control which operates down to stop and start traffic, and will also assist with steering input up to 65km/h.

Parking assistant, cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance and turn assistance are all available, while a trailer manoeuvre assistant helps less experienced drivers park with a trailer or caravan, for example.

On the outside the Allroad is identifiable by flared wheel arches that are protected by plastic surround trims, while front and rear bumpers are model specific and dressed in either matte grey or body coloured as an option.

Additional underbody guards protect mechanicals when off-road and are coloured Selenite Silver to match the rear diffuser and grille. The Allroad is available in 14 exterior colours.