More grunt for Audi A4 Allroad

AUDI has introduced an upgraded A4 Allroad with a healthy power and torque increase courtesy of a revised 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that has not yet seen service in Australia.

Producing 140kW (up 10kW) and 400Nm (up 20Nm), the 2.0 TDI engine is also Euro 6-compliant, and follows in the wheel tracks of other Audi powerplants whose figures have been revised upwards for Australia in 2015.

Fuel consumption in the 1805kg Allroad has also improved, dropping to 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres, down from 6.0L/100km.

Audi Australia general manager of marketing Kevin Goult said the addition of the new engine makes the Allroad an even more appealing proposition.

“The A4 Allroad quattro is the perfect fit for those with an active lifestyle,” he said. “Now with this power increase and the efficiency gains, it is an even more accomplished all-round performer.”The sole engine is backed by a seven-speed DSG transmission, while drive is divided amongst all four wheels via a full-time Haldex all-wheel-drive system.

Audi’s Drive Select system allows the driver to choose between five modes, including Efficiency, Comfort, Standard, Dynamic and Individual. There are no off-road-specific programs included for the Allroad, although the car is able to detect when it is driven onto loose surfaces, and will adjust the stability and ABS programs to suit.

The A4 Allroad is only available in Avant form, and sports a long list of standard features, including Xenon plus headlights and 17-inch rims, while alloy roof rails complement the grey plastic overfenders.

Stainless steel underbody panels provide protection to key components like the sump and transmission, and fog-lights are fitted front and rear.

Audi’s MMI satellite navigation system works through a seven-inch colour screen. There’s also a 20-gig music storage system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and a 10-speaker sound system.

There are also powered leather front seats, a convenience key and three-zone climate control offered as standard, along with eight airbags.

The rear cargo space can hold 490 litres of luggage. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats can be flipped forward via levers in the cargo area, revealing a flat loading space.

Pricing remains the same for 2015 at $70,500, plus on-road costs. It has few real competitors in the space Subaru’s top-spec Outback 3.6 R wagon is $57,990, while the Audi’s blood relative, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, is $48,290. Both figures are before on-road costs.

For 2015, Audi is offering a $3000 Convenience Pack, which consists of a ‘memory package’ which incorporates heated, auto-dimming and retractable exterior mirrors, heated front seats, an electric tailgate and alloy interior inlays. A set of 19-inch rims can be optioned for $1000 extra.

Active safety items like radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist and side assist can also be optioned, along with a sunroof, sports seats and more.