The Audi A4 allroad quattro also features all the technologies which impart superiority to the A4 model line: powerful and highly efficient engines, the vehicle-dynamics control system known as Audi drive select, the high-tech S tronic transmission, and innovative communication and assistance systems. Sales will begin in early summer, starting at 37,100 euros.
The Audi A4 allroad quattro: A car that knows no boundaries
A car that knows no boundaries: Audi is launching the A4 allroad quattro. With its quattro permanent all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, this vehicle can handle any road or trail. Starting in early summer, the Audi A4 allroad quattro will be available with one of three powerful and energy-efficient engines, the high-tech S tronic transmission, and a broad range of assistance and communication systems. Its basic price will be 37,100 euros.
A relative of the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro is a clever companion during everyday driving as well as for sports and leisure. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 490 liters (17.3 cubic feet), which extends up to 1,430 liters (50.5 cubic feet) when the split folding rear seat backs are fully folded down. A light touch triggers the standard load-area cover to retract upward. And the reversible loadliner's underside has been designed as a dirt-resistant tray. Audi offers optional extras such as a load-securing set and an electromechanical assembly for the tailgate.
The Audi A4 allroad quattro is somewhat larger than the A4 Avant. It measures 4.72 meters in length (15.49 ft) and 1.84 meters in width (6.04 ft). At a height of 1.50 meters (4.92 ft), it is taller than its A4 Avant sibling: ground clearance has risen to 180 millimeters (7.09 inches). A series of design flourishes underscores the vehicle's expressive nature and superiority on any road or trail. The fenders have become more flared; the wheel arches and the side sills bear vigorous insert strips; and underneath the front end and tail end, the vehicle has a solid stainless-steel underbody guard. 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels in 7-arm design are standard, and the roof is capped off by an offset rail.
Audi will initially offer three different powerful and highly efficient engines for the A4 allroad quattro: a gasoline engine and two diesel units. All three combine the technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging. The 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque. The 3.0 TDI produces 176 kW (240 hp), which enables a sprint to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.4 seconds.
The 2.0 TDI with manual shifting provides 125 kW (170 hp), yet requires just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 U.S. mpg). This is partially due to the synergetic impact of new efficiency technologies by Audi: an energy-recovery system, a start-stop system, and an on-board computer with efficiency program - all standard as of summer 2009.
Whereas the 2.0 TDI links to a six-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI can transmit power to Audi's optional, innovative dual-clutch transmission. The S tronic operates very efficiently, switching extremely smoothly among its seven gears at lightning speed. The driver can shift manually or allow this transmission to shift automatically.
Standard: The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is also standard equipment in Audi's latest model. It slightly favors the rear, distributing power for sporty handling similar to that of the A4 Avant. The finely balanced distribution of the axle loads and the high-tech chassis play key roles in this regard.
In rough terrain, the Audi A4 allroad quattro relies on a cutting-edge feature: Offroad Detection technology identifies the type of driving surface and accordingly adjusts the control parameters of the electronic stabilization program (ESP). The optional vehicle-dynamics control system known as Audi drive select enables dynamic road handling. The system is paired with Audi dynamic steering, which varies the steering ratio in a continuously variable manner - more directly at low speeds and more indirectly at high speeds.
A wide range of optional assistance systems straight from the luxury class will appeal to customers who set great store by convenience. Audi lane assist helps the driver to remain in a given lane and Audi side assist makes it safer to change lanes. Adaptive cruise control is a radar-assisted cruise-control system which detects vehicles ahead and maintains the proper following distance by accelerating and braking automatically. In dangerous situations, this system alerts the driver via one of two alarms.
There are also appealing multimedia options for this vehicle, from the innovative, high-tech MMI navigation plus system to the Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Audi A4 allroad quattro will be available at dealerships early this summer at a basic price of 37,100 euros.
At a glance
Engines
•Two powerful and highly efficient TDI units and one TFSI engine, output of 125 kW (170 hp) to 176 kW (240 hp)
•Start-stop system and energy-recovery system for the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI as of summer 2009
Driveline
•S tronic dual-clutch transmission optional on the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI
•quattro all-wheel drive standard with all engine versions
Chassis
•Elaborate five-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension, consisting largely of aluminum
•Wider track, standard 17-inch wheels, large wheel brakes
•Audi drive select (vehicle-dynamics control system) with Audi dynamic steering optional
•Increased ground clearance and ESP with Offroad Detection increase propulsive power on loose surfaces
Body and design
•Plenty of available space and considerable everyday practicality; luggage compartment holds between 490 liters (17.3 cubic feet) and 1,430 liter (50.5 cubic feet)
•Numerous practical details for leisure activities and transporting objects
•Striking design flourishes such as flared fenders and stainless-steel front and rear underbody guard
Equipment
•Generous standard-equipment package, including a deluxe load-area cover
•Optional assistance systems and multimedia components straight from the luxury class
