EDMUNDS.COM 2004 AUDI ALLROAD QUATTRO
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
For luxury car buyers who seek heightened utility without the added bulk of a full-blown SUV, Audi''s allroad delivers excellent all-weather capability in an elegantly designed package.
Pros
Elegant interior, powerful engines, flexibility of adjustable-height suspension, competent off-road performance.
Cons
High base price, turbo lag in V6 version, suspension can be harsh over bumps, lousy fuel economy in city driving.
What''s New for 2004
A 4.2-liter V8 version of the allroad debuts, sending 300 horsepower through the tall wagon''s quattro AWD system. Other changes include an additional console power point and a satellite radio prep package.
Overview
Introduction:
The allroad quattro represents a slightly different take on the idea of a luxury crossover SUV. Rather than building a taller, larger vehicle that attempted to combine the best aspects of a sedan and a traditional SUV, Audi merely fortified its existing midsize wagon, the A6 Avant, with the tools necessary to give it that extra level of capability that crossovers promise.And so the allroad is a luxury wagon that stands tall when it has to, and with four suspension settings, it can stand up to 8.2 inches off the ground -- more clearance than most of today''s light-duty SUVs. Though it lacks a low-range transfer case, its quattro all-wheel-drive system can tackle mild off-road trails with surprising agility. Moreover, the allroad has a gracefully appointed interior and plenty of guts under the hood in the form of either a twin-turbo V6 or a brawny 4.2-liter V8. Alas, it''s not a perfect vehicle. Turbo lag in the V6 and lousy fuel economy with either powertrain make it less than economical in city traffic. Further, despite the allroad''s comfortable ride, the suspension delivers a confusing mix of flaccidity around corners and harshness over bumps that makes us question the allroad''s day-to-day appeal. But if you''re the sort who really wants a luxury car (and not an SUV) but feels that a fair dose of utility is required to deal with a harsh climate, the allroad could be a good match. Just make sure that you test-drive the less expensive A6 Avant before you decide.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The allroad is sold in two trim levels powered by either a twin-turbo V6 or a V8. Standard equipment for both includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a full set of one-touch windows, 12-way power front seats (with memory for the driver), in-dash six-CD changer, a split-folding rear seat, genuine wood interior trim and 17-inch wheels. The options list includes a couple of premium packages that bundle popular features like leather upholstery, a power sunroof, xenon headlights and auto-dimming mirrors. The V8 version also comes with 18-inch wheels and "Cricket" leather seating. A 200-watt Bose sound system, a navigation system, XM or Sirius Satellite Radio, a parking assist system and a hands-free phone are among the "a la carte" extras.
Powertrains and Performance:
The 250-horsepower, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 generates 258 pound-feet of torque over a broad rpm band. Turbo lag is evident when scooting away from stoplights, but thereafter, forward thrust is prodigious. The engine can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Tiptronic automanual. We''ve found the automatic slow to downshift, but when switched to sport mode it holds lower gears longer and downshifts more quickly. The V8 sports 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic. As expected, the V8 furnishes more off-the-line grunt and cruises effortlessly at high speeds. The standard quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes the power to all four wheels and automatically adjusts power distribution for surefooted handling in low-traction environments. The height-adjustable pneumatic suspension offers four settings, ranging from 5.6 inches of ground clearance for efficient high-speed travel and easy entry and exit to a maximum of 8.2 inches for low-speed travel on rugged terrain.
Safety:
Active safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and stability control (ESP). Additionally, side airbags (for front occupants) and a side curtain protection system (for the front and rear) are standard. Rear-seat-mounted side airbags are optional. The allroad has not been crash tested, though the regular A6 Avant on which it is based received an "Acceptable" rating in 40-mph offset crash testing by the IIHS.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Top-quality materials cover every inch of the cabin and the overall layout is simple yet elegant. The many stereo and climate controls aren''t immediately intuitive, but once learned, they pose little annoyance. At night, the red instrument lighting makes the dashboard look like the cockpit of a 747. Cargo capacity is 36.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats in use, and 73.2 cubes when they''re folded.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Like it or not, the allroad makes for an interesting drive. The same twin-turbo engine that leaves you waiting in city traffic allows you to blast down empty highways. The V8 is even more muscular, especially at lower engine speeds but fuel economy dips even lower. The quattro system yields excellent grip, though the suspension and steering are best suited for more relaxed driving.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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