Audi unveils new A4 Allroad 12 | 01 | 2016
AUDI HAS UNVEILED its second-generation A4 Allroad at the Detroit Motor Show, and the new model — on-sale in Scotland in the summer — is longer, wider and lower than the previous model (see more photographs of the 2016 Audi A4 Allroad).
With Audi's iconic quattro four-wheel-drive standard across the range, the new A4 Allroad is 4750mm long, 1842mm wide and 1493mm tall, making it 19mm longer, just 1mm wider and and 2mm lower than its predecessor. It also has a 13mm longer wheelbase at 2818mm.
But despite being larger, the newcomer tips the scales 90kg lighter than its direct predecessor, with the lightest of the lot, the A4 Allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI, hitting the scales at 1580kg.
As you would expect, the new model again encompasses the Allroad styling cues, including roof bars, additional cladding within the wheel arches, vertical chrome slats within the grille, beefed-up sills underneath the doors, and beefed-up bumpers with prominent protection plates both front and rear.
The new A4 Allroad will be available with a selection of powerplants, with 161bhp and 187bhp versions of Audi’s widely used 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine — both developing peak torque of 295lb/ft — expected to be available from launch.
Mated to an optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, Audi claims the lesser-powered diesel will return 57.6mpg and emit 128g/km of CO2. The higher-powered unit will hit 62mph from standstill in 7.8sec and continue to a maximum of 137mph.
It's understood Audi will introduce a third version of the engine, delivering 148bhp and 234lb/ft, shortly after the car's launch.
The diesel line-up will be topped by Audi's 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel delivering either 215bhp and 295lb/ft or 268bhp and 443lb/ft. The more powerful of the two will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 5.5sec and hit a limited 155mph top speed. It'll also return 53.3mpg and emit 139g/km of CO2.
The petrol line-up will be headed by a 249bhp version of Audi’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, offering 273lb/ft and capable of 0-62mph in 6.1sec and 153mph top speed. At the pumps it's good for 44.1mpg and emits 147g/km in combination with the optional seven-speed S-tronic gearbox.
There will be a choice of gearboxes, depending on engines. Buyers get the choice of six-speed manual, seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic or eight-speed torque converter automatic transmissions, the last of which is available exclusively on the range-topping diesel.
Related: Audi reveals hydrogen SUV concept
Among the fuel-saving features introduced to the new car is an updated stop-start system which uncouples the engine from the gearbox when the driver brakes at speeds below 4mph.
The Allroad's ride height is 23mm higher than the standard A4 Avant on which it's based. Mated to 19in diameter alloys, the result is 34mm more ground clearance than the on-road focused version.
To maximise its offroad performance, the new Allroad gets an off-road function in the enhanced Audi drive select system: that's in addition to the standard Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual settings. And for the first time — as is the case with the new A4 Avant — the Allroad is available with optional damper control.
The new A4 Allroad quattro is capable of stowing 505 litres of kit, increasing to 1510 litres with the rear seats folded down. An optional rail and load-securing kit is available, while the power luggage compartment cover and the electric drive for the tailgate are standard. There is though the option of a sensor control which means the driver can open and close the lid via a foot gesture.
Related: Roadtest — Audi A4 2.0TDI Ultra
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Jim McGill