Audi A4 Allroad (09 on) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 06 March 2012
The A4 allroad is designed to give buyers off-road practicality without the bulk of a full-size 4x4. It's best suited to those who only need occasional off-road ability - it will struggle with traditional 4x4 terrain, but makes light work of otherwise inaccessible muddy tracks. It retains the strengths of the standard A4 Avant estate, so is good to drive, beautifully built and comfortable on the move. The range is much slimmed-down compared to the standard A4 and - as a new car at least - is much more expensive. Such is the premium, that it leaves the A4 allroad in a strange position. For a little bit more, buyers can have the full-size Q5 or they can make a significant saving by opting for a standard Avant with quattro four-wheel drive.
4 out of 5

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2.5 out of 5

Buying new

Curiously the A4 Allroad can cost nearly £2,000 more than a standard Avant quattro and offers little to justify the price jump. It can also be less than £100 cheaper than the exceptionally capable Q5 full-size 4x4. Therefore it’s worth considering whether a standard Avant quattro will do the job just as well, or if an Q5 will make your money go further. As the vast majority of Audis are built to order, there’s little scope for a discount. You may find that you have more luck getting a discount on some options or, better still, get them thrown-in for free.

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

It’s easy to distinguish an allroad from a standard Avant. The first clue is that an allroad has a different bumper design with enlarged plastic wheel arches. There’s also extended side sills, stainless steel under-body protection plates, a ride height that’s been raised by 180mm and unique 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. The price premium over the standard Avant estate and the allroad’s niche appeal mean it’s a fairly rare sight as a used buy.

  • Boot/Load Space Audi A4 Allroad (09 on)
  • Interior Audi A4 Allroad (09 on)

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See 14 used Audi A4 Allroads for sale, starting at £24,990

2.5 out of 5

Selling

Buyers are most interesting in the 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre diesels for their performance and economy. The allroad’s strengths are its occasional off-road ability and towing capability – well worth pushing in any advert. With this kind of vehicle, most buyers will expect to see a full service history – preferably with the work carried out by an Audi dealer. If this isn’t the case, it could give the buyer some scope for negotiation.