Audi A4 Allroad (09 on) - Review

There's not the same depth of engines that you get with the standard A4 Avant, but those that do feature are among the best. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol is the same engine that’s under the bonnet of the 2009 Golf GTI. With a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 143mph, it doesn’t offer quite the same performance, but still has similar get-up-and-go about it. It’ll happily sit and cruise on the motorway, but with a quick stab of the throttle, the turbo kicks-in and offer performance that’s perfect for overtaking slow moving traffic. The most popular engine in the range is the 2.0-litre diesel. It offers a great balance between performance and economy with 0-62mph coming in 8.9 seconds and 44mpg achievable in everyday driving. It’s not quite as refined or as smooth as the range-topping 3.0-litre diesel, but packs a punch when it comes to overtaking and soaks up motorway miles with little fuss. The 3.0-litre TDI is swift, nearly silent once up to speed and satisfying to drive. It will sprint to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and reach 147mph. It can also return 40mpg.

The ride height of the allroad is 180mm higher than that of a standard Avant estate. That's only a small increase, but with better clearance at the front and rear, the allroad is capable of tackling more challenging off-road terrain. Thankfully that does little to affect the way it drives. It retains the A4 Avant’s composure, cornering precisely and with little bodyroll. It’s at home on the motorway, where it feels sure-footed and cruises sweetly, but is easy to drive around town too. The allroad can hold its own when the going gets rough. It’s all-wheel drive capability makes light work of even the muddiest tracks and is ideal to tackle slippery conditions in the Winter. It’s not a 4x4 in the mould of a Jeep or Land Rover, but is capable enough for the needs of the majority of buyers who look for occasional off road use. Those looking to tow will appreciate the fact that there's a braked towing weight of up to 1,900kg.