Driving around as I do in the snowy Northeast I see all kinds of bad winter driving and
it’s mostly from people in 4-wheel drive vehicles who don’t understand the benefits
and limitations of the system they’ve paid for.
But this is how to make it work; pair tenacious quattro grip and real winter tires to create
a snow and ice eating machine known as the Audi allroad.2015 Audi allroadPrior to the
allroad’s debut in the 2013 model year, Audi’s previous off-road wagon, also called
the allroad (lower case ‘a’, please) was a variant of the A6 sold here from 2000 to
2005.
This time around, we get a smaller A4 derivative, ostensibly having replaced the A4 Avant in
the U.S.
This beefed up wagon with its matte finished bumpers and wheel arches and stainless steel
skid plates also gets more room between its belly and the ground – 7.1” to be exact
which is more than a Honda CR-V’s but far less than a Subaru XV Crosstrek’s.
It displays a rugged elegance that appropriately integrates into a variety of environments,
congruous in either the city or tramping down the snowy trail.
Its purpose is to lend a little SUV swagger to this small station wagon and indeed Audi
has succeeded.quattro comes standard, biased 20% more to the rear wheels in normal operation
for sportier on-road handling.
With the longitudinally placed 2.0-liter turbo geared by an 8-speed auto, it’s a balanced
all-wheel drive system and one of 4 quattro variants engineered by Audi.
It’s rare, but my testers occasionally arrive with true winter tires and in this case, the
allroad is running on Pirelli Sottozero performance snows; a wonderful but pricey option that
provides the proper footwear quattro needs to perform its best.
In conditions like this, the $225 you’ll spend on each one is definitively worth it.
With solid ice below this 3 day old snow, the allroad cannot be deterred, feeling more
confident on these slippery surfaces than in many SUVs I’ve driven wearing regular
all-seasons.
And it’s not just about the incredible traction advantage of a legit snow tire, but in sub-freezing
temps these Pirellis help you stop shorter, too.
Back on the tarmac, the optional Sport interior package on this mid-trim allroad Premium Plus
model provides the awesome Audi drive select feature, electronically manipulating steering,
transmission and engine response to your desire.
The 258 pound-feet of torque from the punchy turbo requires a light right foot to modulate,
but it’s packed with lots of get up and go with a 6.4-second 0-to-60mph time.
Its 3,900 pounds is kept in check by the feel good chassis and low center of gravity delivering
driver playtime that would make an SUV jealous.
Sport front seats are as supple as the suspension tuning.Because the car from which this is
based, the A4, is due for a redesign this year, the allroad suffers from some staleness
inside where it’s a bit too tight on passenger room and looking like it’s passed its sell
by date.
But the exterior styling is still remarkably fresh and its drive has held up exceptionally
well with a beautiful blend of comfort and sportiness you can thoroughly enjoy every
day.
The allroad’s fun to drive nature stands out while at the same time completely nurturing
its occupants.The standard roof rack and low height make for friendly roof loading.
Ditto for the low liftover into the back, where the allroad allows you to stuff in more
of your gear than you’d ever guess.
Seats fold easily and a retractable net and cargo cover help to securely stow the goods.
Though some occupants complained of uncomfortable rear seats, they do provide excellent leg
and headroom – it’s up front where dimensions feel narrow and a bit tight.
Base price of the Premium Plus model is $45,425 and this one tacks on the Technology package
including a somewhat dated yet commendable version of Audi’s MMI system with navigation,
including cool features like Google mapping and a 3G though not 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.
A rearview camera and side assist are also included, for an as tested price of $49,625.
Gas mileage is rated at 21mpg city/28mpg highway on premium.
$50 grand feels like a lot to spend on a small wagon even with all of its positive attributes
and the allroad’s future is uncertain as Audi decides whether to keep it here or simply
return to the A4 Avant.