Audi's allroad a Continuing RevolutionThe Audi allroad (lower case intentional) caught most of the
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| The first-gen allroad was a radical idea, but one that worked. (Photo: Audi of America) |
motoring industry by surprise; no one really thought that an A6 Avant - a fantastic, if not quick-selling vehicle - dressed up in scratch-resistant cladding and a jacked-up suspension would succeed. After all, at the time of its launch, some six years ago, it was in relatively unexplored niche territory. Sure, there was the Volvo V70 XC (now known as the XC70), as well as Subaru's Legacy-based Outback wagon, two large crossover five-doors that come complete with ride height lifts and similar exterior treatments, but they weren't as advanced or as luxurious as the allroad. And despite being a vehicle in a class of its own, it was a phenomenal success for Audi, so much so that the premium brand has decided to bring it back for a second round.
Besides
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| allroad was such a strong seller that Audi decided to bring it back for another round. (Photo: Audi of America) |
the strong sales numbers (90,000 units as of '05) that supported Audi's cause for an all-new allroad, we were tipped off by a concept that was launched a bit more than half a year ago. Audi's designers significantly toned down the rugged theme with this generation of allroad by reducing the amount of scratch-resistant black plastic used on the car. Personally, I thought that the previous model had a tasteful amount, but the automaker's designers have trimmed most of it off the front bumper down to the lower fascias, plus the wrap-around that wraps around the heavily flared fenders. Black plastic is now limited to the lower fascia, with the rear bumper also moulded in the same material. Seeing as most allroads reside in inner-city suburbs, it would have made sense for Audi to keep the previous levels of plastic to ward off nicks, dings and scratches picked up in downtown core rush-hour.
But there's more to this Audi wagon than a few smatterings of
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| allroad Concept's big, shiny grille made it to production, nearly unaltered. (Photo: Audi of America) |
matte black plastic; this allroad has another significant change. Check out the grille; do you notice anything different? The allroad is the first production Audi to feature an undivided single frame grille, which the brand's latest concepts - TT Shooting Brake, Roadjet and allroad - feature, not to mention the chrome-plated grid finish. The car also features roof racks made of brushed aluminum and different, Meccano-style alloy wheels which were also styled after the concept's. Of course, this being an all-terrain Audi, it is available in a variety of neutral, earthy tones which complement its outdoorsy nature. Interior alterations are limited to different color schemes which use a variety of new materials.
As
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| FSI V8 gets a power boost to 350 hp. This enables allroad to rocket to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. (Photo: Audi of America) |
with all Audis, the allroad is available with a broad selection of engines that run on gasoline and diesel. The first generation allroad's hallmark engine, and the only one available to North Americans was the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which debuted in the B5-type (model year 2000) S4, and just like the first-gen allroad it's long gone. The base line instead is the new 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine which produces 255-horsepower. The other gasoline engine that will be available to the allroad is the 350-horsepower 4.2-liter FSI V8 which has been boosted up from the current 335-hp. As for diesels, the 2.7- and 3.0-liter TDI V6s will also be available for non-North American markets. All motors drive through six-speed gearboxes before being routed through quattro all-wheel drive.
