2007 Audi allroad quattro Preview

As both the A6 and the allroad rely only on a permanently engaged

Five-way adjustable air suspension enables allroad to tackle everything from the shopping mall to windy narrow mountain paths. (Photo: Audi Canada)

all-wheel drive system without a transfer case, what sets the standard A6 quattro apart from the allroad is its off-road tweaked underpinnings. The allroad features an aluminum-intensive suspension housing with adjustable air dampers which allow for five different ride heights, two of which are catered to off-roading with much greater ride height (up to 185 mm or 7.2 inches more than standard ride height) for clearing obstacles. The suspension also self-levels for passenger and cargo load balancing. When the vehicle reaches highway speeds, the air suspension automatically reduces the ride height in order to lower the car's centre of gravity and improve its handling and aerodynamics. Audi also altered the settings on the ESP stability control system to improve the allroad's path-worthiness.

At

allroad's cabin features high quality materials, and a colour scheme that could either be at home in a coffee shop, or the wild outdoors. (Photo: Audi Canada)

heart, the allroad is designed to be more of a traveler's best friend, offering the toughness of an all-terrain vehicle, with the cargo-capacity and driving characteristics of a premium luxury wagon. The allroad features up to 1,660 litres (58.6 cu-ft) of cargo space, plus Audi's innovative cargo rail organization system that features metal dividers, sliding tie-down latches and a cargo 'seatbelt' to ensure that any luggage onboard isn't tempted to enter the passenger cabin.

In the Audi range, the allroad is positioned above the A6 Avant, but below the Q7. Its standard equipment list is much larger than that of the A6 Avant, featuring the five-mode air suspension, dual-zone digital climate control, heated seats, 17-inch alloy wheels (optional 18-inch; standard on V8), and the MMI multi-media interface with bright LCD display as standard equipment. For those who wish to traverse the planet in greater luxury and convenience, Audi also offers the allroad with a power-lift tailgate, keyless start, adaptive swiveling xenon headlamps, and a rear-facing park-assist video camera.

While the new allroad is undoubtedly a better vehicle than its predecessor, offering more

The biggest competitor to the new allroad is Audi's own Q7. (Photo: Audi Canada)

of what Audi owners desire, there's something missing here; that certain factor of exclusivity which previously set the model apart from conventional A6 Avants. Perhaps it was the air suspension now available on the A6, or maybe the exotic twin-turbo engine that's no longer available, or the fact that the allroad's sleek roofline and heavily raked hatch looks out of place dressed up in hiking boots. Nevertheless, Audi views the allroad as a vehicle that has the potential to succeed in this uninhabited marketplace, but instead of the question, "Can we sell it?", Audi must now be concerned with its performance against the Q7 and the smaller, forthcoming Q5.

Specifications:

• Price Range (estimated MSRP): $69,000 - $82,000
• Type: 5-door, 5-passenger wagon
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 255 hp, 243 lb-ft of torque, 3.1L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
• Optional Engine: 350 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, 4.2L, 32-valve, DOHC V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (frt/rr): disc / disc, ABS, EBD, BA
• Tires: P245/45R-17
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (seats up/folded): 565 / 1,660 L (19.95 / 58.6 cu ft)
• Performance (0-100 km/h): 7.2 seconds
• Top speed: 242 km/h (150 mph)
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
  
• Competitors: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC70/XC90
• Web Site: www.audicanada.ca