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3rd
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There are cars in this world that have everything going for them. If you've read any of my material over the years (sorry...) you're most likely aware that I love me a good wagon that is German, AWD, turbocharged, and that sports a little extra je ne sais quoi.
The 2013 Audi Allroad is clearly a testament to the fact that my tastes are spot on; no false modesty here! This car is another one of my wet dreams, along with the new 2014 Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG wagon.
The Allroad is not as flamboyant, yet it's the subtle yet robust appearance that especially gets me going. That and the fabulous 2.0 TFSI engine pegged along Audi's Quattro AWD system make this one of the classiest, most efficient, compact luxo wagons on the market. In addition, I would love to add one to my stable.
What is an Audi Allroad?
The Allroad is not an alien concept to North America. Between 2000-‘05, Audi offered an A6-based Allroad which featured the then S4's 2.7L twin-turbo V6. With 250 hp and Quattro on tap, it was one badass wagon.
The new 2013 Audi Allroad is now A4-based (A6 is still available in other markets) and currently the only station wagon version of the A4 offered here. A raised ride height, along with specific grille and fender flares endow it with a clean, rugged appearance.
Technicalities
The 2013 Audi Allroad features the Four-Ringed brands venerable 2.0T 4-cylinder engine. A long-time favourite of mine, it develops 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission is an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic.
The key element that makes an Audi, well, an Audi is its Quattro AWD. This permanent all-wheel-drive setup sports a self-locking centre differential. The typical torque split is 40/60 front to rear. This ratio changes when necessary for optimized traction. Torque vectoring adds an extra layer of handling performance beyond the centre differential's abilities with calculated and deliberate brake application.
Driving the Audi Allroad
As with most modern Audi products, the 2013 Audi Allroad practically drives itself. This statement can be somewhat discouraging to driving enthusiasts; however, Audi does cater to us with an agile chassis and a delight of a powertrain.
The Allroad's 2.0T TFSI is amongst the most efficient, well-tuned turbocharged 2.0L engines currently on the market. Efficient because I averaged 9L/100 km during my week's test in mixed 60/40 city/highway driving. Well-tuned because despite a low-on-paper output of 211 hp, the 1,765 kg (3,883 lb) station wagon blasts to 100 km/h in just over 6.5 seconds.
Beyond that, the way the 2013 Audi Allroad's TFSI delivers energy sans lag or hesitation. The 8-speed ‘box is always working to maximize the engine's generous torque. In Sport mode “S” (a light nudge of the shifter backwards), the car shifts from relaxed to high alert.
The real trick to the Allroad is that it feels far nimbler and lither than its volume and mass would suggest. At low to moderate speeds, the car's steering is perfectly assisted, and brakes and throttle all work ideally well. The Allroad is tossable and manoeuvrable.
At higher speeds, the Allroad's variable electric power steering's assistance was uneven at times; it would slow down then pick up slightly on an onramp for example.
The 2013 Audi Allroad's ride is faultless. Its solid platform coupled to a fully independent suspension with a German twist make for a drive that is equal parts comfort and sportiness.
Inside and out of the Audi Allroad
In addition, on that note, the 2013 Audi Allroad is a stunner, depending on the chosen exterior color (Ibis or Glacier white are ideal). The current Audi A4 is elegance on wheels. In its wagon form, the Allroad gains a grille that is a bowtie versus the regular grille, which is more of a necktie. Other physical changes include the aforementioned flares, beefed up bumpers and skid plates.
As I noted, there is nothing aesthetically wrong with the Allroad. Let me put it this way: If it doesn't tickle your fancy, you might want to see a doctor.
The 2013 Audi Allroad's cabin is all A4 livery that can be summarized as follows: Clean, proficient and austere. As tested, my $49,700 Premium trimmed car lacked nothing if navigation ($2,000) and a rear parking aid ($400).
Occupants are treated to comfortable front seats and a rear bench that offers room for three abreast and sufficient legroom to match -- all of this, if only for a reasonable road trip. The trunk is well finished and capacious enough, although not quite as much as a Volvo XC70.
Comparing the Audi Allroad
The 2013 Audi Allroad compares most favourably with the XC70. Both put forth an off-road-capable attitude, however, few are ever fooled by looks. They are able to tackle pretty much everything Mother Nature has to throw at us which makes them quite endearing. Actually, the fact that they're wagons makes them so.
The Allroad's base price of $45,100 (XC70: $42,400) is competitive mostly because the 3-Series wagon is no more, and we'll never get the C-Class wagon back.
The bottom line is that if you want a ruggedly cool German wagon; get it now while you can.
The 2013 Audi Allroad is clearly a testament to the fact that my tastes are spot on; no false modesty here! This car is another one of my wet dreams, along with the new 2014 Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG wagon.
The Allroad is not as flamboyant, yet it's the subtle yet robust appearance that especially gets me going. That and the fabulous 2.0 TFSI engine pegged along Audi's Quattro AWD system make this one of the classiest, most efficient, compact luxo wagons on the market. In addition, I would love to add one to my stable.
 |
What is an Audi Allroad?
The Allroad is not an alien concept to North America. Between 2000-‘05, Audi offered an A6-based Allroad which featured the then S4's 2.7L twin-turbo V6. With 250 hp and Quattro on tap, it was one badass wagon.
The new 2013 Audi Allroad is now A4-based (A6 is still available in other markets) and currently the only station wagon version of the A4 offered here. A raised ride height, along with specific grille and fender flares endow it with a clean, rugged appearance.
Technicalities
The 2013 Audi Allroad features the Four-Ringed brands venerable 2.0T 4-cylinder engine. A long-time favourite of mine, it develops 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission is an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic.
The key element that makes an Audi, well, an Audi is its Quattro AWD. This permanent all-wheel-drive setup sports a self-locking centre differential. The typical torque split is 40/60 front to rear. This ratio changes when necessary for optimized traction. Torque vectoring adds an extra layer of handling performance beyond the centre differential's abilities with calculated and deliberate brake application.
 |
| The 2013 Audi Allroad features the Four-Ringed brands venerable 2.0T 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Driving the Audi Allroad
As with most modern Audi products, the 2013 Audi Allroad practically drives itself. This statement can be somewhat discouraging to driving enthusiasts; however, Audi does cater to us with an agile chassis and a delight of a powertrain.
The Allroad's 2.0T TFSI is amongst the most efficient, well-tuned turbocharged 2.0L engines currently on the market. Efficient because I averaged 9L/100 km during my week's test in mixed 60/40 city/highway driving. Well-tuned because despite a low-on-paper output of 211 hp, the 1,765 kg (3,883 lb) station wagon blasts to 100 km/h in just over 6.5 seconds.
Beyond that, the way the 2013 Audi Allroad's TFSI delivers energy sans lag or hesitation. The 8-speed ‘box is always working to maximize the engine's generous torque. In Sport mode “S” (a light nudge of the shifter backwards), the car shifts from relaxed to high alert.
The real trick to the Allroad is that it feels far nimbler and lither than its volume and mass would suggest. At low to moderate speeds, the car's steering is perfectly assisted, and brakes and throttle all work ideally well. The Allroad is tossable and manoeuvrable.
At higher speeds, the Allroad's variable electric power steering's assistance was uneven at times; it would slow down then pick up slightly on an onramp for example.
The 2013 Audi Allroad's ride is faultless. Its solid platform coupled to a fully independent suspension with a German twist make for a drive that is equal parts comfort and sportiness.
 |
| The real trick to the Allroad is that it feels far nimbler and lither than its volume and mass would suggest. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Inside and out of the Audi Allroad
In addition, on that note, the 2013 Audi Allroad is a stunner, depending on the chosen exterior color (Ibis or Glacier white are ideal). The current Audi A4 is elegance on wheels. In its wagon form, the Allroad gains a grille that is a bowtie versus the regular grille, which is more of a necktie. Other physical changes include the aforementioned flares, beefed up bumpers and skid plates.
As I noted, there is nothing aesthetically wrong with the Allroad. Let me put it this way: If it doesn't tickle your fancy, you might want to see a doctor.
The 2013 Audi Allroad's cabin is all A4 livery that can be summarized as follows: Clean, proficient and austere. As tested, my $49,700 Premium trimmed car lacked nothing if navigation ($2,000) and a rear parking aid ($400).
Occupants are treated to comfortable front seats and a rear bench that offers room for three abreast and sufficient legroom to match -- all of this, if only for a reasonable road trip. The trunk is well finished and capacious enough, although not quite as much as a Volvo XC70.
 |
| The 2013 Audi Allroad's cabin is all A4 livery that can be summarized as follows: Clean, proficient and austere. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Comparing the Audi Allroad
The 2013 Audi Allroad compares most favourably with the XC70. Both put forth an off-road-capable attitude, however, few are ever fooled by looks. They are able to tackle pretty much everything Mother Nature has to throw at us which makes them quite endearing. Actually, the fact that they're wagons makes them so.
The Allroad's base price of $45,100 (XC70: $42,400) is competitive mostly because the 3-Series wagon is no more, and we'll never get the C-Class wagon back.
The bottom line is that if you want a ruggedly cool German wagon; get it now while you can.