New A4 allroad Quattro…The latest A4 has now been reconfigured as an allroad model… Although rather overshadowed by the h-tron quattro, the NAIAS 2016 (Detroit Show) also saw the world debut of the all-new A4 allroad quattro…
As with previo us incarnations, the Avant version of the latest A4 B9 has now been reconfigured as an allroad model, featuring the typical hallmarks of off-road-style bodywork, increased ride height and the latest form of the quattro all-wheel drive system.
Bodywork modifications include flared wheelarches and the modified rear bumper, finished either in textured matt grey or painted in the body colour, while the underbody guard and rear diffuser are finished in Selenite silver. The front end, with its unique bumper and model-specific air intakes, is set off by the vertical chrome slats of the sculpted singleframe grille, with allroad badges featuring on the front wings and tailgate. The higher roof rails round out the typical allroad look.
Xenon headlight units are standard, with LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals, and Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals front and rear also available as extracost options. The top version features traffic sign glare reduction, giving the driver an optimal view of road signs at all times.
At 4750 mm long and 1842 mm wide, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro measures 1493 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2818 mm, but despite its larger dimensions, the new A4 allroad has a kerb weight that can be 90 kg less than that of the previous model. With the 2.0 TFSI engine, it weighs just 1580 kg (without driver) thanks largely to the use of lightweight construction and a mix of materials that has trimmed 15 kg from the bodyshell alone.
The luggage compartment offers a capacity of 505 litres in the standard seating configuration, enlarging to 1510 litres with the rear seats folded down and loaded to the roof. A power luggage compartment cover and electric tailgate are standard, with the options of a rail and load-securing kit, and sensor control so the driver can open and close the tailgate using a foot gesture.
The new A4 allroad quattro is certified for towed loads of up to 2100 kg (with an 8 per cent gradient) and can be specified with an optional trailer hitch that unlocks electronically at the push of a button. Optional equipment also includes the Trailer manoeuvre assist, available on the A4 allroad for the first time, making it easier to manoeuvre a trailer, with the driver steering via the MMI controller.
Engines
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro B9 comes with a choice of 2.0-litre TFSI and 2.0 and 3.0-litre TDI units, ranging from 150 PS to 272 PS. Although more powerful than the previous model, CO2 emissions are reduced by as much as 21 g/km (190 PS 2.0 TDI) with all engines satisfying the Euro 6 emissions standard, and the updated start-stop system 2.0 further reduces fuel consumption by deactivating the engine on the over-run at speeds below 4 mph (below 2 mph for 3.0 TDI tiptronic auto) rather than waiting for it to come to a complete halt.
With the 252 PS / 370 Nm 2.0 TFSI in combination with 7-speed S tronic, the new A4 allroad quattro sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds, has a top speed of 152 mph and the NEDC fuel consumption figure is 44.1 mpg combined, corresponding to 147 g/km CO2.
The 2.0 TDI with 190 PS / 400 Nm and 7-speed S tronic clocks 0-62 mph in just 7.8 seconds, has a top speed of 136 mph and returns up to 57.7 mpg combined, corresponding to 128 g/km CO2. A future addition to the allroad range will be the 150 PS / 320 Nm 2.0 TDI for even greater fuel economy.
Two versions of the 3.0 V6 TDI come with either 218 PS / 400 Nm or 272 PS / 600 Nm, the latter capable of 0-62 mph in just 5.5 seconds, with a governed top speed of 155 mph and an NEDC fuel consumption figure of 53.3 mpg combined, corresponding to 139 g/km CO2.
There is also a choice of manual 6-speed transmission, the 7-speed S tronic and the 8-speed tiptronic auto. The 2.0 TDI comes with either the manual ’box or the new S tronic while the dual-clutch transmission is standard with the 2.0 TFSI and the 218 PS 3.0 TDI. The 8-speed tiptronic is reserved for the 272 PS 3.0 V6 TDI.
Of course, quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all models; a purely mechanical system, operating with zero delay, it is partnered with the updated wheel-selective torque control system, which is active on any surface.
With the suspension increased in height by 23 mm, the allroad has an additional 34 mm of ground clearance. It is also available for the first time with optional suspension where the damper characteristics adapt to the surface conditions and the driving situation for enhanced handling, greater comfort and significant off-road capability. The driver can choose the default setting of the suspension in Audi drive select and call up the desired handling characteristics at any time.
The new version of Audi drive select comes with an expanded range of functions, with an off-road mode in addition to the familiar comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual modes. It optimally adjusts the engine and transmission control, the steering, the optional adaptive suspension and all relevant driver and assistance systems for operation in light terrain.
Standard equipment is a set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, with optional sizes from 17 to 19 inches in diameter, and it has a space-saver spare wheel and comes with TPMS as standard.
With 338 mm diameter ventilated front brake discs, and an electromechanical parking brake integrated into the rear axle, the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) follows specific characteristics in the Audi drive select modes dynamic and offroad.
A focal point of the cockpit is the new MMI operating concept with rotary control knob including MMI touch, the large MMI display of up to 8.3 inches and the optional alldigital, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit. The new voice control system can recognise input made using everyday language and a head-up display adds to the list of options.
Audi connect brings tailored online services to the car via the fast LTE standard. Services include online roadside assistance, smartphone calendar integration, remote control functions and status reports via smartphone, plus apps for streaming media. The Audi phone box connects mobile phones to the on-board antenna and charges them inductively according to the Qi standard. The new Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android devices.
For discerning hi-fi fans, the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System is available, while the Audi tablet also functions as flexible Rear Seat Entertainment.
Optional driver assistance and safety systems include adaptive cruise control Stop&Go including traffic jam assist, which takes over acceleration and braking and helps with steering at speeds of up to 40 mph. Other new features include predictive efficiency assistant, park assist, cross-traffic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and the Audi pre-sense systems.
