Audi A6 Allroad Quattro 2007 review

Audi already offers some of these elements separately in other models, but in this one, it all comes together. The second-generation allroad sits between the prestige A6 Avant and the larger, luxury SUV, the Q7.

And Audi believes that despite some similarities to the other models, it will still find its niche market, with a forecasted 100 sales for the remainder of the year. The price tag alone brings high expectations.

Sitting at $106,000, the allroad isn't cheap, and price seems to grow rapidly once options are added. Our test cars were all fitted with other features such as an iPod connection, different leather, reversing camera, satellite navigation and so on, which will add thousands to the price. And considering it is already $20,000 more than the Q7, it is a big step up and for that you expect a lot more.

Granted, it does come in cheaper than the 3.2-litre petrol A6 Avant. But it doesn't have the same off-road ability and has a $3000 premium. The 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine is a smooth, quiet performer and you can barely notice it's not a petrol from the inside.

The noise, or should I say lack of, doesn't reveal its true identity.

The V6 reaches a maximum 171kW and it boasts a torquey engine producing 450Nm from the lower end of the tacho, coming on relatively quickly from 1400rpm to 3250rpm.

And with the performance accessed through a very smooth shifting six-speed tiptronic transmission with DSP and sports program, there's no doubt it's a luxury and to a degree, sporty drive.

The big difference to the A6 Avant is the adaptive air suspension system. When the conditions change, the suspension adapts. It is activated both automatically, or if you choose, manually. Known as the electronically controlled adaptive air suspension system, it alters the trim height of the body by up to 61 millimetres.

It acknowledges the road conditions, speed and driving style and automatically adjusts the control characteristics of the adaptive shock absorbers. In simpler terms, it means there are five modes, which are all pretty self-explanatory. These are dynamic, automatic, comfort, allroad and lift.

During the different modes, the body is lowered or raised. As an example, dynamic is like a sports suspension setting, so the body is lowered to a ground clearance of 125mm.

And you really notice the difference when taking control of the system and manually adjusting. The ESP system has also been enhanced to be more suitable for off-road use.

Quattro all-wheel-drive is another feature on the allroad. It splits the torque between the front and rear axles in a 50/50 distribution, with a bias to the rear.

The car is also very strong in its stance on the road, with a boosted torsional rigidity.

The allroad proved itself this week on a combination of bitumen and dirt roads, although the dirt roads weren't extreme four-wheel-driving tracks and more bumpy conditions and tighter turns might alter the performance. Its luxury presence may not be as well suited to more adventurous tracks.

But on the roads we tackled, the allroad handled well at high speeds and was a comfortable drive in terms of ride, setting and appearance. It's like a sibling to the A6 — think the Minogue sisters. You can tell they're related, but each has her own defining character.

The allroad is longer, wider and more spacious than its younger relative.

The striking front grille on the allroad stands out with a dominant and strong presence, which also gives the car a really muscular impression.

This is nicely complemented by the new roof rails in aluminium, newly designed bumpers, flared wheel arches and those sporty looking, large twin-exhaust pipes.

The wheels are also slightly larger than the A6 Avant. Audi designs succeed because they're not too much of a “look at me” style. The new allroad follows this line with its subtle, classy design.

There's all the comfort you can expect with the interior: cosy leather, sports seats, wood trim and an electronic parking brake, all in the style that mimics the A6 Avant. The entertainment system is very easy to use and incorporates features such as the radio/six disc CD stacker, the viewing for the air suspension, and extras, including the optional navigational system.

One downside to the allroad is that it only comes with a space-saver spare. With its off-road abilities, the allroad would make much more sense with a full-size spare.

The launch saw one car temporarily sidelined because of a flat. Audi Australia says a full-size spare isn't available at this stage. The previous allroad achieved better sales than originally expected for Audi.

There were some 90,000 orders worldwide between 2000 and 2005. About 1000 of those sales were in Australia. This new generation is aimed at “affluent professionals” with a family, who are sporty and adventurous in character. Most buyers are expected to be male, but it is designed to satisfy women as well.

The allroad is unique in its character because other luxury manufacturers don't have a model that offers the whole package of off-road and diesel in wagon form.

Fast facts

Audi A6 Allroad quattro

Price: $106,000

Engine: 3.0-litre, V6 turbo diesel, 171kW@4000rpm, 450Nm@1400rpm-3250rpm

Transmission: 6-speed tiptronic with DSP and sports program.

Fuel: 80-litre tank, 9.8L/100km (as tested), 8.8L/100km (claimed) combined

Verdict: It's all elegance and all style in this luxury wagon, and the best part is you can even get it dirty.