GENEVA — Audi will unveil its new A4 Allroad Quattro at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. The new model will go on sale in Europe early in the summer, priced at the equivalent of $46,700. Audi has not announced any plans to bring it to the United States.
The A4 Allroad Quattro is intended to be versatile and rugged, with a high 7.09-inch ground clearance, permanent all-wheel drive and a wide front and rear track. Flared wheel arches, a stainless steel underbody guard and a set of chrome-ringed foglights add to the rugged appeal of the new model. Aside from those off-roader touches, the family resemblance to the A4 Avant is clear, especially in the low roof line and curved surfaces.
Audi is offering the A4 Allroad Quattro with a choice of one gasoline and two diesel engines at launch: a 211-horsepower 2.0-liter TSFI, a 2.0-liter diesel that makes 170 hp and the top 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that makes 240 hp. The TSFI and turbodiesel are mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, while the 2.0-liter diesel gets a six-speed manual transmission.
Off-road features include Audi's Electronic Stabilization Program, or ESP, and Off-road Detection technology that adjusts the ESP's control based on driving surface.
Luggage capacity in the Allroad Quattro is 17.3 cubic feet, increasing to 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Completing the sturdy image is a reversible cargo liner that is a dirt-resistant tray on one side. There's also a removable ski bag that loads in through the split rear seating, and a set of 17-inch wheels and tires — 18-inchers are optional.
Interior features include a control unit with an electromechanical handbrake, a central onboard monitor with color display and an MMI navigation system. "Exclusive allroad fabric," leather, or combined Alcantara and leather can be had. There's also a choice of standard metallic trim or aluminum, ash, nutmeg or walnut inlays.
Inside Line says: Audi shows what a compact sport wagon can do with a little beefing up. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
Add A Comment »