Car reviews

Introduction

The Audi A6 Allroad is the A6 Avant but with raised suspension and permanent four-wheel drive. It is almost identical from the outside apart from being slightly higher on its raised suspension, but once inside you'll find it hard, if not impossible to tell the difference between the two. It is capable of tackling dirt tracks and fields easily but as a proper off roader you'll be better off looking else where. It is a great towing vehicle though with it only coming with the more powerful engines in the A6 range that provide it with plenty of power and speed.

Exterior & Interior

The Allroad looks just like a normal A6 just with pumped up suspension from the outside. Inside it's even harder to tell the difference with them being practically identical. It seats five adults comfortably with the seats offering plenty of support and the boot is a good size too with only the Mercedes E-Class estate being bigger. The build quality is superb with the cabin feeling spacious and airy even with five people in. The quality of the materials used is second to none with all the switches and dials feeling strong and robust with the dash and central console being clearly laid out and easy to use. There is only one trim level available on the Allroad but it does come well equipped with ABS, alloy wheels, climate and cruise control, airbags all round, CD stereo, electric mirrors and windows, an alarm, headlight washers, traction control, a service indictor and lumbar support. There are not many optional extras available with just sat-nav, heated seats, a sunroof and a CD multichanger being available.

Drive

The Allroad may be sold as a vehicle that can be used off road, but don't expect this to be the case. The only real off roading it can do is dirt tracks and fields where the all wheel drive proves very useful. The adaptive air suspension can be lowered or raised depending on what surface you're driving over. On the road it drives superbly with the four-wheel drive system providing plenty of grip even in the worst of weather. However, it's not as good as the standard A6. The body roll is more noticeable in the corners, but that is to be expected from a car that is higher than the original model, still, it corners superbly. The suspension does offer a very smooth and comfortable ride on all surfaces and there is an evident lack of noise in the cabin thanks to its superb build quality. The driving position is good too with plenty of adjustments in both the steering wheel and seat allowing you to find the most comfortable position. Although it may not be as elevated as proper off roaders it does offer a sportier feel.

Faults & Repairs

There have been few problems with the Allroad over the years, but there was a recall for cars made before February 2001 due to a problem with the driver's side wiper. Other than that just make sure that the suspension, brakes and four-wheel drive system are still working well as these areas could prove costly to repair. When it comes to services and repairs be prepared to fork out a substantial amount as Audi's hourly rates are one of the highest around and the average repair costs come in higher than both Volvo and BMW.