The Allroad: The Forerunner of Audi SUVs

Audi coined the term "Allroad" in 1999. At a time when most vehicles were called "off-road 4WD," Audi proposed a new concept: an SUV that could fully leverage the performance of quattro. The following year, 2000, the production model "Allroad Quattro," based on the "A6 Avant" from two generations prior, made its debut. It featured features like adjustable ride height via air suspension and an off-road-tuned ESP. Since then, the Allroad Quattro has been sold across three generations in the A6 series, including the previous and current models.

Meanwhile, for the "A4" series,Introduced to Japan as a limited edition in 2010was the first model, and due to its immense popularity,Became a catalog model from August 2014it was introduced. With this full model change, it has evolved into its second generation.

Incidentally, the Allroad series has achieved cumulative sales of 5,000 units in the Japanese market. Hideo Ishida, General Manager of Audi Japan's Marketing Division, introduced it by saying, "While not a massive seller in terms of volume, it's a model for which there are always users seeking the Allroad, regardless of the era."

Vertical Grille Slats: The Mark of the Allroad

Compared to theA4 Avant,the most significant exterior difference is the Singleframe grille. Audi often expresses its models through grille design, and the Allroad consistently features a chrome grille with vertical louvers. For reference, the A-line typically has horizontal elements, while RS models use a honeycomb grille.

Additionally, the front and side underbody protection and the rear diffuser are finished in silver. The addition of wheel arch moldings and a 30mm increase in ground clearance further enhance its SUV character.

The roof rails have also been modified. While the Avant's rails are integrated for aerodynamic efficiency, the Allroad's are designed with raised mounting points for easier attachment of carriers and other accessories.

The cargo capacity has also increased: 505 liters with all five seats in place, expanding to a maximum of 1,510 liters when the 3-split rear seats are folded down. This represents an increase of 15 liters and 80 liters, respectively, compared to the previous model.

Equipped with New quattro System

The basic equipment, safety features, and functions are all consistent with the "A4 Avant." The engine is also the same as the A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI quattro: a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC with an intercooled turbocharger. Compared to the previous A4 Allroad Quattro, power has increased by 20 kW (28 ps) to 185 kW (252 ps), and torque has increased by a maximum of 20 Nm to 370 Nm. As a result, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in 6.1 seconds. The transmission is a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch.

For off-road capability, an off-road mode has been added to the Audi drive select system. This mode controls the engine, transmission, and steering to facilitate driving on off-road terrain. Hill descent control is also equipped.

The most distinctive feature of the A4 Allroad Quattro is the newly developed quattro system, "ultra technology." By adding intelligent control mechanisms and two disconnecting clutches to the conventional mechanical differential unit, it is now possible to drive as a pure front-wheel-drive vehicle depending on road and driving conditions. However, quattro automatically intervenes on winding roads, rough terrain, or slippery conditions in wet weather, ensuring safe and stable driving.

Why was this system adopted? It's because it can improve fuel efficiency by reducing driving resistance. Combined with a body that has successfully shed 90 kg compared to the previous model, the JC08 mode fuel economy is 14.6 km/ℓ, an improvement of approximately 9 percent.

The ultra technology is planned for introduction in other models sequentially. Yasuo Maruta, Audi Japan's Public Relations Manager, commented, "As long as the maximum torque input is within 500 Nm, and unless the engine is exceptionally powerful, we expect to see this system adopted in an increasing number of vehicles."

Audi A4 allroad quattro | Audi A4 Allroad Quattro
Body Dimensions | Length 4,750 x Width 1,840 x Height 1,490 mm
Wheelbase | 2,820 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,680 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 185 kW (252 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 370 Nm / 1,600-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Dual-clutch (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 6.1 seconds
Tires Front/Rear | 225/55R17
Fuel Economy (JC08) | 14.6 km/ℓ
Price | 6.58 million yen