Driven: Audi A4 Allroad Page 2
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2009 Audi A4 Allroad
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In cases of poor grip the Allroad features a less sensitive Offroad Detection mode (ORD) which keeps revs a little higher for more instant deceleration on downshifts and even allows near-lockup of the brakes, since locked brakes on loose surfaces build up more material in front of the tires and in turn the car stops more quickly. A similar system on the VW Touareg is called ABSPlus.
While the exterior of the Allroad looks the brawnified Avant, the inside is pure posh Audi, with a full-tilt mix of Audi’s classic soft-touch surface treatments for dash, door handles and center console and lightly chromed rims surround vents and instruments. Audi, like all cars sold in Europe, allows much greater customization there so customers get myriad options for surface treatments, with sport seats as an option, and trim in aluminum or several wood grains.
Why not for the U.S.?
The Allroad would just be too expensive for America. You can blame a weak dollar or the fact that for too long big cars have also been relatively cheap in this country. Or perhaps its a matter of sheer volume; if Audi could shift tens of thousands of Allroads the price could be cheaper.
As it stands even with the “base” engine-2.0-liter TFSI—in the U.S. that’s also the base engine for the 2010 A4 and A5—the Allroad would run $54,000. That’s way more expensive than the base Q5, at $37,200. The sticker for the Allroad we tested with a 3.0-liter TDI is a fierce $70,000. Yeah, it launches the car to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds and yet still gets a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg (we averaged slightly better than that). And it’s compelling that the 367 lb-ft of torque from the 3.0-liter diesel bests that of Audi’s 4.2-liter V-8 gas motor and hits hard at just 1,500 rpm, but there’s no U.S. consumer who would pay that much for the added torque or better mileage. Even the 2.0-liter TDI would retail for $60k in U.S. dollars and while that gets an even better combined 37 mpg (vs. 20 mpg combined for the Q5) this is still too steep a sticker unless gas goes up to $5 a gallon.
All that argues against an A4 Allroad for America, unfortunately. Then again, Audi has been one of the few brands of late that seems to "get" American tastes for flat-out gorgeous cars. My bet is those who buy the Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback don't prefer to be seen as less sexy, it's just that there's no other choice on the market..... Are you listening, Audi?
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By Wally Posted: 10/12/2009 11:05am PDT
By Wally Posted: 10/12/2009 11:08am PDT
By My Wheels On Walls Posted: 10/12/2009 3:25pm PDT
I must admit the word wagon does not bode well here in the U.S. Its as if Americans think fake wood paneling and a trip to Wally World when ever the word is mentioned.
It's almost like admitting the fact in the U.K. that one use to own a Capri. Instantly people think you like white socks with black shoe's and dated girls called Tracey with a white handbag who lives in a council flat with her mum and dad in Basildon!!!
By Kumar Posted: 10/18/2009 4:38am PDT
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