2014 Audi allroad 2.0T quattro Test Drive

?Audi allroad: A ?Go Anywhere? luxury sport wagon?

Audi-allroad-LSFF

Audi marked the return of an icon, with its 2013 allroad, which came back to the U.S. marketplace for the first time since 2005. The 2013 Audi allroad was all new, appearing on a modified A4 architecture and replacing the Audi A4 Avant. The Audi allroad was 0.6-inches wider, 2.3-inches taller, with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor for added ride comfort, and providing 1.5-inches of extra ground clearance. The allroad?s track was also increased.

The 2013 allroad might well have been the most attractive new vehicle in Audi?s lineup, along with being faster, and while delivering greater fuel efficiency. Exterior design features included: an exclusive Singleframe? grille with angled upper corners and vertical slats, sporting the four-ring Audi logo up front; a distinctive new headlamp design with freshened LED lighting (available with xenon-plus); circular fog lamps; enlarged side mirrors with optional power folding feature; stainless steel skid plates front and rear as well as side sills.

Audi-allroad-LSD

Three trim or content levels are available for the 2014 Audi allroad: ?Premium, which starts at $40,700; Premium Plus, beginning at $43,300., and Prestige -with a starting point of $49,200. Add $895 to all trims for Destination and Handling.

Audi-allroad-Engine

Motive energy for the 2014 Audi allroad continues to be delivered by a 2.0-liter TFSI Direct Injection, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with ULEV II / OBD II certification. The four-cylinder engine now pumps out 220 horses in a range from 4,450-6,000 rpm, while torque remains the same ? 258 pound feet from 1,500-4,300 rpm. Power is geared to all four wheels via Audi?s quattro all-wheel drive system with asymmetric/ dynamic torque distribution (torque split 40:60) through an electronically controlled eight-speed Tiptronic? automatic transmission with Sport and manual shift modes.

Improvements have been made to the iconic Audi allroad for the 2014 model year, which returned last year following a seven-year hiatus to U.S. shores. The Convenience package is now standard fare on all trim levels. The Audi allroad is available in two new metallic colors: Cuv?e Silver and Dakota Gray. Audi?s advanced key is now included in the Premium Plus package, Prestige models will include manual side window sunshades and Audi side assist* will be available optionally as a standalone feature on the Premium Plus model.

The 2014 Audi allroad now provides 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats in place, which increases to 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. An optional power tailgate is available.

Audi-allroad-Wheel

The Audi allroad rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with taller sidewall tires as standard issue, with 19-inch wheels optionally available. Standard front and rear fascias appear in a contrasting matte finish, as do the wheel well arches, with an available full paint finish. The allroad displays a sleek and aerodynamic profile with blacked-out ?B? and ?C? pillars and curved greenhouse that finishes off with a rearward sloping ?D? pillar. The standard liftgate includes an integrated spoiler, and the top is capped by side roof rails. A character line runs the length of the vehicle just below the shoulder, while a more pronounced rocker character line joins the wheel wells with an upward sweeping accent, and the integrated circular, split dual exhaust tips finish off the rear.

Audi-allroad-Interior

Moving to the inside, the allroad delivers more front passenger headroom than its predecessor and features a standard Panorama sunroof, eight-way power adjustable seats which are heated in the front, with a driver seat memory feature. A sports interior package comes with twelve-way power front sport seats and a?three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters. Interior trim features aluminum Trigon inlays as standard fare, with three wood inlay choices optionally available. Two different color schemes are available in the allroad: Black seats and carpet,?a Black upper and lower dash, Aluminum Trigon dash beltline trim and a Lunar Silver headliner; or Chestnut Brown seats, Black carpet and upper and lower dash, Aluminum Trigon dash beltline trim and a Black headliner.

Audi-allroad-Dash
The instrument cluster sports a revised look; with a high gloss finish on interior trim accents. Audi?s third generation MMI? Plus (optionally available) features Alu-optic soft keys, and window and trunk buttons appear in partial Alu-optic. Audi Drive Select along with Audi Connect? with online services are available as options, as is a Bang and Olufsen? premium sound system.

Optional Driver Assistance features include: Audi adaptive cruise control; Audi parking system plus; Audi side assist; and Audi dynamic steering.

My test 2014 Audi allroad was a Premium Plus model, finished outside in Brilliant Black metallic with Silver cladding and a Black interior. The base sticker was set at $40,700. which escalated to a final tally of $47,245 after factoring in Audi?s MMI Navigation pus package, the Premium Plus Package and Destination charge.

SUMMARY:? The 2014 Audi allroad serves up the functionality and versatility of an SUV while also providing the comfort and ambience of a luxury sedan or wagon.

Audi-allroad-RSRR

The exterior of the allroad? reflects the aura of the great outdoors, but with an elegant touch. The cabin surrounds the occupants in total comfort. The expansive, standard Panorama sunroof illuminates the interior in natural light,
for an open airy feeling. The allroad is a vehicle that?s suited for both on and off road journeys, capable of taking on nearly all scenarios, with stainless steel?underbody protection and raised suspension (7.1 inches of ground clearance) while providing comfortable and luxurious surroundings. The allroad comes with Electronic Stability Control featuring an off-road mode, which helps to maintain stability.

The Google maps overlay and its 360-degree street view is an informative and entertaining feature as well, while aiding in real time navigation.

Audi-allroad-Hatch

Essentially, the allroad seems to have it all – exceptional good looks, satisfying and responsive acceleration, gratifying performance and luxurious accommodations, while offering the versatility for backroads adventure. It?s not intended for extreme rock crawling mind you, but primitive dirt and gravel roads may be traversed with ease. Factor in worthwhile fuel mileage capability and security inducing warranty and maintenance program and the allroad?s appeal becomes a ??no brainer?, while making a bold statement for luxurious performance wagons.

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?[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2014 Audi allroad 2.0T Premium Plus quattro Tiptronic [/wptabtitle]
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Base Price: $40,700.
Price as Tested: $47,245.
Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter TFSI Direct Injection, turbocharged inline four-cylinder. Tier2 BINS/ULEV II certification.
Horsepower (bhp): 220 @ 4,450-6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 258 @ 1,500-4,300 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic with Sport and manual shift modes.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with asymmetric/ dynamic torque distribution (torque split 40:60).
Suspension: Front – Five-link with stabilizer bar.
Rear – Trapezoidal-link independent steel spring.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, EBD, BA, ESC, EDL and electromechanical emergency brake with drive-off release function.
Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P-7 – 245/45 R18 100H all-season mounted on 8×18 5-arm rotor, allroad design alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Length Overall: 185.9 inches
Width: 79.0 inches – with mirrors
Height: 58.0 inches
Curb Weight: 3,891 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 16.1 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.36
0 – 60 mph: 6.4 seconds – Top track speed=130 mph.

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Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
 

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