2015 Audi Allroad
I remember mixed feelings when Audi replaced the very svelte A4 wagon—called Avant—in the US in 2012 with the jacked-up allroad. I deeply missed the departure of one of the only sports wagons offered to us, yet was excited at the resurrection of the high-bandwidth allroad concept. Adding an inch and a half to its springs, some fender flares and a very showcar-like grill kept the design score way up, and hardly anything changed inside the stoutly built, high quality interior. There were also no alterations to the sole powertrain offering of 220hp, 2-liter four and slick eight-speed automatic, coupled to contemporary quattro all wheel drive.
Revisited two years later, I find myself less enamored of the compromises inherent in the transformation. Certainly the taller ride height creates some clearance for fire roads and trailhead access, but the downside is that the taller springs feel stiffer, which would seem necessary to retain any of the outgoing A4 Avant’s excellent handling. What is certainly noticeable is that the allroad’s urban ride is stiffer and less forgiving than the older vehicle’s—even if it was equipped with the optional Sports suspension—and is more prone to a slight vagueness in tracking at highway speeds. The ride is worlds’ better than in the recently reviewed Volvo V60 R-Design, but not as good as a BMW 328i SportWagon or new Subaru Outback (tested here). The drivetrain is quiet and the 258lb-ft of torque that hits in the lower third of the RPM range makes the allroad brisk around town, and 0-60mph takes just a little over six seconds, but much of its wind seems sucked out by the climb up Interstate 70 into the mountains. The BMW’s engine kills it for high-end power, and though the Volvo is faster thanks to its six cylinder, the Audi has a more refined feel and better fuel economy.
Higher speeds also reveal quite excessive wind noise around the A-pillars and roof rails; while most Audis suffer from this to some degree, it is more noticeable in the allroad. Otherwise this is a quiet, refined cruiser. The MMI infotainment interface is still first rate, though Bluetooth sound quality is awful. Comfort in the front is excellent, and the rear seat and cargo area better the Volvo and are on par with the BMW. The allroad’s interior is starting to feel quite stark in contrast to the lovely V60 furnishings, though it appears more solid than the 328i’s.
A more damning demerit in the allroad are the windshield wipers, which freeze up and refuse to thaw at temps below about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter the setting for the defroster. Bulletin board searches reveal this to be a common allroad issue, and it certainly undermines confidence in the Audi as a ski/mountain machine. My final gripe is that it is all too easy to drag your pants legs across the dirty sills that project beyond the door apertures.
The recipe for the allroad is still sound; for those who don’t want a vehicle like Audi’s own, excellent Q5, here is a more dynamic—if smaller—vehicle with much of its ability. But it is indeed starting to feel long in the tooth, and some of the irritations surrounding daily use make it harder to recommend than it once was, such is the progress with which crossovers are progressing in style and substance.
EPA ratings: 21/28mpg; 24mpg combined
Price as tested: $48,325
Here is what Audi has to say about it.
Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.
