Audi A6 Allroad Quattro 2015 Car Auto Review
Audi Audi A6 Allroad X Auto
If you want lots of space, a luxurious cabin and some off-roading ability, buying a large 4x4 like a Discovery may seem the obvious choice. But what if you don’t like the image of SUVs, or the way they drive? Well you could choose this Audi A6 Allroad instead. Boasting a raised ride-height and Quattro four-wheel drive, it can tackle fields and muddy tracks, but back on the road it’s far more ground hugging and fun to drive than your average 4x4. Starting from £45k the Allroad is a premium alternative to the Insignia Country Tourer and Volvo XC70. And while an estate car’s headroom might not be quite as generous, the Allroad certainly isn’t lacking in any other department. This is a superb interior, with every visible surface covered in top-notch materials.
If you don’t like these optional inlays, don’t worry, more than ten other types of aluminium and wood are available, although the makeover will set you back between £385 and £1,550. In fact, this test car is loaded with options and boasts a head-up display, massaging and ventilated front seats and even a £6,300 Bang & Olufsen sound system. In all, they take its cost from £50,000 to over £80,000, but most of these options are luxury rather than essential items. This is definitely first-class travel, with bags of adjustment for both the steering wheel and seats making it easy to get comfortable in the front. Taller passengers shouldn’t struggle in the back either, I’m 5ft 11 and have lots of knee and headroom behind my own driving position.
Beneath the hatchback there’s a generous 565-litre boot, which is not only large but also a usefully square shape, with no wheel arch intrusions for things to get snagged on. The rear seats fold flat, offering 1,680 litres up to the roof, 80 litres more than a Volvo XC70. Because this is the Allroad, it’s fitted with an air suspension system normally found in 4x4s. There are four settings for raising and lowering the car, improving handling on its bottom setting and providing extra ground clearance when it’s lifted up. In normal driving around 40 per cent of power goes to the front wheels and 60 per cent to the rear and the Allroad feels very stable in corners, with a surplus of grip and little body roll. Like most Audi’s though, we wish the steering had a bit more feel.
Every engine has a 3.0-litre capacity, with diesel options ranging from 215bhp to a mid-range 268bhp version. This range-topping BiTurbo TDI has 316bhp, sprints from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and emits a surprising and rather pleasing burble thanks to some clever exhaust trickery. Luckily, being a diesel it should still return around 42mpg. While many see 4x4s as a status symbol, there are those who prefer the image and drive of a subtle estate. For them, the A6 Allroad should offer an almost unique package. It has brisk performance, the off-road potential to tackle most sticky situations and enough boot space for all your sports gear.
The only potential problem is the price, with the Volvo XC70 offering similar versatility and boot space from £34k, while the Allroad starts at £45k. Still, the rugged A6 estate just manages to feel special enough to justify its premium, with a stunning interior and the latest in driving and infotainment technology.
