Audi A4 ALLROAD test drive since 2009

At least where

The choice is a complex thing, especially when you choose between a greater or lesser degree of non -rest. The Audi A4 AlloDI QUATTRO station wagon helps to make the right decision

Acquaintance with Audi new products in Bavaria is a pure experiment. In the native autobans and mountain serpentines, Ingolstadtsy feels like a fish in water, though the cars are revealed here in a refined form. However, the German brand would not be so successful if it had not instilled globalist features to its cars. Audi A4 Allroad Quattro in this sense is a typical representative of the family. He is his own on Bavarian high -speed tracks, but he is also a citizen of the world, a station wagon in every sense of the word. This car will focus on the appearance of the bodybuilder, but at the same time it will remain aesthet and dudes. Glamorous clothing will not prevent you from kneading dirt on the off -road, and the sports character does not diminish the sophisticated convenience.
Such is the younger brother of the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro and the closest relative of the Audi A4 Avant. These two models beat sales records, even despite the world's financial paralysis. So, the question of the release of OFF-ROD-version of the Ingolstadt four has been shaking. It is not surprising that the Ingolstadt residents are not afraid to let their ship to the will of crisis waters. We challenge the economic crisis with this car, ”says Peter Schwarzenbauer, sales director of the concern. And then it hypnotizes regular customers: our new product can do everything that Avant can, and even a little more.

Putting the boundaries
Whatever the leaders of the Ingolstadt concern say, the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro in the lineup of the company stands apart. The unique status is also noted in the corporate slogan not recognizing borders. It is immediately clear: the boundaries are not so much territorial as mental. The manufacturer needs to convince customers that the A4 Allroad Quattro offers more than the closest relative of A4 Avant, and no less than the Q5 crossover. Cunning manipulations with the consumer consciousness are not performed. The novelty really borrowed the strengths of the above models, while remaining in a unique, clearly defined segment. Outwardly, the Ingolstads all -wheel drive looks like an A4 Avant biceps. Two models have no fundamental differences in design, but there are indicative style accents. A4 Allroad clearly claims the role of an older brother, despite the fact that his wheelbase is 3 mm less than that of Avant. But it surpasses the already sold station wagon in all other overall parameters. Especially noticeable is the advantage in height (due to an increase in road clearance to 180 mm) and the rut. The latter on both axes is about 20 mm wider than that of A4 Avant. Rotings blinding with steel brilliance, the muscles of wheeled arches, protected by steel plates of the belly, a metal lining on the rear bumper and the thresholds dressed in stainless steel - attributes of adult, male romance. Moreover, romance is emphasized functional. Stylish flight leather leatheries, a compass of copyright work or, say, Zippo lighter, would fit into the same row.
The interior A4 ALLROAD QUATTRO is designed in a more conservative way. The thoroughness of the assembly is already perceived for granted. The chairs seemed to be shone for you - it doesn’t matter if you are fat or thin. Comfort of finishing materials envelops. Tactile sensations are supervised. Leather, aluminum, soft textured plastic, organic tanks from ash are tuned to rest and improve the mood. Notes of Off-Road style in the cabin do not sound. Rather, it is a symphony of total comfort and quality. The spirit of peace is also set by numerous roundings of details. The representative of Audi was not accidentally called the new model well -fed, without fear of negative connotations. A4 Allroad Quattro is alien to the burgher spirit. It is enough for the doubters to look at the compulsory silhouette and a combat off -road body kit. The calculation for brand recognition is also obvious. The company from Ingolstadt protects nerves and respects the habits of its customers. The company who moved to the A4 ALLROAD QUATTRO will understand the companies from the first milliseconds - they are in their favorite Audi.

Nepotism
The question of how A4 ALLROD will behave on the asphalt, tormented long before the start of the test. The body raised by 37 mm, higher springs and, accordingly, longer -flow shock absorbers (albeit, if necessary, if necessary, the Audi Drive Select) instilled doubts about the equally impeccable handling that, say, the fraternal A4 Avant is famous. On the other hand, a wider track, powerful reptile stabilizers and electronic reconfiguration of the all -wheel drive system did not allow to doubt the capabilities of A4 AlloD. The first kilometers along the Autoban from Munich airport resulted in the following observations: the station wagon perfectly holds the trajectory for 120, which is 200 km/h. Neither a hint of longitudinal buildup, the suspension pleases with a smooth move characteristic of Audi cars. The rolls in vihi on highway interchanges are minimal, one might say, symbolic.
The optimal manageability for active driving was achieved, however, in the dynamic mode of the Audi Drive Select system. We make a reservation that ADS in A4 Allroad Quattro is strictly connected with dynamic steering control. The reducer built into the steering column smoothly changes the gear ratio, and the steering wheel is noticeably heavier with a set of speed. We, nevertheless, would not recommend the dynamic ADS mode for constant use. For the track, it is perfect. But when resetting speed to the most permitted in Bavarian towns 60 km/h, the steering wheel remained uncomfortably heavy. In such situations, it is better to switch to comfort or a car mode.
The A4 ALLROAD Motor line is laconic: 2-liter TFSI and turbodieseli with a volume of 2 and 3 liters. We were lucky enough to try out the entire trinity, and never once changing the car caused disappointment. No wonder the 2-liter TFSI four times recognized as the engine of the year: 211 hp. And 350 Nm provides a pleasant acceleration, 6.9 s, felt by each body of the body to hundreds on paper - a sea of \u200b\u200badrenaline in sensations. This is despite the fact that the equipped mass of the A4 ALLROD with such a motor is 1650 kg, and in the cabin there were two not the most feeble riders. The motor loves high speeds. I want to twist and twist it. No less liked short moves and the highest switching of a 6-speed manual transmission.
The combination of a 2-liter 170-horsepower diesel engine with the same transmission did not cause such a flurry of sensations. Thanks to 350 nm of torque, the car confidently starts and pulls well in any gear, up to VI. Acceleration from 40 and 80 km/h, however, quite civilian, without adrenaline madness and notorious pressing into the chair. These sensations are given by a 3-liter TDI, working in tandem with a 7-speed robot with two S-Tronic clutch. And 240 hp And 500 Nm, achieved in the range of 1,500-3000 rpm, is near -fight weapons. Such A4 ALLROD provokes an aggressive ride, and no off -road paraphernalia is not hindered for it. It is a pity that the supply of 3-liter versions of the all-wheel drive to the Russian market is not yet planned. In terms of tradition, tenacious and informative brakes deserve compliments. They provide a soft and predicted slowdown in almost any road situation. An effective system of ventilation of brake discs will delight lovers of sports style of driving.

Dirt for Allroad
Germany is a clean and well -groomed country where residents are inspired from young nails: throwing a piece of paper on the street is a crime. But they still found dirt for A4 Allroad. More precisely, they simulated at the training ground in the vicinity of Munich. Tynts, howling, Bzyk, bam - the station wagon entrusted to us is polished the foundations of steep hills with thresholds and protection. It's okay, ”the accompanying instructor reassures. - The bottom and bumers of the all -wheel drive under steel armor. You believe the explanations, but you still regret the car, impulsively laying not the most bold trajectory. But the A4 ALLROAD overcomes mud baths and water obstacles with perky all -terrain lightness and even over the ears in the mud remains glamorous - the excellent quality with Russia with its autumn -spring cramp and amateurs of automobile gloss.
In Cloarid conversations, representatives of the brand, however, admit that the A4 Allroad off -road talents are not permanent. The car is suitable for fans of sorties out of town, especially in the offseason. I would like to increase the level of OFF -ROD - choose Q5. Nevertheless, the advantages of the A4 AlloD over A4 AVANT are by no means mythical. In addition to increased clearance and competent protection of underground units, these are, first of all, other settings of the course stability system (ESP), which, in particular, allowing a longer slipping of the wheels on the ground. The off -road mode in A4 ALLROD, in turn, will automatically include the off -road recognition system (ORD), which monitors the road surface with sensors. In general, the A4 AlloD permanent all -wheel drive system is close to the one that of Avant. The branded QUATTRO system divides the thrust in the ratio of 40:60 in favor of the rear axle. If necessary, the accents are shifted: up to 65% traction can be transferred to the front axle, up to 85% to the rear. And of course, the very name of the Ingolstadt model, involves some generosity of the manufacturer - A4 ALLROD has a constant Quattro all -wheel drive already in the database.

Money is not a pity
Does it make sense to compare the hero of our test with the senior Audi A6 Allroad Quattro, which has a pneumatic suspension in the arsenal, or with Subaru Forester, armed in combination with a mechanical gearbox? I think no. Audi A4 Allroad Quattro is created for other purposes and for other people. In addition, the Audi A4 A4 Allroad Quattro does not have direct competitors in the premium segment. The monopoly status is reflected in a verified price - it seems to be low, but not low. The basic modification with a 2-liter diesel engine, aggregated only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, costs 37,100 euros in Germany. For comparison: an all -wheel drive Avant will be in the basic version of about 3000 euros cheaper. For the parity Avant 2.0 TDI Quattro, 36,550 euros are asked - only 550 euros are cheaper than a car with ALLRAD nameplate. However, the share of pragmatist ascetics among Audi customers in any case is negligible. So, the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro is popular. The first cars will appear in European dealers already in May. In Russia, at first, only a 2-liter gasoline version with a 6-speed mechanical transmission or with S Tronic will be offered.


Technical characteristics of the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0 TFSI
Dimensions, mm
4721x1841x1495
Base, mm
2805
Trunk volume, l
490-1430
Equipped mass, kg
1650
engine's type
gasoline L4
Working volume, cubic meter. cm
1994
Max. Power, L.S./rpm
211/4300-6000
Max. moment, nm/rpm
350/1500-4200
Transmission

mechanical 6-speed
Drive unit
full
Max. speed, km/h
230
Acceleration time 0-100 km, with
6,9
Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km
8,1
Tank volume, l
64

Vasily Sergeev
Photo by the author
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Source: Avtopanorama magazine