What we have here is the new Audi A4 allroad Quattro. allroad? Indeed. The higher ride height is the first giveaway, then snow tyres for best grip. Finally the wheel arches and side skirts are all from the A6 allroad.
These models are normally offered in avant/ wagon form, such as the A6 original. Therefore it’s possible that Audi is just using the sedan body for testing purposes. Also possible is that allroad will be, for the very first time in A4, be using a normal sedan configuration. A soft-road sedan? Sure thing. And why not? Engine choices may match those of the A6 allroad, with the 2.0 TDI and 1.8 TFSI being the bread and butter models for Audi.
Audi has been beefing up model lineup for the past few years in anticipation of unseating BMW as the world’s leading premium car maker. allroad is just one of the many tools to be used.
Audi A4 Allroad Spy Photos Out!
allroad Could Arrive as Sedan
Automedia / A4 allroad for Higher
Comments
joelynn
February 2, 2008 1:43 AM
what's next- an allroad TT or A5 off-roading saloons......- a niche too far? are other off-roader crossovers successful? The R-class? The Scenic RX4? Suzuki X-90? hmm....
ck314
February 2, 2008 3:29 AM
I don't think they would dare doing this, crossovers are synonims of adventure and leisure time (=flexible cargo space), and anyone wanting a sedan in cold climates already have the quattro versions with winter tires at their disposal.
MiracleWhipp
February 2, 2008 5:20 AM
Useless? not for those who require it. its not a cross-over either. subaru sells more Legacy Outbacks and Foresters in the US than you can imagine. in places like new england, colorado and the northern mid-west, raised awd subarus are everywhere, as is the Volvo XC70. too bad they fall apart after a few years. subaru also has zero competition at the high teens to low 20's price points. if Audi brought a new A4 All-Road to the states, and priced it under the Volvo XC70, they would rule that price segment. the current A6 All-Road is just too pricey. i would most seriously consider trading in my beloved subaru for an A4 All-Road.
wolff
February 2, 2008 10:57 AM
or.. could this just be a testing mule for a car of this chassis?? :O i mean, an Q3 or something??
ck314
February 2, 2008 2:31 PM
Nah the Q5 is in its final development stages, and a hypothetic Q3 would be based on transversal engine platform (aka A3/Golf). Most likely they do this to divert attention from the final product (A4 Avant Allroad).
NICKKOP
February 2, 2008 6:06 PM
Nice! Audi may draw back some lost buyers as this cannot be had with any of its competitors, but they better offer an array of engines in the U.S. including the 2.0TDI and 3.0TDI as well as 2.0TFSI
NICKKOP
February 2, 2008 6:10 PM
In a way audi is staying true to their roots, as we know that Quattro was not first developed, nor did it only gain popularity only for on-road performance, and many of these buyers also prefer the idea of a traditional car with car with quattro and some off-road ability, especially now with the rediculous fuel costs.. better bring TDI baby!
xLumino
February 2, 2008 6:20 PM
Audi was very successful selling Allroads in the past. I'm sure they will offer an allroad-A4. And why useless? It is a car with simply a different style and some technical changings. Why you judge this as useless?!
Alex
February 2, 2008 8:42 PM
It must be a mule for the new RS4. Just like RS6 has had wider suspension.
A4 Allroad as a produst would be a waste of time with Q5 and Q3 on the way.
ck314
February 2, 2008 11:51 PM
Not really, those exhaust pipes are those of a 3.2 FSi, and track width remains unchanged, just higher.
NaBUru38
February 3, 2008 12:22 AM
An Allroad sedan is stupid, but an A4 Allroad station wagon is good. Audi isn't so stupid to put black bumpers on a sedan, is it?
FP23
February 3, 2008 3:19 PM
the new Audi A4 Avant station wagon isn't revealed yet .. no wonder why the use the sedan for testing the new chassis and technology ;)
Of course there won't be no Allroad Sedan lol^^
Audi_fan
February 3, 2008 10:45 PM
you can't criticize a car that much until you see what's it gonna be..so stop saying it's useless until they post something newer!
ceven
February 4, 2008 11:34 AM
I actually like this.
Why not have quattro 4WD? Why not look a bit beefier?
Put the glorious 3.0 TDI in and off you go...
NX
February 8, 2008 2:30 AM
If Audi can pull off the cosmetics, an Audi AllRoad saloon is an awesome idea. Another niche for customers to explore.
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