Audizine Model Review: The 2013 Audi allroad quattro 2.0T

***Admin*** · 02-13-2012 05:19 PM

Model Review: 2013 Audi allroad quattro 2.0T
February 12, 2012 - By Richard Melick, Photos by Richard Melick and Mike Selander

As Audi fans, we all know the original A6-based allroad quattro that was brought across the pond roughly a decade ago. With its "ugly duckling" looks, it was a love it or hate it kind of vehicle. Its only real European competition at the time was from Volvo's now extinct all-wheel drive "Cross Country". With its adaptive air ride suspension, toughed up underpinnings, and overall rugged looks, the allroad became one of the first successful European crossovers in the United States. It was the Avant for the modern parent, and while popular with many Audi fans, it sadly stopped coming to our shores in 2005. In doing so it left a gap in the market which Audi filled with their first SUV, the much larger Q7, and then eventually the more midsize Q5.

But, rather surprisingly, the US is finally getting its allroad back. This time though on a very different platform. The new A4-based allroad quattro is coming to market as a replacement for the "normal" A4 Avant. This latest iteration of the allroad is reported to be hitting showrooms in June of this year, coming over as a 2013 model with a beefier (yet non-adjustable suspension), front and rear skid plates, and those recognizable "allroad gray" flared fenders and lower bumpers as standard. For those not digging the two-tone look, you can opt to have those pieces color-matched to your vehicle's paint.

To generate buzz and excitement about this new car, Audi has sent five Euro-spec allroads to North America for various PR events. They're currently traveling the circuit form dealership to dealership. One of those cars ended up at Ed Carroll Motor Company in Fort Collins, Colorado, who gave us a call to come check it out for ourselves. Never one to turn down a test drive, come sun or snow, I headed right over. I was eager to see if this new allroad could fill the shoes of its older brother. More

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**dbcperformance** · 02-13-2012 08:03 PM

Good write up. Excited about this car

**bluetori** · 02-14-2012 05:36 PM

I'm depressed this IS the car I wanted but wasn't available when I obviously got mine but I don't want to start over on a new car.

**Blake P** · 02-14-2012 09:52 PM

Thanks for the candid review and pics! I really want to like this car, but there are still too many unanswered questions regarding options and specs that will have to wait until order guides are released.

***Anthony*** · 02-15-2012 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Blake P

Thanks for the candid review and pics! I really want to like this car, but there are still too many unanswered questions regarding options and specs that will have to wait until order guides are released.

What else do you want to know about besides the finish on the color-matched lowers? Let me know and I'll see if I can't get the questions in front of the product manager at AoA.

**vtheman** · 02-15-2012 01:32 AM

Every time I tell myself this is it, this is the car I am keeping for at least 6-7 years they come up with something else I want.

**Blake P** · 02-15-2012 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by Anthony

What else do you want to know about besides the finish on the color-matched lowers? Let me know and I'll see if I can't get the questions in front of the product manager at AoA.

I'd really like to know if there will be anything similar to the S Line interior offered - black headliner, alcantara seating inserts, brushed aluminum (or piano black) trim. I really hate wood trim and that textured aluminum stuff is horrible. Of course oCarbon is an option, but not having a black headliner and rearview mirror are likely deal breakers. It would be hard going back to leather after having alcantara, but I'm sure I could manage.