Despite expectations, the Audi Allroad returns for a second generation, writes Michael McAleer,Motoring editor.
It's the car that was never really meant to succeed. When it was first introduced at the start of this century, it was clear that Audi were caught napping by the surge in demand for SUVs and - not having anything in the stable to compete with the likes of the BMW X5 - rushed to beef up one of its estate models.
It was, in fact, one of the first crossovers on the market, though again Audi were never to realise the potential for such derivatives then.
At various launches, Audi attempted to show the muscularity of the Allroad, but the name gave the game away: it might manage a few bumpy country lanes but it was never going to be a mountain climber.
With the launch of the Q7 behemoth, the logic would have it that the Allroad would drive off into the distance, a quickly forgettable estate car with extra plastic wheel extensions.
As with all great plans, the reality never quite worked out that way.
While prices in Ireland meant it never quite dominated any sales tables, in global markets it proved particularly popular with families looking for plenty of load lugging ability, decent grip in treacherous winter conditions and a little muscle in their motoring diet.
These motorists - European in the main - didn't see the need for an SUV but a big estate with four-wheel-drive seemed to do the trick.
So now, contrary to initial expectations, the Allroad returns for a second generation, this time more tuned for the road than its predecessor and happy to accompany the Q7 into the fray.
In terms of styling, it retains its plastic wheelarches, thereby distinguishing itself from the regular A6 Avant to the uninitiated.
Audi suffers more than most from the dogma of design trends, in particular the seemingly untouchable commandment that one look should fit all models.
The latest must-have Audi look involves a massive front grille that dominates the likes of the Q7 and overpowers the front nose of the A3 Sportsback and even the Audi A4.
Ironically, despite being something of a crossover, the big chrome grille on the front of the Allroad really suits the car. While the plastic extensions remain along the side, the grille is the most impressive and imposing feature of the car.
Audi has the best looking estates in its class and this only adds to the lead they have on others in terms of looks.
Again the stainless steel over-riders peek out from under the front and rear bumper, though they are more for show than substance.
Bootspace seems enormous, stretching to 1,660 litres with the rear seats folded. That said, the Q7 does beat it with a maximum of 2,035 litres on offer so, despite the perception of an estate being a better load bearer than an SUV, the facts show it.
Inside and it's typical Audi, with particular benefits for the driver. Somehow the ergonomics of the higher seat position lends itself to the switchgear and every control is easily visible and within reach.
Despite the image status of an SUV, there are some who opt for these motoring goliaths out of some perception of increased safety.
For them the bulky exterior and cocooned cabin of the Allroad may offer the same reassurance without the necessity to sit so high in the air.
Yet again, Audi's build quality comes to the fore in the Allroad and the fit and finish of the car could not be queried. Every part felt securely fastened and shutlines - or gaps - between body panels were impressively tight.
Four engines are on offer, ranging from the 2.7-litre TDI which we tested, to a 4.2-litre 350bhp petrol version.
In reality this engine is more than capable of carrying along the Allroad and opting for anything else is just ridiculous excess in such a vehicle and you shouldn't even waste the time considering any other power source.
It's matched to a wonderfully smooth six-speed automatic gearbox and again, while manual versions will be offered, there doesn't seem to be any point in opting for them.
The test car revealed a smooth power flow, with little or no jolts or jerks and it's as comfortable as any luxury mile muncher on the open road, offering impressive stability at motorway speeds.
It may not be the fastest model on paper in terms of take-off performance but it never felt like a slouch during our time behind the wheel.
The only noticeable downsides to this diesel version is that it doesn't quite match the 3-litre version in terms of torque output, or pulling power.
For those with horseboxes in tow, the larger diesel may be the one to opt for.
The other issue would be fuel consumption: it's not one of the best diesel engines in this regard.
The four-wheel-drive system is of course a comforting feature in the worst of weather and to add to the off-road image, air suspension is standard.
Here it features five operational modes, the first three - dynamic, automatic and comfort - mirroring those of the regular road cars like the A6 and A8.
The additional two settings are Allroad and lift mode. The former rises the car's suspension and is something of a show feature in town traffic where you rise above the regular models.
The latter is only available below 35km/h and offers ground clearance of 185mm, enough to get you over thick grass on a muddy track but not quite on a par with the 240mm clearance of the Q7 or any other SUV for that matter.
That alone signals an end to Allroad's role as a distraction for SUV owners. Instead it's an on-road car with off-road and towing options. For all the height adjustments, the car's on-road ability is clearly what's important. Despite sitting perceptively higher than regular estates, the Allroad offers none of the bodyroll one would expect and even with a relatively soft suspension and comfortable ride there's never a feeling that you are somehow sacrificing handling control for a smoother ride.
The only complaint in this regard is with the steering, which remains a little lifeless throughout, though it does have an impressive turning circle for such a long car.
Standard features are typically Audi; you get enough to feel like a premium motorist but you quickly find a few creature comforts like leather seats and multifunctional steering wheels start to add thousands to the package.
For example, cruise control (€427), parking sensors (€1,278), and automatic air conditioning (€851) were all options rather than standard features.
All in all, the Allroad is a very attractive package, far more enticing than the ego-feeding Q7 or its like. Discretion and practicality combine to create a crossover that should appeal.
Yet our overriding problem with the Allroad is the price. While the 2.7-litre version comes in at €69,440, you can pick up a Q7 3-litre TDI for €72,400.
What's more, match the engines and the difference between the 3-litre TDI Allroad and its Q7 rival is just €860.
For our money we'd have this 2.7-litre version over any Q7, but you have to wonder whether others will turn their backs on the Q7 for this beefed-up estate, given the minimal price difference.
So it seems that Audi, at least in Ireland, is doing the Allroad a disservice. Outside the Audi firmament, the pricing seems even more difficult to justify.
While we love the idea of choosing a tough estate over some unwieldy SUV, it's pitted against the likes of the Range Rover Sport 2.7-litre TDI, the VW Touareg 3-litre TDI and the seven-seater Volvo XC90 D5.
Those are heavyweight competitors, popular with Irish family motorists and the Range Rover in particular has enough brand pedigree to challenge the Audi.
What the Allroad has going for it is discretion: it's tastefully discreet where the Q7 and its rivals are brash and loud.
It's a real pity that Audi didn't make it more competitively priced.
Factfile
ENGINE:
A 2,698cc common rail direct injection V6 diesel engine with VTG turbocharger, DOHC, outputting 180 bhp @ 3,300 - 4,500rpm and 380Nm of torque @ 1,400 - 3,300rpm
SPECIFICATION:
Standard features include: 17" alloys; driver, front and side airbags; adaptive air suspension; ESP; ABS; four-wheel-drive; MMI audio and information control; cloth seats; centre front armrest; front and rear foglights; remote cental locking; tinted side and rear windows.
L/100KM (MPG):
URBAN: 11.5 (24.6)
EXTRA URBAN: 7.0 (40.4)
COMBINED:8.7 (32.5)
CO2EMISSIONS:
229g/km
ANNUAL ROAD TAX:€999
PRICE:€69,440 (€69,440 to €98,840)