What is new for the 2013
This all-new model, 2013 Audi Allroad replaces older A4 Avant wagon
Intro
Original Audi All road wagon earned some great reviews on the debut about one decade ago, but it quietly slipped with in 5 years as the Americans embraced had increasing popularity of the cross over SUVs. However, Audi is here trying again, for this time they have 2013 Allroad.
For this time, this Allroad is now based on A4, not heavier, larger A6 which had underpinned the predecessor. This new Allroad is about two and half inches taller, a bit longer & wider, & has more of ground clearance as compared to A4 wagon (Avant) which it replaces. Allroad is a bit less of off-roader, but more of all-weather competent automobile which you take off-high way on whim.
Just like A4, 2013 Audi Allroad has just 1 choice of the engine & transmission: 2.0-liters turbo 4-cylinder teamed along with 8-speed automatic & an all-wheel drive. However, Allroad’s great strength is the cabin. Along with the materials of high-end, design that is thoroughly modern & range of the up scale features, this Allroad does stand out as great place for sitting & motoring.
Allroad’s height of taller ride & an all-wheel drive does make some thing of an anodd duck for class of small-wagon. BMW xDrive 328i is the closest rival, but it does lacks same will for getting dirty. One size up, there is Volvo XC 70. It does follow same out doorsy theme of wagon as Allroad & is roomier & less expensive, but is not as nice on the inside & has lower economy of fuel. You’d say much same thing regarding Subaru Outback.
Then there is a host of the smaller luxury cross overs for considering, including the Q5 of Audi, BMW X3, Mercedes GLK-Class & Volvo XC60. They typically give more of cargo room & design that is SUV-like @ expense of the handling. All said, appeal of 2013 Allroad is quite narrow. But for shopper looking for splitting difference between the wagon & cross over SUV, it is ideal pick.
Trim Levels, Body Styles, & Options
2013 Audi Allroad is 5-passenger model that is available in levels of Premium Plus, Premium, & Prestige trim.
The standard features for Premium models are 18-inches wheels, automatic head lights, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, cruise control, climate automatic control, rear split-folding seats, tilt-&-telescoping wheel of steering, power front 8-way seats(having 4-way power lumbar) & ten speaker sound system along with disc player & satellite radio. Optional package of Convenience puts in Bluetooth, iPod interface & computer of enhanced trip, and Lighting package has bi-xenon head lamps & running LED lights.
All these features are there in Premium Plus trim, with the exterior heated mirrors, power lift gate, front heated seats, functions of driver memory, 3-zone automatic control of climate & mirrors of auto-dimming. Optional MMI package of Navigation puts in system of navigation along with traffic of real-time, rear view camera, sensors of rear parking, voice controls, a HD radio, computer color trip screen, services of Audi Connect Web & controls MMI that are located on center console.
Allroad Prestige is offered standard along with adaptive head lamps, keyless entry/ignition, warning blind-spot system, Navigation package & fourteen speakers Bang and Olufsen premium system of sound (this is optional on the Premium Plus). The options that are unique to Prestige include adaptive control of cruise, settings that are adjustable for transmission & steering, & manual rear sun shades.
Package of Sport Interior (too offered on the Premium Plus) puts in twelve way power seats that are more aggressively bolstered & 3 spokes steering wheel having shift of transmission paddles. 19 inches wheels too also available for both the Prestige & Premium Plus, and rear side air bags & wood trim too are offered optional for all the levels.
Powertrains & Performance
All the models of 2013 Audi Allroad are now powered by turbo charged 2.0-liters 4-cylinder having 211 of horsepower & 258 pounds feet torque. This engine gets coupled along with 8 speed automatic transmission having control of manual shift & all-wheel standard drive.
Audi is saying that Allroad will dash from 0 to 60mph in about 6.6 seconds, very fast time for luxury entry-level car. Fuel economy estimated EPA stands @ around 20 mpg for city, 27 mpg for high way & 23 mpg total combined.
Safety
Standard features of safety on 2013 Audi Allroad are antilock brakes, stability & traction control, front side seat airbags & side curtain air bags. The side rear-seat air bags are offered optional for all the trim levels, and warning blind-spot system is there standard on Prestige.
For crash tests of government, Audi Allroad had earned 5 stars for the protection of side crash, but hasn’t yet been rated for over all protection of frontal crash. This A4 sedan for which Allroad is now based, had earned over all rating of 4 stars from possible 5. Insurance Institute for High way Safety had awarded this A4 the highest “Good” rating for both the frontal-off set & the side impact testing of crash, and tests of roof strength, & this was with out rear-seat optional side air bags.
Interior design & special features
Amongst the luxury wagons, interior of 2013 Audi Allroad’s is 1 of best in the class. With the modernist design, the high quality materials & leather standard upholstery (advantage over the BMW & Volvo competitors), this Allroad sends message of some stylish refinement.
Most of the functions of MMI infotainment are accessed conveniently around shift lever on the models that are equipped along with system of navigation. The cars with out navigation, though, have the MMI on dash, which isn’t really convenient & user-friendly. The cars that are navigation-equipped too get newer and improved model of MMI.
This Allroad has 17 cubic feet behind seats of second-row & 51 cubes along with seats that are folded. The dimensions are pretty average for its class & although Allroad is not true off-roader, the skid stainless steel plates, cladding of lower body & 7.1 inches of the ground clearance does provide good mind peace while going further afield for snow, sand, or the single track.
The driving impressions
Allroad’s higher profile does make it more compliant along with the road imperfections, but it sacrifices the cornering & handling ability. It is fair trade for any car which can detect when it is gone off-the-road & adjusts the stability control level accordingly. This Allroad is not totally with out the feel, though – it is still very sporty car for driving, & steering needs some effort & sends good feedback for driver.
Optional system of Drive Select on Prestige does allow driver for tailor steering, transmission & throttle responsiveness, & while it is interesting – & pricey – the idea, that I have found for testing which it does creates more of draw backs than the solutions. Most of the drivers will find that standard calibrations of Allroad are perfectly acceptable.
