donkeykong
Track Technician
Audi to add A4-based Allroad station wagon to U.S. lineup.
By Nick Kurczewski / Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company
December 15, 2010
Our spy photographers have caught what appears to be a U.S.-spec version of the Audi A4 Allroad wagon, caught during a round of wintry weather road testing. We first saw the A4-based Allroad during the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, where we learned the high-riding wagon would not be coming to the U.S. Credit (or blame) that decision on Audi’s strong lineup of SUVs, which now includes the Q7, Q5, and next year’s Q3 crossover.
Thankfully, someone at Audi H.Q. has decided there is also room for a slightly more rugged-looking compact wagon in the brand’s North American lineup. The Allroad name isn’t entirely new to these shores, though the last one sold stateside was based on the larger A6 platform. This A4 Allroad stays true to that model’s theme of off-roader-lite. Gray wheel arches and modestly higher ride-height (1.5 in.) give the A4 Allroad the look of a 4x4 crossover.
It’s the type of luxurious station wagon that can handle snow storms and muddy parking lots during annual treks to the local pumpkin patch. But be sure to hold onto that old Jeep CJ5 if you have any aspirations of tackling the Rubicon Trail.
So how exactly do we know this A4 Allroad is particular to the North American market, and not simply the same version currently sold in Europe?
Luckily for us, one of our intrepid snappers got a photo of the cabin and a speedometer in miles per hour. Other hints include amber side-marker lights (a U.S. legal requirement) and a U.S.-size license plate holder on the front grill which is almost, but not entirely, hidden behind this car’s European plate. Considering this car’s lack of camouflage, and the fact that the A4 Allroad is already on sale in other markets, we expect to see the car during next month’s Detroit Auto Show.
The most likely powertrain combination will be the 211-bhp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated exclusively to Audi’s 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic automated manual gearbox. Quattro all-wheel drive will be standard and the A4’s electronic stability program (ESP) will gain an extra “off-road” mode.
