Audi A6 Allroad: Test Drive Review

Date: 18 April 2012   |   Author: Jack Carfrae

Category: Estate P11D price: £44,690 Key rival: Volvo XC70

Of the four available engines, the 245hp 3.0-litre TDI is tipped to be the biggest seller with a vast 86% of the share. With 165g/km, it falls just out of the 160g/km boundary placed by some fleets, despite the fact that corporate buyers are expected to make up half of the Allroad's total sales. That said, the 204hp 3.0 TDI takes care of that with 159g/km. The 310hp 3.0-litre TFSI petrol engine offers more power but the most desirable of the range is the 313hp 3.0-litre bi-turbo TDI.

Save for a marginally higher driving position, you're hard pushed to notice any difference between the Allroad and the standard A6 Avant on the road. A comfortable ride and strong refinement are a given, as is the cabin's excellent build quality. The handling is safe and predictable, but, as with the standard car, it holds limited appeal for keen drivers. Practicality is a greater strength, courtesy of a 565-litre boot and flat loading area.

Audi has kept specification simple as there are no further trim levels with the Allroad, just the opportunity to add numerous top-end options such as a head-up display, massaging seats and in-car internet access. Standard kit is generous in itself but with a starting P11D of £43,150, it ought to be.

And it's that cost that counts against the A6 Allroad the most. For all its merits, it's pricey and it adds little to the existing A6 Avant's considerable talents for most fleet users. Even so, those with the Budget who want a premium working vehicle for towing or light off-road duties have a ready-made package.

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