If you need a bit off off-road ability but don’t want to follow the herd, the Audi A4 Allroad appears a tempting choice. To find out what it’s like to live with, Alan Taylor-Jones ran one for three months.

Living with the A4 Allroad

The Audi Allroad formula is one that I’ve always found strangely appealing for such a simple recipe. Although I rarely ever venture off the Tarmac and don’t really desire an SUV, the combination of a raised ride height, some chunky plastic wheelarch extensions and of course four-wheel drive really appeals.

Needless to say I was delighted to run this particular example for a couple of months, especially given the punchy 45 TFSI engine under the bonnet. This mild hybrid petrol engine puts out a handy 265hp, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 5.8sec. Despite some light electrification allowing the engine to shut off when coasting on the move, I averaged around 35mpg during just shy of 4000 miles.

Admittedly a long journey would get this nearer 40mpg, with the easily accessed performance needed for dispatching trucks and tractors on Fenland roads contributing to that lower overall average. Refinement was impressive too, with the engine proving smooth and quiet with a start stop system that was fast acting. 

Despite the big tyre sidewalls and more off-road biased suspension, the Allroad wasn’t quite as comfortable as I’d hoped. I’ve no complaints regarding the driving position or leather sports seats, but there’s a slightly firm edge to the ride.

My experience in other examples suggests the adaptive suspension that you can soften or stiffen at the press of a button improves things, unfortunately it’s only available with pricey Vorsprung trim. Still, that didn’t seem to stop my son from falling asleep after just a few minutes in his baby seat.

At least there wasn’t much in the way of body lean and it proved grippy and predictable regardless of how wet it was outside. It’s not really all that exciting if you’re a keen driver, although I could carry an awful lot of speed cross country quite effortlessly.

Off road it isn’t quite as effective as a ‘proper’ SUV with the relatively low ground clearance limiting the severity of track you can take it down. However, the Quattro four-wheel drive system quickly shuffles power around to make squelching down muddy lanes a stress-free affair.

Inside it’s hard to fault the quality of materials used, even though it isn’t as flash as a Mercedes C-Class, for instance. Everything feels solidly constructed and the physical controls for the three-zone climate control were easy to use and ensured all occupants were at a comfortable temperature.

Rear seat space is rather tight, with leg room adequate rather than generous and not enough width to seat three adults comfortably. The boot swallowed a large baby buggy with room for a fair bit of shopping, although there was no way I could pull the load cover over.

Unsurprisingly, my rear view was somewhat obstructed although at least a surround view camera made parking far easier. It’s a shame it wasn’t quite as effective in low light conditions as many cheaper cars, though.

So, would I recommend one? If I’m being sensible, probably not. After all, a regular A4 Avant is just as spacious, more efficient (especially if you avoid Quattro) and significantly cheaper. It’s also worth pointing out that there are plenty of estates out there that cost less and offer even more space in the back should practicality be high on your list of priorities.

However, both my wife and I were sad to see the Allroad go back to Audi. It may not be the most sensible A4 available, but its breadth of abilities, peppy performance and classy interior made it easy to overlook many of its foibles.