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Think of all the
possible goodies you can stuff into an automobile and you are going to in
up with the Audi allroad. Don't believe us? Well try all wheel drive, a
commodious rear cargo area with 73.2 cu. ft of storage, a four-position
variable-height pneumatic suspension that can produces eight inches of
ground clearance and provide load- levelling capabilities. Stability is
further enhanced by a traction-seeking sensors that detect slippage and
automatically adjust the drive wheels.
Want more
goodies? Throw in a 250-horsepower 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with five
valves per cylinder and twin turbochargers to generate 258 foot-pounds of
torque and either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional
five-speed Tiptronic automatic, which allows the driver either to leave it
in automatic mode or change gears manually.
But wait,
there's more, especially in the safety area. ABS, front airbags, and drop-
own curtain airbags that stay inflated to protect against secondary
impacts. In a collision the fuel system is immediately cut-off, doors
unlock, and the interior lights illuminate. If you decide to order the
optional third-row bench seat you get additional three-point safety belts
and head restraints for the occupants. The tires are attractive 17 inches
with special 225/55 R 17 developed exclusively for the allroad to provide
superior balance on and off-road for this Audi.
There's even
more goodies as standard features when you order the allroad.
Leather seats and steering wheel; power windows, door locks, and mirrors;
cruise control; dual-zone climate control; eight-speaker AM-FM/cassette
stereo with CD player; power front seats; digital trip computer; front and
rear skid plates, movable roof, and good looks are all part of the
ownership package.
If you want to
drive the price upward just check off the premium package provides memory
front seats, electronically folding exterior mirrors and automatic dimming
rearview and outside mirrors. There is also a convenience package that
includes heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, and a HomeLink
transmitter. And, you can order the warm weather package that uses a solar
sunroof to power interior cooling fans and sunshades to screen the rear
windows. There is also a GPS navigation system available. One would be
hard pressed to think of anything that the Audi allroad does not offer and
when you factor in its unique styling, balance between high performance
vehicle, safe family transportation, and off-road agility, its bound to
leave a pleasant taste on your automotive pallet. But the proof is in how
well all these goodies fit together. The answer is that the allroad is all
right. Its best trait is its suspension and small turning radius that
makes parking enjoyable. The downside is an engine that has a lot of
turbo(s) lag, especially in hot weather, and gas mileage that never was
better then 17 mpg in mixed driving. And, the engine needs its premium
gas.
Mom's
view:
This is a stunning car to drive and look upon. It has a tough guy stance
with a wide track and testosterone pouring out of every body panel. Inside
the leather is nice, the controls are easy to master, and the ride is
wonderful. I kept the car at its maximized height and was rewarded with a
firmer ride, better visibility, and it was easier to slide into the seats.
I liked the allroad a great deal and found it comforting considering the
many safety features. Our test car did not have GPS and heated seats. I
would order both.
Dad's
view: Okay, this is a nice car, but unless you use the auto manual shift the
turbo lag is a burden. We tested the allroad in hot weather and leaving it
in automatic produced leisurely acceleration. Of course, with 4200 pounds
to tug around the 2.7 engine had its pistons full even with the dual
turbochargers.
Interestingly,
the allroad is rated with a towing capacity of 3300 pounds. This is
surprising considering its sophisticated suspension with four-link
independent struts, air suspension spring struts, tube gas shock absorbers
and a double wishbone with a sub frame. The 17 inch rims and P225/55/R17
tires provide good utility in this multi- talented Audi. The element I
found most tedious was the SUV like gas mileage. Even with the 18.5 gallon
tank I was hard pressed to get more then 300 miles before refuelling and
the recommended fuel is premium. However, it could have just been me as
the government rates the Audi allroad at 15 mpg city and 21 highway.
Regardless, I would have loved to have the V8 from Audi's S version cars
instead of the 2.7.
Returning
to Graduate School Woman:
What a looker. The Audi allroad is a bodybuilder of a car with a gentle
manner and its a whole lot of fun to play with. It is a true pleasure to
park this car in the most crowded parking places. Even the outside mirrors
fold in to avoid being damaged in tight situations. At night the 50 plus
little red lights that illuminate every button are a bit much, but the
xenon headlights are truly superior. The sunroof works fast and you don't
have to be distracted because it opens with just a turn of the small
handle. I really liked the door pocket storage areas that opened so you
could easily retrieve objects. I can not tell you loudly enough how many
features this Audi has on it that makes your travels more enjoyable. I
just wish they would have put some protection down the bulging sides of
the car to prevent damage from uncaring people.
Working
and going to school teenage boy:
Okay, I want his
car. Except, it only holds one CD at a time. Everything else is spiffy.
The rear has a cargo cover you can hide your tokens of value under, the
rear seats are fairly comfortable, the windows have one touch features,
and the car generates positive vibes from the assembled lassies. What more
could I multi-purpose guy such as me want then a multi-purpose car.
Family
conference: There is a lot of competition in this price range and that
includes the Volvo Cross Country, the BMW 540i wagon, the Mercedes E
Class, and new weaponry is scheduled to arrive shortly from other arms
producers. However, there is clearly no car that does as many things well
as the Audi allroad and looks so smart doing it. It is rewarding to know
that Audi has the courage to push the electronic limits in a car meant to
play in the dirt. The warranty is four years /50,000 miles.
Written by the Car Family |
