| First Drive | Munich, Germany | Audi A4 Allroad quattro |

Introduced nine years ago, the A6 Allroad has been a tremendous success for Audi, the off-road enabled estate a real hit among its customers - not least in ski resorts where Allroads seem to be the car of choice. Aiming to repeat the A6 Allroad's success is the new A4 Allroad, a smaller, cheaper alternative for those not needing the A6's space.

In the Metal

The A4 Avant is a handsome car in standard guise and the Allroad additions will either appeal to you or not. Some think the contrasting wheel arch extensions and bumpers - with their 'skid plates' - are a touch contrived, while others will like the additional gravitas they give the A4's looks. We fall into the latter category; we've always been big fans of the A6 Allroad's styling and think the changes also work well on the A4. Those wider wheel-arches serve a purpose too, as the A4 Allroad's track is actually wider than the standard car.

It rides on suspension that's 37mm higher than the conventional car, the Allroad's 180mm of ground clearance only 20mm less than Audi's Q5. Some of the Allroad's additional overall height is made up of higher roof bars, but there's no denying that the Allroad exhibits a good deal more presence than its already smart A4 Avant relative.

What you get for your Money

There's only one Allroad specification offered with the three engines available in the pseudo-off-roader. Based on Audi's SE trim, the Allroad comes with three-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, automatic headlamp and windscreen wiper operation and a full colour Driver's Information System.

Underlining the A4 Allroad's more practical nature is a reversible load floor with a rubberised side for wet gear, a load rail system with a luggage fixing kit and Tundra spec upholstery. Door sill protectors with Allroad badging and an off-road enhanced ESP system are both also standard. With prices starting at £29,285 for the manual-equipped, 168bhp 2.0-litre TDI model and rising to £34,560 for the 3.0-litre TDI, the Allroad costs around £2,000-£3,000 more than the standard A4 Avant.

Driving it

That the A4 Allroad drives much like the A4 Avant comes as no surprise. Of the three engines on offer it's the 2.0-litre TDI that will take the majority of sales. That's hardly surprising given the more practical nature of the Allroad. Those wanting a quick version should consider the turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI, the 207bhp petrol engine giving the Allroad Golf GTI rivalling accelerative pace with its 6.9-second 0-62mph time. The 3.0-litre TDI is faster still cutting that time to 6.4 seconds, though it's more likely Allroad buyers will be more concerned with the Allroad's fuel consumption figures than its ability against the clock. Here the 2.0-litre TDI makes the most sense with an official combined consumption figure of 44.1mpg. It's hardly what you'd call slow either.

Unlike its A6 relative the A4 Allroad's suspension is fixed rather than variable. Audi claims the slightly wider track helps compensate for the Allroad's raised centre of gravity, but it does appear to roll a bit more in the bends regardless. What's more disconcerting is the ride, which struggles to cope with ripples in the road. Everything else is just as the A4 Avant, though those raised roof bars do seem to increase the wind noise at speed compared to the flush fitting items on the ordinary Avant. In fairness though, few are ever going to be cruising at the 140mph we easily achieved on an unrestricted German Autobahn.

Worth Noting

Those thinking that the Allroad is merely off-road in its looks will be surprised at its capability in the muck. The increased ride height helps with approach and departure angles and Audi has tuned the ESP with an off-road mode. The Off-Road Detection system (ORD) allows the wheels some extra slip to maintain momentum and allows some skidding under the control of the anti-lock braking system to help slow it down on loose surfaces.

Summary

Audi's new A4 Allroad has all the chunky appeal of its A6 relative, but in a smaller package - notably smaller in the case of rear legroom - that is also a good bit cheaper. Never likely to be used to venture far off-road, the A4 Allroad's natural environment will be the same as the A6's, that being ski resorts. They're so prevalent in the Alps it's little wonder Audi doesn't fit it with winter tyres as standard, put snow chains in the boot and include a ski rack. Ultimately the Allroad offers little over its quattro A4 Avant relatives, but it's a very appealing lifestyle accessory and that's exactly why people buy them.