Used 2014 Audi allroad

The station wagon isn’t dead – it has just morphed into a number of differently named vehicles. In the 2014 Allroad, Audi has taken all that was sweet about its now defunct A4 Avant, added a bit more ground clearance, some shiny skid plates and some tacked-on plastic protectors, and created a wagon with a hint of off-road potential. In truth, the Allroad is not designed for 4-wheeling, but it will get its occupants safely through the unplowed passages of morning commutes and weekend ski resort jaunts. It’s true that the 2014 Allroad lacks the V6 power and adjustable height suspension, but it favors comfort and economy over utility. Those who need a more rugged option can always look to the marvelous Q5.

While we can’t say the 2014 Audi Allroad delivers the same kind of thrills one gets behind the wheels of an A7 or S4, it still delivers a driving experience far above the average compact SUV. During our test drive, Mother Nature threw the book at us, delivering relentless downpours and wind gusts as we made our way through a narrow Colorado mountain pass. During all of it, the Allroad simply did its job. We were not able to take the Allroad off-road, and Audi doesn’t recommend you do, but it was nice to know that the 7.1-inches of ground clearance and standard quattro AWD would probably be enough to get us through snow, mud and unpaved logging roads if need be. In normal driving, the Allroad lived up to our Audi expectations, although it was a little stiffer on the highway than we expected (not helped by the optional 19-inch wheels and lower-profile summer tires on our test car).

The 2014 Audi Allroad may not look as roomy as the Q5 SUV, but an additional 3.5 inches in length gives it similar cargo volume at 27 (Allroad) vs. 29 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the difference grows to 50 vs. 57 cubic feet. The Allroad does, however, give up a couple inches in rear legroom to the Q5, which is something to consider if you’re weighing the two cars and regularly transport adults in back. Moving to the front seats, the Audi Allroad offers the same magic mix of materials, quality and design that keep Audi interiors at the top of the rankings.

Like Samson drew power from his long locks, the 2014 Audi Allroad also derives much of its strength from an aesthetic source: contrasting, matte-finish wheel arches. Yeah, there’s the raised ride height and stainless steel skidplates, but the arches are the Allroad’s black turtleneck. Of course, Audi will gladly paint the whole car one color – but only if you give them another $1,000 (and only on silver, black and white models).

GOOGLE EARTH
Arguably the finest navigation system you can buy, Audi connect features a dedicated Internet connection ($25-$30/month through T-Mobile) that enables detailed Google maps with Street View of your destination, the ability to send a destination from your computer to your car, the ability to connect eight Wi-Fi devices at once, and Google Voice Local Search, which makes it easier to enter a destination via voice.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO
In the top-dog Audi A8, a B&O audio system will set you back $6,300. In the Allroad, it’s less than a grand. No, it’s not as powerful or robust and it doesn’t have the tweeters that rise magically from the dash, but it’s a nice system nonetheless.

In addition to leather seating and other luxury basics, the 2014 Audi Allroad wagon includes a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and a 6.5-inch color screen with audio/climate/vehicle controls. Also onboard is Bluetooth and Audi’s music interface that allows for accessing music from an iPod or iPhone and control of said device via the car’s audio system.

Those cool Audi LED running lamps cost extra, but so do keyless entry and start, Bluetooth wireless technology, and other modern amenities you might expect to see on the standard equipment list of a $40,000 car today. A loaded 2014 Audi Allroad runs close to $60,000 and includes the world-class infotainment suite detailed in our Favorite Features section of this review, plus an impressive set of driver assistance and personalization technologies, including side-assist blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and navigation with Audi Connect.

Other than unremarkable fuel economy, we like everything about the Allroad’s familiar powertrain. The renowned 2.0T engine is matched with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic routing power to all four wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi says the 3,900-pound Allroad will scoot to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is quicker than we might have guessed based on our initial drives. On one hand, those drives took place at altitude, where thinner air can affect power output. On the other hand, turbocharged engines take less of a hit at altitude. Curiously and disappointingly, the Allroad’s rated fuel economy is the same as the heavier (by 200 pounds) and taller (by seven inches) Audi Q5 crossover. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
220 horsepower @ 4,450-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 (gasoline), 14/18 (E85)