Audi A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0 TDI 170 Review And Specs

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The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0 TDI 170 stands out as a unique blend of luxury sedan refinement and rugged practicality. Elevated by 30mm over the standard A4 Avant, this model delivers enhanced ground clearance for light off-road duties while retaining the poised handling of its sedan roots. Powered by a 170bhp 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine paired with quattro all-wheel drive, it offers a compelling mix of efficiency, torque, and premium features ideal for families or adventure seekers.

Design and Exterior Highlights

Audi’s Allroad treatment transforms the A4 Avant into a more adventurous proposition without sacrificing elegance. The body features robust plastic cladding around the wheel arches and sills, aluminum roof rails, and a distinctive front grille with vertical slats. At 4,721mm long, 2,006mm wide (mirrors included), and 1,495mm tall, it strikes a balanced stance that’s taller than a typical wagon but more compact than many SUVs.

Standard 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 245/45 R18 tires provide a commanding road presence. The design emphasizes durability, with underbody protection and a raised ride height that allows confident navigation over gravel paths or snowy roads. This cosmetic and structural uplift maintains aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to respectable fuel figures.

  • Key exterior specs: 5 doors, 5 seats, collapsible spare tire.
  • Roof load capacity: 90kg for bikes or kayaks.
  • Turning circle: 11.4 meters for agile urban maneuvering.

Powertrain and Performance

Central to the A4 Allroad’s appeal is its 2.0 TDI diesel engine, producing 170bhp at 4,200rpm and 350Nm (258lb ft) of torque. This north-south inline-four with DOHC and 16 valves pairs exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission in this variant, sending power to all wheels via Audi’s quattro system.

Acceleration is brisk for a diesel wagon: 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds, with a top speed of 133mph. Real-world tests suggest 0-60mph around 8.3-8.8 seconds, making it punchy for overtaking. The quattro setup, with its intelligent torque vectoring, excels in wet or slippery conditions, distributing power dynamically between axles.

Performance MetricValue
Engine Power170bhp / 125kW
Torque350Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm
0-62mph8.9 seconds
Top Speed133mph
Transmission6-speed manual

On twisty roads, the Allroad handles with poise, its suspension tuned for a compliant ride that absorbs bumps better than sports sedans. Off-road, the added clearance and AWD enable traversal of rutted tracks, though it’s no hardcore 4×4.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

Diesel efficiency shines here, with official figures of 38mpg urban, 51mpg extra-urban, and around 45mpg combined (CO2: 164g/km). Real-world highway runs can exceed 35mpg, especially on long trips, thanks to the recuperation and start-stop systems. The 64-liter tank supports extended ranges over 600 miles.

Insurance group 26E reflects its premium positioning. Warranty covers 3 years/60,000 miles, with 3-year paint and 12-year corrosion protection. Towing capacity reaches 1,900kg braked/750kg unbraked, ideal for trailers or caravans.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Step inside, and the A4 Allroad reveals a high-quality cabin with leather seats, three-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Materials feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces and intuitive controls. Front seats offer power adjustment and heating, while rear legroom rivals larger wagons despite the compact footprint.

Cargo space measures 490 liters with seats up, expanding significantly when folded. It accommodates six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats, outperforming the standard A4 sedan slightly. The 60/40 split-folding rear bench and low load lip enhance versatility.

  • Comfort features: Power-adjustable leather seats, auto climate, ambient lighting.
  • Tech suite: MMI infotainment, Bluetooth, optional navigation.
  • Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,805mm supports family-friendly space.

It’s quieter and more comfortable for long hauls than many crossovers, with minimal road noise and a supple ride.

Technology and Safety Features

Audi equips the Allroad with a suite of driver aids. Standard quattro enhances stability, while options include adaptive cruise, lane assist, and parking sensors. The virtual cockpit digital dash (if fitted) provides customizable displays.

Safety ratings are strong, bolstered by multiple airbags, ABS, and ESP. User reports praise reliability, with some owners logging 45,000 miles trouble-free.

Driving Experience On and Off Road

This wagon thrives in varied scenarios. On highways, the diesel torque delivers effortless cruising at 35+mpg. City driving benefits from the tight turning circle and light steering. The manual gearbox is precise, with a positive shift action.

Off-road tests show it punching above its weight: permanent AWD and raised height handle mud, snow, and gravel competently, though deep ruts challenge its sedan-based chassis. It’s more agile than SUVs, ideal for unpaved trails to trailheads.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Strong diesel torque and efficiencyLimited cargo vs. larger rivals
Quattro AWD gripManual-only in base TDI
Premium interiorLess rear space than SUVs
Versatile for light adventuresNo V6 diesel option here

Who Should Buy the Audi A4 Allroad?

Perfect for those wanting A4 luxury with extra utility. It’s nimbler than SUVs, more practical than sedans, and efficient for high-mileage drivers. Families appreciate the space; enthusiasts love the dynamics.

Compared to rivals like Volvo V60 Cross Country or Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain, it offers superior handling at a competitive price point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Audi A4 Allroad suitable for off-roading?

Yes, for light duties like gravel roads or snow, thanks to 30mm extra clearance and quattro AWD. It’s not for extreme terrain.

What is the fuel economy of the 2.0 TDI?

Expect 38-51mpg official, with real-world 35+mpg highway.

Can it tow?

Up to 1,900kg braked, suitable for small trailers.

How reliable is it?

Owners report high reliability, with many exceeding 40,000 miles issue-free.

What’s the boot space?

490 liters seats up, ample for family needs.

Final Verdict

The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0 TDI 170 excels as a do-it-all wagon: efficient, grippy, and luxurious. Its diesel power and AWD make it a standout for UK drivers facing variable weather. If you prioritize driving fun with practicality, this is a top pick.

References

  1. 2020 Audi A4 Allroad Review, Pricing, and Specs — Car and Driver. 2020. https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/a4-allroad-quattro-2020
  2. Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI Quattro 170 5dr Reviews 2026 — Top Gear. 2026. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/audi/a4-allroad/20-tdi-quattro-170-5dr/spec
  3. Audi A4 Allroad (B8) – Off-Road Test Drive — YouTube (Audi Official). N/A.
  4. Audi A4 Allroad Review – Nothing Like It — YouTube (Family Wheels). 2017.
  5. 2022 Audi A4 allroad Review & Ratings — Edmunds. 2022. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/a4-allroad/2022/
  6. 2011 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0 TDI (170) Specs Review — Automobile Catalog. 2011. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/2011/1188455/audi_a4_allroad_quattro_2_0_tdi_170.html
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