Petrol-powered A4 Allroad is good, but a niche choice

What is it?

The Audi A4 Allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI is the only petrol-powered version of Audi’s super-niche A4 Allroad estate. Audi asks a lot of this engine, spreading it from the A3 up to the A6, and with good reason: it’s a superbly flexible motor.

What’s it like?

Not surprisingly, the Audi A4 Allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI is a lot like the A4 Avant that carries the same engine, except that the Allroad’s ride quality is so much better you wonder if it was done by the same people.

The TFSI has long displayed a character more reminiscent of a diesel (fat, flat torque curve, mid-range strength fading in the top end) than a petrol engine. It’s also lighter than the diesel engines, which helps the handling and balance of the A4 Allroad.

In country that doesn’t demand masses of ground clearance or longer wheel travel than the Audi A4 Allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI’s extra 26mm can deliver, it’s actually quite competent off-road too, thanks to some clever ESP and differential technology.

The seven-speed double-clutch gearbox seems even more at home with the broader rev range of the petrol engine than it does in the TDI (where seven speeds feel like one more than it needs). The crisper shifting in Sport mode also brings big blips on downshifts and charming ‘braaaps’ on each upshift.

While its best work delivers 258lb ft of torque, the Audi A4 Allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI only musters its 208bhp at higher revs and, when it’s pushed, its fuel economy quickly drops away.

Should I buy one?

Only if you’re in the market for an A4 Allroad, but can’t stand the prospect of a diesel engine. The A4 Allroad 2/0 TFSI is more nimble, for sure, than its diesel siblings, but the best all-rounder of the Allroads is definitely the 2.0-litre TDI.

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aceman 19 April 2009

Re: Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TFSI

The A4 series has become more and more updated and the allroad is an example of that. Audi try hard to impress the public industry. You would take the Q5 on the offroad parts and take the A4 on the tarmac. But this car is to fit both of those categories in one car called the A4 Allroad.

Orangewheels 16 April 2009

Re: Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TFSI

MrLou wrote:

If you're waiting for a really rare photo, how about one of this car on UK plates, extra points if it's not an Audi demo car. I'd be amazed if they sell more than a handful over here.

Maybe they should just market it as the "Audi A4 Comfy" - the Audi it's actually comfortable to drive in, maybe that would sell more. After the very positive review the A5 2.0T got with this engine - Autocar reviewing it as the best available in the range, I'm surprised with the distinctly average review it gets in a very similar application here.

MrLou 15 April 2009

Re: Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TFSI

Orangewheels wrote:
Autocar has the only picture anyone is ever likely to see of an A4 Allroad going off road!

To be fair they do call it the 'Allroad' not the 'Offroad'.

Although the roads in the UK aren't the best in the world there are plenty worse and similarly there are plenty of countries where diesel isn't so widely available making this a more sensible choice in those markets.

If you're waiting for a really rare photo, how about one of this car on UK plates, extra points if it's not an Audi demo car. I'd be amazed if they sell more than a handful over here.