The Audi A6 Allroad is essentially a rough and ready version of the load-lugging Audi A6 Avant that traverses the middle ground between an estate and an SUV, and the Volkswagen Group's burgeoning range which includes the A4 Allroad, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, and Skoda Octavia Scout.
The Ingolstadt off-roader-cum-estate we are trying here is the entry-level 201bhp 3.0-litre diesel, which is effectively a detuned version of the 268bhp version which is expected to represent the overwhelming majority of sales. Despite reduced running costs and a lower sticker price, the car we’re testing here will make up around seven per cent of all A6 Allroad sales. There is also a range-topping twin-turbo version producing 316bhp.
That’s surprising, because thanks to weight being reduced by around 20 per cent over the old car through the extensive use of aluminium, on-paper performance is impressive. It’ll reach 62mph in 7.5sec and reach a 139mph maximum while returning 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 159g/km of CO2.
The 3.0-litre V6 is mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. No manual option is offered. The A6 Allroad uses the same quattro all-wheel drive system as the standard A6, which splits torque 40/60 front to rear.
Standard air suspension with controlled damping allows the body to rise through 60mm from its lowest to highest setting and will adjust its ride height depending on speed.
