SUV? No, Audi’s new A6 Allroad shows there’s another way
Let’s just say you are one of those who occasionally tackle gravel roads, spend most of your time on the highway, and have absolutely no interest in driving a bulky SUV. For many years, the default answer has been to purchase something with a generous ride height, which is probably also bigger (and heavier on fuel bills) than you actually bargained for.
Then the salesperson would have you believe that an SUV, or even a bakkie, was the only solution, yet something like the Audi A6 Allroad made for a compelling choice. It had impressive driving manners, generous ground clearance, and was capable. But does common sense ever win in the showroom? Erm… no. South Africans loved their SUVs and bakkies too much, which is why the Allroad nameplate struggled to gain traction locally, ultimately leading to its discontinuation.
The fifth generation of the A6 Allroad has recently been revealed; whether this will make its way to South Africa remains unknown. It’s a perfect all-rounder, thanks to a wider body, alloy wheels up to 21 inches, Allroad-specific design cues, air suspension, all-wheel steering and Quattro AWD. Also, the ground clearance has been raised by 34mm.
Inside, the A6 Allroad remains similar to the Avant version it’s based on. It features the brand’s MMI panoramic display, comprising an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. If you want, you can add an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. Other features include ventilated and massaging seats, 4-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof, and an optional Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
Space is generous, thanks to a large boot (466 to 1,497 litres, or 404 to 1,423 litres in the hybrid), adjustable rear seats and roof rails that can be fitted with an optional roof basket.
Anyway, the A6 Allroad comes with a plug-in hybrid option for the first time, combining a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with an e-motor for a combined power output of 270kW and 500Nm. A single electric motor is powered by a 25.9kWh battery pack, which enables the wagon to cruise silently for up to 95km.
Thankfully, there’s still a diesel engine powering the A6 Allroad in the form of a 3.0-litre V6 paired with a mild-hybrid system. It makes 220kW and 580Nm, and is enough to catapult the wagon from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds before hitting an electronically limited VMAX of 250km/h. Still quick despite boasting off-road credentials.
For the towing cohorts, a tow bar can be fitted optionally. As such, the hybrid can tow up to 2,000kg, while the TDI can haul up to 2,500kg, which is 400kg more than the A6 Avant.
It’s a niche segment, we know, and many local buyers are going for SUVs and bakkies. Unfortunately, that’s the same trend that helped push cars like the Volvo V90 out of our market. As it stands, chances of the wagon’s return to SA may be slim. While the local market realities may say otherwise, for the die-hard petrolhead, few cars combine luxury, practicality, and all-terrain capability as perfectly as this one.
