On motoring launches we scribes get to explore the more arcane, secluded
passages of tarmac in our country. If one has the time, a healthy balance on the fuel card and a keen sense of adventure,
traversing the nation's roads could be quite rewarding indeed.
The Western Cape played host to the unveiling
of the Audi A4 allroad two days ago.
We put it through its paces on some sinuous mountain passes and obscure dirt tracks - truly testing the
idea behind the moniker: a car for every terrain and occasion.
What makes it so special?
Now the allroad isn't anything revolutionary, Audi gave us a product
with the allroad treatment way back in 2001 - in the form of the A6. It offered
a meaner, more rugged spin on the Avant wagon format.
In the four-ring emblem line-up, there is
certainly no dearth of Sport Utility
Vehicle offerings and quasi off-roaders.
You've got the little Q3 at the bottom of the scale, the medium-sized Q5 and
the behemoth Q7 at the top..
Let's go 50/50
The allroad is a well-executed compromise - a nearly perfect paradox on wheels.
It is a product for the buyer who wants a
sporty, car-like driving position
and handling to match. But with a bit of extra competence for those unforeseen
circumstances where the tarred road deteriorates into a rocky trail.
And not forgetting the roominess and
practicality of an estate car.
Awesome on all roads
We doff our hat to the beefier A4 wagon, is
handles the rough stuff with aplomb.
Driving at freeway speeds on surfaces almost
akin to cobblestone paving, the allroad retains its composure superbly and seems impervious to
rattles and squeaks.
The ride height is elevated a little more
than the standard Avant model (180
millimetres exactly), the suspension is supple and soaks up the effects of
the surfaces beneath.
But then you point it in the direction of Sir Lowry's Pass, with its
tummy-turning twisty sections and the butch German wagon laps it up with
eagerness.
It glides along confidently and imparts a
sense of solidity, thanks to that standard all-wheel drive system. The steering
wheel is light at low, city speeds and stiffens up assuringly when you're
pushing freeway-worthy digits.
Inside - so plush, no fuss
Hop inside and it's business as usual:
quality that simply can't be faulted.
Everything is presented in a typically clear,
clinical Audi kind of way. Although the A4's interior hasn't changed since its
launch in 2008, things still look contemporary and feel rather upmarket.
Of course, you will need to fork out if you
want all the cool stuff - like that Google
Earth navigation system and a massive panoramic sunroof.
Dynamic engine duo
There are two derivatives available, the 2.0T FSI petrol (155kW and 350Nm) and the
diesel 2.0 TDI (130kW and 380Nm).
We spent more time with the latter and found
it effusive once it gathered some steam on the highway, with the turbocharger doing its thing and the
abundance of torque kicking in.
You can only have Audi's semi-automatic S Tronic transmission, which shifts
cogs with ease, but is less eager to oblige when you want to do things
manually. Green highlights include automatic stop-start and energy recuperating
technology.
Priced for a premium lifestyle
One cannot shy away from the fact that the allroad's
suit-every-lifestyle virtues are not
cheap.
Pricing kicks off at R433 000 for the 2.0T
FSI and the diesel is R438 000. If you go wild with the optional extras you
could end up paying nearly half a million for the privilege of ownership.
But what you get is sublime, near faultless
level of engineering. In addition to capability for all seasons and all
surfaces - whether it’s whooshing past some sweeping scenic passes, or leaving
clouds of dust on a filthy dirt
trail.
Prices are inclusive of Audi's five-year/100
000 kilometre maintenance plan.
Audi A4
allroad Pricing
2.0 TFSI (R433 000)
2.0 TDI (R438
000)
STORY BY BRENWIN NAIDU
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