Vehicle: 2004 Audi allroad Quattro 2.7T Tiptronic with cold weather pkg, Bose sound system, tire pressure monitoring system, rear side airbags and Parktronic parking sensors
Price as tested: CDN$67960

Handling: One of the most impressive features of the allroad is its adjustable suspension. There are 4 settings that are able to suit different driving situations. You can adjust the highest during snowy weather or going into a driveway on a steep hill, on the other hand, leave the lowest setting for highway cruising. The highest setting of 208mm is more than enough for most outdoorsy when are going minor off-roading. The lowest setting, however, makes the allroad feels more like a sportswagon than a crossover at 142mm. Speaking of dynamics, allroad is very impressive indeed. The steering is responsive, sharp and precise with plenty of road feel. The suspension is firm enough for attacking curves while giving out enough rebound damping for comfortable ride. The body rolls are minimal, on the other hand, there is a slight understeer when pushed. Audi’s proven Torsen Quattro, once again, works like a champ in the allroad as it will keep moving with 1 wheel. In normal driving, all 4 wheels receive 25% each. When it detects any wheel got stuck, the system will transfer the power to the offending wheel to get you out of any nasty situations.

Performance: Unlike the American market, Canada’s allroad is equipped with 2.7T Biturbo only. The same engine also served the outgoing S4 and A6. Although there is a slight lag somewhere around 1400 rpm, the turbo spools up quickly as rev builds up. The overall refinement, flexability and responsiveness of this engine are simply amazing. The 5-speed Tiptronic serves exceptionally well with crisp and fluid shifts. Pull it over to manumatic mode, it allows you to shift’em yourself with buttons on the steering wheel. The only drawback is Tiptronic doesn’t allow you to upshift at redline due to its protective nature.

Brakes: Its stopping performance is equally impressive with great pedal feel and modulation. The EBD also works well for a vehicle of this weight by distributing braking force under heavy braking.

Interior: Audi’s interiors have always been regarded as the best of the business, it clearly shows in the allroad. Clear instrumentation gauges, effective auto climate control and stereo with large buttons are standard fares, not to mentioned the rear bum warmer with 6 adjustable setting that is a godsend for rear passengers. The leather seats are covered with high-quality material, along with great support.

Except for all the cubbyholes, you can also get a center divded net between cargo area and rear passenger compartment. The use of high-quality carpeting has given allroad an upscale feel that worths the price it charged.

Conclusion: allroad is a vehicle that combines the best of “sport” and “utility”. Its performance and handling are sporty while the interior space and cargo hauling ability are highly utilitarian. Its style and taste will shame many SUVs of the same price too.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 AUDI ALLROAD QUATTRO 2.7T
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-f0r-money: 4.75/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5