That's the difference between the base price for a new
Allroad and the 2012 Audi A4 Avant station wagon, the car the Allroad
replaces. Plus $150 a year for gasoline, of course. That's the EPA's
estimate of how much more it will cost to fuel the Allroad than an A4
Avant wagon, despite the vehicles' identical performance and
drivetrains.
The Allroad is an attractive, luxurious and sporty crossover SUV that's essentially a mildly restyled, more-expensive version of the attractive, luxurious and sporty A4 station wagon Audi sold until the beginning of the 2013 model year. (Hint to bargain shoppers: Your local Audi dealer may still have one.)
Prices for the 2013 Audi Allroad Quattro start at $39,600. The five-passenger crossover SUV comes with a fine 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. I tested an Allroad with a few options that stickered at $42,900.
The Allroad is no better than the A4 Avant, though it will almost certainly outsell it and earn Audi more money. It's a truism in the auto industry that Americans love crossover SUVs and abhor station wagons.
Gentlemen, start your platitudes: It's the free market in action. There's a sucker born every minute. Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line. Well, maybe not that last one, but the others apply.
The Allroad's wheelbase, passenger and luggage room are virtually identical to the Avant. It's 1.8 inches taller -- thanks to 1.5 inches more ground clearance -- 0.6 inch wider and 0.7 inch longer than the wagon. The Allroad has the same drivetrain and performance figures as the A4 Avant, though it's more expensive and uses more fuel.
The Allroad does much better when compared with other automakers' luxury wagons and crossovers.
Its direct competitors include the front-wheel drive Acura TSX wagon and AWD wagons like the BMW 328i xDrive, Cadillac CTS4, Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70.
Midsize upscale crossovers like the Infiniti EX, Land Rover Evoque, Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLK will also compete with the Allroad.
The Allroad's combination of fuel economy, luxury and all-wheel drive is unmatched.
The EPA rated the Allroad 20 m.p.g. in the city, 27 on the highway and 23 in combined driving. That beats all the competitors I've named but the Acura, which can't match the AWD Audi's performance, and the less-powerful and luxurious Subaru.
The Allroad's interior is comfortable and refined. Leather seats are standard, and soft-touch materials cover most touch points.
The gauges are large and legible. A large sunroof lets in lots of light. Headroom is excellent for all occupants. The front seat offers plenty of room, but rear legroom could be better.
There's plenty of cargo space, with a low floor and wide opening that make it easy to load heavy objects.
Audi's MMI rotary control pads for climate, audio and other systems are falling behind the competition in ease of use. The Allroad's voice-recognition system is poor.
The Allroad I tested lacked some features you might expect in a $42,900 luxury wagon, including blind-spot alert, streaming Bluetooth audio capability, ventilated seats and a navigation system
The 211-horsepower engine is one of the least-powerful in the segment, but the combination of the turbo's readily available torque -- 258 pound-feet at just 1,500 r.p.m. -- and the smooth and quick eight-speed automatic transmission provide good throttle response and acceleration. Audi reports a 0-60 m.p.h. time of 6.5 seconds and top speed of 130 m.p.h.
The Allroad's suspension absorbs bumps and holds curves well. The electric power steering feels light in slow driving, but firms up nicely at speed.
The Audi Select system that adjusts steering, suspension, transmission and engine settings undoubtedly improves that, but it's part of a $3,250 option package.
The 2013 Audi Allroad provides an alternative for customers who like the functionality of a sport wagon and are willing to pay for plastic-clad wheel arches, a little extra ground clearance and vaguely SUV-ish looks.
Price as tested: $42,900 (excluding destination charge)
Rating: * * * (out of four stars)
Reasons to buy: Looks, performance, practicality, fuel economy
Shortcomings: Price, rear legroom, voice-recognition system
Power: 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Price range: $39,600 base price; $42,900 as tested (excluding options and destination charges)
Options: iPod interface; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass; auto-dimming sideview mirrors; Bluetooth phone compatible; heated front seats; driver memory; Xenon lights with LED daytime running lamps; three-zone climate control; power tailgate.
2013 Audi Allroad Quattro: 20 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
2013 Acura TSX 2.4L wagon (front-wheel drive): 22 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway/25 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
2012 Audi A4 Avant Quattro: 21 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
2012 BMW 328i xDrive wagon: 17 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway/20 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
Cadillac CTS4 3.6L wagon: 18 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway/21 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited: 24 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway/30 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD: 17 m.p.g. city/23 m.p.g. highway/20 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
Base price: $39,600
Price as tested: $42,900 (excluding destination charge)
Safety equipment: Antilock brakes; stability control; front-seat mounted side air bags; curtain air bags; space saver spare tire.
Specifications as tested
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection DOHC variable-timing 16-valve four-cylinder.
Power: 211 horsepower at 4,300 r.p.m.; 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 r.p.m.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy rating: 20 m.p.g. city/27 highway/23 combined. Premium fuel.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Length: 185.9 inches
Width: 72.5 inches
Height: 58.0 inches
Curb weight: 3,891 pounds
Where assembled: Ingolstadt, Germany
Comparative base prices
(Automatic transmissions; all-wheel drive models where available, not including destination charges)
2013 Acura TSX 2.4L wagon (front-wheel drive): $31,360
2012 Audi A4 Avant Quattro: $36,400
2012 BMW 328i xDrive wagon: $39,500
2013 Cadillac CTS4 wagon: $41,105
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited: $29,935
2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD 3.2: $33,450
The Allroad is an attractive, luxurious and sporty crossover SUV that's essentially a mildly restyled, more-expensive version of the attractive, luxurious and sporty A4 station wagon Audi sold until the beginning of the 2013 model year. (Hint to bargain shoppers: Your local Audi dealer may still have one.)
Prices for the 2013 Audi Allroad Quattro start at $39,600. The five-passenger crossover SUV comes with a fine 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. I tested an Allroad with a few options that stickered at $42,900.
The Allroad is no better than the A4 Avant, though it will almost certainly outsell it and earn Audi more money. It's a truism in the auto industry that Americans love crossover SUVs and abhor station wagons.
Gentlemen, start your platitudes: It's the free market in action. There's a sucker born every minute. Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line. Well, maybe not that last one, but the others apply.
The Allroad's wheelbase, passenger and luggage room are virtually identical to the Avant. It's 1.8 inches taller -- thanks to 1.5 inches more ground clearance -- 0.6 inch wider and 0.7 inch longer than the wagon. The Allroad has the same drivetrain and performance figures as the A4 Avant, though it's more expensive and uses more fuel.
The Allroad does much better when compared with other automakers' luxury wagons and crossovers.
Its direct competitors include the front-wheel drive Acura TSX wagon and AWD wagons like the BMW 328i xDrive, Cadillac CTS4, Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70.
Midsize upscale crossovers like the Infiniti EX, Land Rover Evoque, Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLK will also compete with the Allroad.
The Allroad's combination of fuel economy, luxury and all-wheel drive is unmatched.
The EPA rated the Allroad 20 m.p.g. in the city, 27 on the highway and 23 in combined driving. That beats all the competitors I've named but the Acura, which can't match the AWD Audi's performance, and the less-powerful and luxurious Subaru.
The Allroad's interior is comfortable and refined. Leather seats are standard, and soft-touch materials cover most touch points.
The gauges are large and legible. A large sunroof lets in lots of light. Headroom is excellent for all occupants. The front seat offers plenty of room, but rear legroom could be better.
There's plenty of cargo space, with a low floor and wide opening that make it easy to load heavy objects.
Audi's MMI rotary control pads for climate, audio and other systems are falling behind the competition in ease of use. The Allroad's voice-recognition system is poor.
The Allroad I tested lacked some features you might expect in a $42,900 luxury wagon, including blind-spot alert, streaming Bluetooth audio capability, ventilated seats and a navigation system
The 211-horsepower engine is one of the least-powerful in the segment, but the combination of the turbo's readily available torque -- 258 pound-feet at just 1,500 r.p.m. -- and the smooth and quick eight-speed automatic transmission provide good throttle response and acceleration. Audi reports a 0-60 m.p.h. time of 6.5 seconds and top speed of 130 m.p.h.
The Allroad's suspension absorbs bumps and holds curves well. The electric power steering feels light in slow driving, but firms up nicely at speed.
The Audi Select system that adjusts steering, suspension, transmission and engine settings undoubtedly improves that, but it's part of a $3,250 option package.
The 2013 Audi Allroad provides an alternative for customers who like the functionality of a sport wagon and are willing to pay for plastic-clad wheel arches, a little extra ground clearance and vaguely SUV-ish looks.
More Details: 2013 Audi Allroad
All-wheel drive five-passenger crossover wagonPrice as tested: $42,900 (excluding destination charge)
Rating: * * * (out of four stars)
Reasons to buy: Looks, performance, practicality, fuel economy
Shortcomings: Price, rear legroom, voice-recognition system
More Details: 2013 Audi Allroad 2.0T Quattro at a glance
Vehicle type: All-wheel drive five-passenger crossover wagonPower: 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Price range: $39,600 base price; $42,900 as tested (excluding options and destination charges)
More Details: Key features on vehicle tested
Antilock brakes; stability control; front-seat mounted side air bags; curtain air bags; space saver spare tire; power sunroof; aluminum roof rails; front and rear fog lights; rain and light sensor; heated power sideview mirrors; power locks and windows; leather seating surfaces; 12-way power driver seat; eight-way power front passenger seat; 60/40 split folding rear seat; AM/FM/CD premium audio with SD card and auxiliary input; three-months’ Sirius satellite radio service.Options: iPod interface; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass; auto-dimming sideview mirrors; Bluetooth phone compatible; heated front seats; driver memory; Xenon lights with LED daytime running lamps; three-zone climate control; power tailgate.
More Details: Competitive EPA fuel economy ratings
(Automatic transmissions; all-wheel drive where available)2013 Audi Allroad Quattro: 20 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
2013 Acura TSX 2.4L wagon (front-wheel drive): 22 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway/25 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
2012 Audi A4 Avant Quattro: 21 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
2012 BMW 328i xDrive wagon: 17 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway/20 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.
Cadillac CTS4 3.6L wagon: 18 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway/21 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited: 24 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway/30 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD: 17 m.p.g. city/23 m.p.g. highway/20 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
More Details: 2013 Audi Allroad Quattro
All-wheel drive five-passenger crossover wagonBase price: $39,600
Price as tested: $42,900 (excluding destination charge)
Safety equipment: Antilock brakes; stability control; front-seat mounted side air bags; curtain air bags; space saver spare tire.
Specifications as tested
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection DOHC variable-timing 16-valve four-cylinder.
Power: 211 horsepower at 4,300 r.p.m.; 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 r.p.m.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy rating: 20 m.p.g. city/27 highway/23 combined. Premium fuel.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Length: 185.9 inches
Width: 72.5 inches
Height: 58.0 inches
Curb weight: 3,891 pounds
Where assembled: Ingolstadt, Germany
Comparative base prices
(Automatic transmissions; all-wheel drive models where available, not including destination charges)
2013 Acura TSX 2.4L wagon (front-wheel drive): $31,360
2012 Audi A4 Avant Quattro: $36,400
2012 BMW 328i xDrive wagon: $39,500
2013 Cadillac CTS4 wagon: $41,105
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited: $29,935
2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD 3.2: $33,450
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