Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Audi allroad 2.0T quattro Tiptronic. So this is the third week in a row at the wheel with Audi. A4, A5 and this allroad to round out three really enjoyable cars to drive. The past decade for Audi has been impressive years for the company as the consuming public has embraced this German car and made it a true contender worthy of competing with Mercedes Benz and BMW. To me MBZ has been the ‘Cadillac’ of European automobiles for all time. BMW and Audi both have improved dramatically in appearance and performance but the grand-daddy is Benz.
What I can’t really attest to is how well they do in the area of usual and customary repair and maintenance. You can help me with that by writing and telling me how they rank in your experience over time. The reason I ask this is, as you may recall, I have shared with you that the BMW and Audi products (prior to say 1995) had a dismal record as to repair cost for the owners while they were good for our Southern California repair shop in repair revenue. You can enlighten me on your experience.
General Information: Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Germany 57%; Hungary 27%; Engine – Hungary and transmission – Germany. It is Assembled in – Ingolstadt, Germany
Class – Small Station Wagons Cars from Audi – A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS, S3, S4, S5, S6, S8, SQ5, TT.
Handling & Performance:
As with the other models tested this small wagon is substantially the same performer because it sits on the A4 platform. Simply put they are all a joy to drive as they stick to the road like glue. You gain a sense of confidence beyond most cars you will drive. Do it. Go out and feel the thrill of exceptional handling.
Styling:
Audi ergonomics (the study of how a workplace and the equipment used there can best be designed for comfort, efficiency, safety, and productivity) is among the best of all the cars I drive. However German cars generally are more cumbersome or complicated than they need to be to get the job done. Electronics is good but not as user friendly as others. As I have said before if I have to read the manual to operate the radio (or most anything else) I’m not a happy camper.
Fit and Finish:
Always first cabin. . . which reminds me of the acronym POSH (accommodations) a term that you may recognize was born out of shipboard Sea Travel from England to the US after the turn of the 20th Century. Can anyone recall what it stands for? If I remember I will tell you next week.
Cost:
Luxury German pricing – meaning not the best price for even luxury transportation. Yes cheaper that Rolls Royce or Bentley but much more that Hyundai for example that delivers all but the overpriced badge. But many will disagree and want the impress their ‘friends’ with their financial superiority. We’re strange creatures, are we not? And that reminds me of another quote: “Enough is abundance to the wise.” — Euripides. “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.”
Conveniences and comfort:
Very good. I particularly appreciate the blind spot warning as it removes stress of missing an approaching car on my ‘six’. If I were buying a car today I would surely add these things: smart (or some call it adaptive) cruise control, blind spot warnings (all around if they offer it), back up camera, rain sensing wipers, navigation. In the past I would have suggested using your phone or other portable versions of Nav systems because the cost is too high for the built in car versions. However the Traffic alerts are finally getting helpful and accurate which can save you a lot of frustration and valuable time being stuck in a long and lasting traffic jams. What they need to improve is “alternate route” guidance features to take you around the jam and back onto the freeway ahead.
Consumer Recommendations:
For crossover SUV lovers who want great handling of a sport car and better fuel economy this is a great option. Of course the cargo area will be less than the SUV so if that is not critical the benefits outweigh the lack of space. I like the lower gas cost and better handling.
The list of competitors is small enough to test drive all and when you compare you will find BMW is better on fuel and has a diesel engine option, and Volvo V60 is worthy but doesn’t handle as well as Audi, you will get more cargo area with Subaru Outback and it is also considered better off road.
Recognized Competition:
Audi allroad 2.0T $39-42,000, BMW 3 Series $40-43,000, Volvo V60 $37-49,000, Subaru Outback $31-33,000, Volvo XC70 $35-37,000.
Good News:
Attractive wagon with good fuel economy and great standard all-wheel-drive sure footed handling.
Bad News:
Complicated electronics.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder 220 horsepower turbocharged engine, quattro permanent all wheel drive, 8-speed tiptronic transmission, 18” wheels, stability control, speed sensitive power steering, tire pressure monitor, temporary compact spare tire, power sunroof, power tailgate, xenon headlights, heated power mirrors, 8-way power front seats with 4-way driver lumbar adjustment, leather seating, 60/40 split folding rear seat, 3-zone climate control, AM/FM/SAT radio with SD card reader, Sirius satellite with 3-months subscription, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth prepared, front airbags and seat mounted side and curtain airbags, anti-theft alarm and ignition immobilizer and LATCH child safety system.
Gas Stats:
$3.59/ Gal avg. March 21, 2015
for more information.
21 City and 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $42,400