2017 Audi A4 allroad 2.0T Quattro S tronic Review
Overview:
This is the 2017 Audi A4 allroad 2.0T Quattro S tronic. Originally based on the A6 wagon, the Allroad has been based on the smaller A4 since 2011. But in a land where the SUV is king, can a compact wagon really be competitive?
Americans used to love wagons as the family vehicle of choice for decades before minivans and SUVs came along and put an end to their dominance. That’s a shame because unless you need to sit up high, wagons are fantastic with all the handling and performance characteristics of a good sedan along with the ability to carry a bunch of extra stuff.
Audi used to sell some of the best wagons in the U.S., but like so many other brands, it’s gone almost exclusively to SUVs now — almost. There’s still one Audi wagon left in the lineup and that’s the 2017 Audi A4 Allroad.
Other players include the Volvo V60 Cross Country and Subaru Outback and BMW’s 3 Series wagon in the U.S.
General Information:
It is assembled in Ingolstadt, Germany; Parts – US/Canadian 2%, Germany 53%; Engine – Hungary and transmission – Germany; Classification is Small Station Wagon. Cars from Audi: A3 Cabriolet, A3 Sedan, A3 Sportback e-tron, A4, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6, A7, A8, Allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS 5, RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 7, S3, S4, S5, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S6, S7, S8, SQ5, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, and TTS Coupe.
Opinion / Observation:
It is too soon to know, but reflecting on “Smart Cruise” as a relatively new application in the Auto industry, the questions remain – how much can we trust the technology?
Like a newborn, we must watch them closely until they mature. So, driver intervention is critical.
All of these cutting-edge devices are experimental. Consider the new Autonomous Cars. At the present, there is a small current application such as simple people movers. Examples include ‘trams’ that move Disneyland’s visitors from parking to the entrance. That application appears to be fine, but at this point it doesn’t replace drivers on the highways. Another example is the automation in manufacturing where repetitive product movement works very well.
In the meantime, be very careful not to rely too much on technology to control your car on the highway.
Handling & Performance:
Special.
Styling:
Very similar styling but pricing will impact many in deciding how each differentiates the best look.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent in all of the offerings to choose from.
Cost:
Audi is at the upper end of the price point followed closely by BMW. Volvo and Subaru offer better pricing.
Conveniences and comfort:
Outstanding by any measure.
Consumer Recommendations:
This is my kind of competition – I hate too many options whether it comes to selecting a car or what to eat at a restaurant with a book of choices.
Recognized Competition:
Audi Aa allroad $52,000, BMW 9 Series $45,000, Volvo V60 $39,000, Subaru Outback $37.
Good News:
Truly a special driving experience, luxurious, at the top in comfort.
Bad News:
A special driving experience will cost you a bunch.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 252 hp 4-cylinder engine, quattro all wheel drive, 7-speed auto transmission, 18” 5-V-spoke wheels, stability control, tire pressure monitor, adaptive damping suspension, Audi drive select, pre-sense , audi sound system, heated power mirrors (manual folding), keyless engine stop / start, leather seating, LED interior and exterior lighting, panoramic sunroof, rain and light sensors, rearview camera, split folding rear seatbacks 40/20/40, three zone climate control, USB music interface with Smartphone interface, 3- spoke multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, 8-way power front seats with 4-way driver lumbar adjustment, front side and side curtain airbags with front knee airbags, LATCH child safety system.
Gas Stats:
$2.89/ Gal avg. March 25, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
23 City and 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $44,000.