The Allroad wagon provides rugged styling details and extra ground clearance for light off-road excursions and, yes, that tough SUV look.
This is the second go-around for the Allroad name. The original 2001 model was based on the Audi A6; this model is a smaller version that replaced the Audi A4 Avant wagon, albeit with a 1.5-inch higher ride height. Its agile handling makes it fun to drive. The cabin is quiet and beautifully finished. And, a spunky turbocharged four-cylinder engine, matched with a slick eight-speed automatic transmission, provides decent acceleration and 22 mpg overall, which is competitive with the best small SUVs.
All of that helped the Allroad earn a decent road-test score. But we question its value next to the Audi Q5 SUV, which has more rear seat room, cargo space and towing capacity.