Audi bucks trend again

Apr 13 2009 Bill Caven

NOBODY does it better when it comes to bucking the trend than Audi.

The German auto maker doesn't exactly believe in playing it by the book but, then again, why should it?

After all, as other major motor manufacturers toil and struggle to make ends meet in these troubled times Audi is still achieving record sales and forging ahead.

The premium motoring marque appears to have the Midas touch because everything it touches these days simply turns to gold.

Not that the Audi hierarchy will ever become complacent or even consider resting on their laurels because there is still much work to be done.

Audi has embarked on what can only be described as the most ambitious automotive programme ever contemplated.

It is already well down the road towards doubling its model line-up despite the current economic downturn.

The four rings brand has ventured into new territories as well as create its own niche markets.

Indeed one of the first things you learn in this industry is never to question the logic behind its motives because you will be met by the same stock answer.

Why do we do it......because we can!

The latest introduction to the rapidly expanding Audi family is the A4 allroad which arrives on these shores in May.

To simply describe it as a luxury estate car would be a great injustice because it is considerably more than that.

Indeed, in many ways, it is probably the most complete vehicle that you could ever encounter.

This car not only does it all but in such an accomplished and professional manner that it is simply breath-taking.

It follows on from the similar theme established earlier by the larger A6 allroad quattro in offering a rugged, tough frame with four-wheel drive practicality.

The newcomer is more than capable of roughing it with the best despite the fact that less than two per cent of owners will ever get round to testing it fully.

The A4 allroad is as solid as a rock and will happily soak up more knocks than a heavyweight boxer without even flinching once.

It enjoys the same grip and agility as a fully-fledged 4x4 performer and will comfortably negotiate any rough terrain without giving it a second thought.

There is something rather comforting in the way it goes about its business in an unflustered fashion regardless of the conditions.

In many respects it is a great pity that few people will ever begin to appreciate exactly what it can achieve.

For many it will simply be a luxurious work-horse that reeks of class and refinement rarely found anywhere else.

Audi has always prided itself on producing cars of distinction and this is certainly no different.

Everything about the allroad suggests it has been constructed to exacting standards both inside and out.

From the beautifully finished dashboard and central console to the unblemished exterior paintwork nothing is left to chance.

Granted this Audi doesn't come cheap with prices starting at just under £29,300 but you are getting a lot of car for your money.

Sitting taller and wider than the existing A4 Avant this new rough terrain expert is easily distinguished by its flared wheel-arches and under-body stainless steel protection shields both front and rear.

Both the bumper and grille have also been tastefully re-designed to give it a more powerful presence.

Audi has equipped the estate with a choice of three state-of-the-art powertrains that meet all the latest demands and more.

The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine comes with valvelift technology and delivers 211PS.

Smooth and highly responsive it provides the car with a top speed of 143mph as well as allow it to cover nearly 35 miles from a gallon.

The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel pushes the economy figure to more than 44 miles, although it is fractionally slower than its petrol companion.

Leading the oil-burner line-up is the 3.0-litre TDI which takes just over six and a half seconds to rocket from rest to 62mph.

Despite being the most powerful unit it still manages to squeeze nearly 40 miles out of a gallon.

In terms of standard equipment the new Audi won't exactly leave you embarrassed in front of your friends as it is well kitted out.

The package includes three-zone electronic climate control, a 10 speaker concert sound system, automatic headlight and wiper operation as well as a full-colour driver's information system.

Audi has never been scared to break with convention and its latest departure should prove another winner.