1
0
Premium compact car; Built in
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $23,700 – $41,400*


2014 Audi Allroad


2014 Audi Allroad


2014 Audi Allroad


2014 Audi Allroad

Pros:
  • Interior materials
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Navigation system controls
  • Low-speed acceleration

In a market that favors crossovers and SUVs, the Audi Allroad wagon has little direct competition in the premium-compact-car category. However, even though it is a wagon, you’d never know it unless you look at the rear of the vehicle. The Allroad has good power, athletic handling, and a comfortable and classy interior. Add to that a certain flair of soft-roading ability, and this is a nice alternative to a premium-compact SUV.

Overview

The Audi Allroad is a new raised-suspension station-wagon version of the Audi A4 premium-compact car. It replaced the Audi A4 Avant wagon for model year 2013.

The Allroad came as the Premium model. It included such niceties as 18-inch wheels, aluminum exterior and interior accents, satellite radio, power front seats, leather upholstery, and panoramic sunroof. The Premium Plus trim package added auto-dimming day/night mirrors, heated power-folding exterior mirrors, heated front seats, the Lighting Package (auto-leveling xenon headlights with LED running lights), the Convenience Package (digital-music player connection, universal garage-door opener, wireless cell-phone link, and instrument-cluster information screen), three-zone climate control, and power tailgate. The Prestige trim package added blind-spot alert, navigation system with voice recognition, rearview camera, Audi Connect assistance system, rear-obstacle detection system, MMI infotainment system, upgraded sound system, HD Radio, keyless access/engine start, and power liftgate. Options included the Audi Drive Assist package which includes adaptive cruise control, speed-sensitive steering, and the Audi Drive Select controls which allow tailoring of the steering, suspension, throttle response, and transmission shift schedule in four different modes for ideal handling, comfort, or mixes of the two. Other options comprised wood interior trim, rear-seat window sunshades, sport steering wheel with shift paddles, and sport seats.

Allroad used the same 211-horsepower (220 hp for 2014)turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission as the A4. The Allroad is all-wheel-drive.

The 2013 Audi Allroad comes with an array of expected and federally mandated safety features.

Yearly Updates

2013 Allroad
The horsepower of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rose from 211 to 220.

Engines

transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive

The only engine offered in the Allroad is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 cylinder. Horsepower was 211 when the Allroad debuted in 2013 and then rose to 220 for the 2014 model year.

Turbocharged dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/121
Engine HP 211
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 258
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
8-speed automatic

 20/27

 28

1. Horsepower 220 for 2014.

Road Test

Off-the-line acceleration is lacking, but once the turbo kicks in around 2,700 rpm, the Allroad is snappy and responsive. However, the driver must floor the accelerator pedal for a downshift. Passing power is acceptable, but the car takes a while to overtake other vehicles at highway speeds. Paddle shifters help in this regard to summon the engine’s reserves. When in Drive, a rearward pull on the shifter activates S mode, which sharpens throttle response and keeps the engine at higher revs for maximum power. The transmission has a gate for manual shifting.

Allroad is a comfortable car. Small pavement imperfections are absorbed nicely and rarely find their way into the cabin. Large bumps and dips are noticed, but are not intrusive.

The steering feels taut and builds in effort as the wheel is turned. It is light yet communicative. The Allroad handles with some body lean, but it does not detract from the driving experience. The brakes are strong, but have a slightly mushy pedal feel and take just slightly more effort than one would expect. Tight turns induce slight understeer and its accompanying tire squeal.

Wind noise is almost non-existant. A tiny bit comes from the exterior mirrors at highway speeds, but one must listen closely to notice it. Tire noise is slightly more prominent. It’s by no means intrusive, but it increases with speed. The engine is silent at idle and makes a light hum under normal driving conditions. Upon full-throttle acceleration and high-speed runs, it emits a pleasingly sporty, yet muted, growl.

he gauges are clear and well lit. The climate controls are placed awkwardly low on the dashboard. In Park, the shifter blocks access to a few climate-control buttons. Also, the dual-zone climate control uses a knob to select temperature for each occupant. To control fan speed, one must push the fan button, then look at the screen to dial in a speed with the knob. This can be distracting, and we’d like it if the knobs controlled fan speed first, then use a button to select temperature. Audi’s MMI control system absorbs most audio and some climate functions, and it is distracting. Interestingly, instead of a standard USB port, this car has an odd plug that necessitates the use of a proprietary cord to connect an iPod. Two SD card readers in the dash are where you might expect USB ports, but these are not available.

Allroad’s interior generally impresses for design, materials, and workmanship. It is largely identical to the interiors found in the A4 and S4. Some of the trim is silver-painted plastic designed to look like metal. Overall, the effect is not convincing. That said, the interior is still high-quality and can be had with several real aluminum trim pieces.

The Allroad’s front seats are firm and comfortable. Legroom is ample. Headroom is fine for 6-footers, but the sunroof’s housing steals a bit of space.

In back, Allroad has only adequate headroom for six footers, and legroom is tight behind taller drivers. The seat is supportive and nicely contoured.

The Allroad has a large cargo area with cargo cover. However, the forward-leaning angle of the rear window could hamper carrying large, boxy items. Cabin storage is subpar, consisting only of small door map pockets, glovebox, and center console.

Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 8
80%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 59

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110.6 185.2 71.9 56.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
50.5 16.6 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.4 37.6 41.3 34.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2014 Allroad 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Engine misfire
Description: Loose camshaft-adjustment-valve filter may cause engine to run irregularly. (2013-14)

Recall History

2013-14 Allroad
Description: Front airbags may not deploy after side airbags have deployed.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
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