Audi to build A4 Allroad

Audi is expected to expand on the spirit of the A6 and release an Allroad version of its A4 next year.

The A4 wagon will ride on raised suspension and plastic body cladding will give it a more aggressive appearance.

At the same time, the all-new three-door A3 hatchback will be given the new Audi face with its deep grille.

The hatch will be joined by a redesigned five-door variant, likely to be called the Sportsback. It will be styled along the lines of the Holden Zafira and Renault Scenic.

After the Sportsback will come the production version of the Steppenwolf cross-over vehicle, unveiled as a concept three years ago.

The car is likely to hit the roads in late 2005, by then badged the A3 Allroad. It will use the new A3's chassis and softback body design, and be fitted with the quattro drive system, raised suspension, massive black bumpers and chrome door sill protection.

Meantime, Audi New Zealand has released 10 limited-edition models of its S3 all-wheel-drive performance car.

It is called the S3 quattro Sport and differs from the exterior of the standard A3 by its xenon lights, sports suspension and its flared wheel arches that sit above the 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 1.8-litre turbocharged S3 quattro Sport engine produces 165kW (225bhp) and 280Nm of torque.

The sporty appearance of the S3 model continues into the interior of the vehicle with its six-speed manual gearbox, gloss black inserts and leather recaro elecgtric seats.

The car comes with Bose surround sound with in-dash CD player and costs $79,900.