Audi's all-wheel answer

First there was the Subaru Outback, a pumped-up variant of the Legacy stationwagon. Then came the Volvo Cross Country, a luxury model with even bigger bulges. Now Audi has joined the line-up with the AllRoad, based on the A6 quattro Avant, or stationwagon.

These vehicles are called soft-roaders, versatile all-wheel-drive models offering car-like handling and comfort and aimed at stealing sales from off-roaders, the heavier, higher-riding traditional four-wheel-drives.

The Subaru Outback has its own loyal market, those shopping between $49,990 for the 2.5-litre four-cylinder model and $69,990 for the new 3-litre six-cylinder. Buyers eyeing the Toyota Prado or Nissan Pathfinder, for instance, might look at the Outback.

The Cross Country sits at a luxury level, about $90,000. It is aimed at a market which includes the Land-Rover Discovery, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Pajeo.

The AllRoad is dearer again, up where the premium Range Rover, new BMW X5, M-Class, Land Cruiser and Lexus 470 sit. Audi is trading on its Quattro heritage to break into this division.

The muscular-looking AllRoad is available in two models, one powered by a 30-valve, twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine, the other by a 24-valve, 2.5-litre V6 turbo-diesel. The petrol variant costs $123,900, the diesel $107,900.

Both engines generate considerable power and torque through a five-speed manual/automatic Tiptronic transmission.

The petrol unit produces 184kW and 350Nm of pulling power between 1800 and 4500 rpm. The turbo-diesel develops 132kW and 370Nm of oomph between 1500 and 2500 rpm.

A feature of the Audi is its automatic four-level air suspension. Both front and rear axles have air-spring struts controlled by height sensors. These vary the ride height at each wheel to ensure ample ground clearance on soft or uneven surfaces and make the most of aerodynamics and stability on the road.

As speeds increase, the system lowers the car in four stages, from a ride height of 208mm down to 142mm.

The driver can also select the four settings manually, a useful feature if the surface under the wheels varies frequently.

"The AllRoad combines the on-road dynamics and refinement of a top luxury car with outstanding off-road capability," says Audi New Zealand general manager Glynn Tulloch.

"It's the answer for drivers whose demands don't stop when the either/or decision between an off-roader and a road-going car has to be made."

The AllRoad is a bold variation of the A6 Avant, higher and with a wider track. Its bumpers, flared wheel-arches and ribbed steel undertray protecting the engine add to its aggressive appearance.

The interior is a blend of the AllRoad's sporting character and Audi's usual high standard of equipment and build. Two colours are available, green or grey.

The vehicle can take up to 1590 litres of luggage if the rear seats are tumbled forward. It has a maximum payload of 630kg and is rated to tow a braked load of 2100kg.

The new Outback H6 (for horizontal six-cylinder engine) puts Subaru in entry-level luxury territory. The 3-litre powerplant produces 154kW at 6000 rpm and 282Nm of pulling power at 4400 rpm. This represents 34 per cent more power and 27 per cent torque than the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Braked towing capacity is 1600kg.

The H6 is equipped with a stability control system and comes with a tandem sunroof, eight-way adjustable electric seats and full leather interior. The rear suspension is fitted with a self-levelling system with valves in the shock-absorbers compensating for heavy loads.

Standard equipment includes power steering, electric windows, remote control central locking with an engine immobiliser, a CD sound system and climate control air-conditioning.

Safety devices include ABS anti-lock brakes and dual airbag.