The allroad quattros uses the Audi EDL, or electronic differential lock, that is standard in all quattro systems. All quattro vehicles also have a center torsion-differential between front and rear. This means that the vehicle remains in front drive until slip is sensed, and then its power is automatically transferred to the rear. The torque transfer ratio allows as much as 2/3 of the engine torque to be diverted to one axle or the other as needed. Another plus is the electronic stabilization program (ESP) that measures wheelspin, vehicle yaw rate, and lateral acceleration. If you begin to slip and slide, the ESP computer automatically reacts to bring the car back on course before things gets out of control. We tested this and it really works. With ESP turned on, it is virtually impossible to make the allroad spin out, even on gravel roads.
The Audi allroad quattro offers five-passenger comfort, and with third row seating, you can expand things to seven if you're carrying children. Cargo capacity is great for this wagon. The Audi allroad quattro offers 36.4 cubic feet of space, and with the rear seats folded down, that goes to 73.2 cubic feet - very comparable to the other vehicle in its class.
The body for the allroad is much the same as the A-6 Avant, but has stone- guard body panels and larger wheel openings. This gives the allroad a much more muscular silhouette. The interior is ergonomic. This stylish interior sports special high bolster seats for better driver stability in rough terrain. They can be ordered with heaters too. The allroad also get a new tire size - 225/55R17. These tires were developed for improved traction on and off pavement by Goodyear or Pirelli.
The one item we won't see in the U.S. on the allroad is the Low range package. This is is available in European cars and provides a 1.54:1 reduction. This lack of a Low range is because it only fits on the manual tranny. The U.S. sales of manuals are expected to be 15 percent of the total market, and Low range would be only a portion of this. We can see the economic reason for not bringing it into the States.
In our testing, we found the Audi allroad quattro was as at home off the pavement as it is on it. This is perhaps the best all-around, all-wheel-drive car to date. Why not consider one to fill the second slot in your garage?